The India Carpet Expo, an exclusive trade fair for handmade carpets and other floor-coverings, organized by Carpet Export Promotion Council, in the NSIC Exhibition Complex, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi was declared open today. The four-day fair was inaugurated today by Union Textiles Minister, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar.270 small, medium and large manufacturers and exporters of handmade carpets from different craft pockets of India are showcasing their products in this Expo.The Textiles Minister expressed his happiness and satisfaction at the No. 1 position held by the Indian Handmade Carpet Industry in the international market; he recalled that the Indian handmade carpet industry is growing at 17% per annum, despite a weak global market. He appreciated the efforts of Indian manufacturers and artisans and assured that Government of India will continue to support the carpet industry and its export efforts in every possible way.
Virender Singh, Member of Parliament from Bhadohi; Ms. Rashmi Verma, Secretary (Textiles), Dr. K. Gopal, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) and Shri Kuldeep R. Wattal, Chairman, CEPC were also present on the occasion.Shri Wattal informed that exports of handmade carpet exports has been showing an upward trend, possible due only to the full support of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. 437 overseas carpet buyers from 57 countries have registered with the Council to visit the fair. Selected buyers from each country have been offered incentives by the Council to visit the fair.On the very first day of the fair, more than 240 overseas carpet buyers and 150 buying representatives visited the fair. On behalf of the carpet industry, the CEPC Chairman conveyed his sincere gratitude to the Government of India, for the financial support given to the Council for organizing India Carpet Expo. He expressed confidence that the Expo will generate good business and has requested the media to extend their full support to this cottage based, employment oriented industry that provides employment to millions of artisans/ weavers.