Indian handicraft firms secure $3mn business in Japan expo

The Executive Director of Export Promotion Council For Handicrafts (EPCH), Mr. Rakesh Kumar led a delegation of 20 member exporters of Indian Handicrafts to participate in the famous Giftex World 2013 at Tokyo Big Sight Japan from 26-28 June, 2013.

Around 1800 exhibitors and nearly 70,000 trade buyers visited this 6-in-1 international fair to source their requirements. This year, 27 countries participated in the fair and India's first time participation in this fair was next only to China and South Korea.

Ambassador of India to Japan interacted with the EPCH member exhibitors and shared valuable tips to develop business in typical Japanese Market. The exhibitors represented various parts of India especially from West Bengal, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Japan represents tremendous business opportunities for Indian handicrafts exporters in growing Asian market. Embassy of India in Japan will extend necessary support to EPCH to formulate a road map for promotion of Indian Handicrafts in Japanese market by organising Buyer Seller Meets, Induction of Japanese Merchandising Designers and Inviting Japanese trade visitors to Indian Fairs. 

Moreover, Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director EPCH, has been invited by Osaka International Business Promotion Center in this visit for strategic partnership with EPCH for Japanese product designers support for Handicrafts Sector in India.

The Indian Exhibitor profile includes Variety Gifts, Accessories, Interior Goods, Home Accessories, Kitchenware, Tableware, Ho me Textile, Christmas Accessories, Fashion Goods, Accessories, Fancy Goods, Eco-friendly Goods.

“Handicrafts occupies an important place in the Indian economy and society. This product group is a large foreign exchange earner, employment generator for economically and socially backward classes and promoter of Indian ethnic, cultural heritage worldwide,” the Executive Director of the Council added.

Japan is the second largest market in the world, after USA but slightly ahead of Germany for consumer and capital goods. Japan imports goods & services worth US$ 700 billion and is presently India’s key trading partner in the Asian region. The Japanese have many gift giving traditions and exchange many high value gifts during the year. The Japanese lucrative gift market is estimated to be worth US$ 150 billion.

The exports of Handicrafts have shown an increase of Rs.17970.12 crores (2012-13) from Rs. 12975.25 crores (2011-12), growth of 38.50% in rupees term. In dollar terms, the exports have shown increase of USD 3304.90 million (2012-13) from USD 2705.66 million (2011-12) a growth of 22.15 % during the period April-March 2012-13.

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts