The handicraft sector is showing signs of revival with the export showing an increase of nearly 178 per cent in September.
The sector which had been badly hit by the economic slowdown in the global market said it is also looking at alternative markets to expand the scope of its activities.
“The decline in handicrafts exports has been arrested primarily in the last two months. This has been primarily led by easing of economic situation in the European Union (EU) and the US which are our prime markets. We hope that Christmas and New Year will be clear indicator about a turnaround in the sector,” Mr Raj Kumar Malhotra, Chairman, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), said.
The EU and the US account for nearly 70 per cent of the export market. The export increased to $46.87 million in September this fiscal, against a mere $16.88 million a year ago.
Handicraft fair
The industry body is also organising a Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair from October 10. Around 4,000 buyers from across the world are expected to participate in the fair.
Special focus will be on display of arts and crafts from Jammu and Kashmir.
“EPCH has organised vigorous publicity campaigns in the main markets of gifts and handicrafts besides also emerging markets,” Mr Malhotra added.
Source : Business Line