Atul Kriti
The 57th edition of IHGF-DELHI FAIR – SPRING 2024 being held from 6th to 10th February 2024 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway, was inaugurated yesterday with a lamp lighting ceremony in the presence of Dileep Baid, Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, IEML; Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Vice Chairman II, EPCH; Priya Agarwal, Fair President, and R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH.
Announcing the opening of the 57th edition of IHGF Delhi Fair –Spring 2024, Dileep Baid, Chairman, EPCH said, “the event stands tall as one of the largest and most prestigious trade fairs in the country, a testimony to the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of our member exporters who have been showcasing their exquisite craftsmanship and unique products to the world for around three decades. Credit also goes to the overseas buying community, who have reposed faith and confidence in EPCH and have consistently participated in each edition of the show since the last 30 years”.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, IEML, said, “With an extensive publicity campaign undertaken by EPCH, a large number of overseas buyers, wholesalers and retailers have already registered to visit the show. The India Expo Centre & Mart, with its world class facilities has been a perfect venue to host such large gatherings. Besides, the 900 Mart Showrooms owned by India’s leading handicraft exporters, have added to buyers’ sourcing experiences. I’m happy that more and more Mart owners have positively come forward to build up their year-round business through the export opportunities that IHGF Delhi Fair brings.” He thanked the Government for its leadership as well as support to the sector.
Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Vice Chairman II, EPCH, shared that based on pre-registrations, overseas buyers from over 100 countries are expected to visit the fair. The show will also have regular and new visitors from major Indian Retail/online brands.
“Today, right from the early hours, registration counters were bustling with activity as numerous groups of buyers flocked to the India Expo Centre & Mart. The atmosphere has been lively, and the exhibition area is continuously filled with buyers” he added.
Priya Agarwal, Fair President, Reception Committee IHGF Delhi Fair–Spring 2024 remarked, “exhibitor stalls, spanning fourteen diverse product sectors and stocked with collections in home, fashion, lifestyle, furnishing and furniture for upcoming seasons, appear vibrant with a variety of colours, textures, shapes, and an abundance of merchandise – all set to be transported to showrooms worldwide and visiting buyers are appreciating.
R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH informed, “seminars by leading industry professionals and international consultant will be on various topical issues of trade importance like Emerging Horizons: Navigating Future Trends; Driving Growth with Productivity and Capital Efficiency; Crafting a Circular Future: Navigating Sustainability and Carbon Impact; Reviving Tradition and Reducing Impact through Sustainable Pathways in the Handicrafts Sector; Creating Online Presence Through Effective Digital Marketing Techniques; and Emerging Trends of Cyber Security Challenges and Security Services in Digital Era, in course of the show.”
Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts is a nodal agency for promotion of exports of handicrafts from the Country and create brand image of magic of the gifted hands of millions of artisans and crafts persons engaged in production of home, lifestyle, textiles, furniture and fashion jewellery & accessories products in different craft clusters of the Country. The overall Handicrafts exports during the year 2022-23 was Rs. 30,019.24 Crores (US $ 3,728.47 Million), as informed by Mr. R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH.
