Jaipur, Nov 3 (KNN) With the aim to enhance handicraft exports from the state, the Rajasthan government is organising an International Expo in Jodhpur in March 2023.

According to the officials, the aim of the event is to get Rajasthan to compete with other top states excelling in the export segment.

The Rajasthan governments aims to enhance its exports to match the growth rate of Gujarat and Maharashtra which remains on top in export list of the country, said Rajiv Arora, Rajasthan Export Promotion Council (REPC) chairman, adding, "We will organise a first of its kind international expo in Jodhpur in second week of March next year. This Rajasthan International Expo will primarily exhibit handicrafts, however, we want other sectors to participate in it as well."

As per reports, the first meeting regarding the expo is scheduled for November 7 in Jodhpur.

While addressing a question related to the timing of the expo as recession looms large in US and EU markets, Arora said, "This is the best time to organise the event. When there is recession, our exporters need hand holding, REPC is helping them in handholding and bringing buyers from outside and providing a platform for events."

“Further, the time is apt as there is a backlash against China which is India's competitor too. The US and European buyers are ready to buy products at competitive rates and we need to work while going a mile extra," he said.

Each district collector has been directed on how to boost exports. Under the Mission Niryatak scheme, meetings will be organised at each district level to discuss steps to boost exports, he added.

Gujarat accounted for about 30 per cent of India's total exports in 2021-22 at USD 127 billion, followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu at USD 73 billion and USD 35 billion, respectively.  (KNN Bureau)