Question : Boosting Export of Handicrafts

(a) Whether the Government has made any efforts to boost the sale and export of handicrafts and other speciality textile products from the country especially from the State of Punjab and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has set up any fairs/exhibitions at the international level to help market and promote Indian handicrafts abroad and if so, the details thereof; and;

(c) whether the Government proposes to organize a similar event like Textile India in Punjab to showcase the manufacturing/designing capacity and regional handicraft quality to help promote and develop the industry and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER FOR STATE OF TEXTILES
(SHRI AJAY TAMTA)

(a,b &c): Yes, Madam. The steps taken to boost the sale and export of handicrafts from all over the country (including State of Punjab) are detailed as under:-
• Participation of Indian exporters (Handicrafts & Carpets) in popular exhibitions/fairs, road shows, awareness campaign/promotional stalls, Buyer Seller Meets, craft live demonstrations & display etc. carried out in standalone basis or combined with main exhibition events with the support from both MDA/MAI of Commerce Ministry and grants from office of DC(Handicrafts) under Marketing Support Scheme (MSS).
• Textiles India 2017, first ever mega international trade fair for Textile Industry was conducted during 30th June to 2nd July, 2017 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat and five Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed from handicrafts sector during Textiles India 2017 fair. It showcased crafts & textiles from all states including Punjab.
• Special product specific pavilion on pan India basis also erected in Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair (Autumn & Spring) Fair.
• Publicity of crafts is also being carried out through international publicity campaign for overseas buyers under MSS Scheme. During FY 2017-18, so far 85 numbers of fairs, exhibitions and road shows have been organized to market Indian handicrafts abroad. The details are as per Annexure.