MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a): As reported by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), the exports
specifically of brass items as well as of Artmetalware comprising of brass, copper,
aluminium, EPNS etc. for the last three years is as under:
(Rs. in Crores) 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09
Brassware 3458.95 2743.82 1497.35
Other Metal ware 676.11 562.23 292.92
Total: 4135.06 3306.05 1790.27
The import figures, however are not maintained in Ministry of Textiles.
(b) & (c): Yes, Madam. During 2007-08 and 2008-09 brassware exports have
declined because of economic slow-down in the target foreign Markets.
(d) & (e): To infuse growth in the declining level of international trade in
handicrafts including brass-ware, measures taken include; all handicrafts exports
to be treated as Special Focus Products and will be entitled to Duty Scrip
equivalent to 5% of FOB value of export made from 27-08-2009 onwards; reduction
in Custom Duty from 3% to 0% on Export Promotion Capital Goods; additional Duty
Credit Scrip to status Holders @ 1% of FOB value of the past exports. Participation
in Fairs/Exhibitions abroad; organizing Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair twice a year,
organizing Thematic exhibition; Organizing programmes for packaging and export
procedure; organization of buyer-sellers meet; workshop/seminar and Stand Alone
Shows for brand image promotion of Indian Handicrafts abroad; organizing seminars/
workshops in important Craft/Centres by Handicraft Export Promotion Council.
