EPCH is the apex body for promoting the exports of Indian handicrafts and creating a brand image of the handcrafted products. It is also the organizer of the IHGF-Delhi Fair.
The Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts is organizing a virtual fair on fashion jewellery and accessories from 1-4 June 2020 for the 13th edition of Indian Fashion Jewellery & Accessories (IFJAS)
Owing to the pandemic, EPCH has decided to go digital this year for the fair, bringing artisans and buyers on a virtual platform. The new-age exhibition will experience a display of myriad of handcrafted products ranging from jewellery, handbags, belts, wallets, beads, stones, tattoos, bindings, and fashion footwear. It will enable a total of 200 exporters to showcase their products to potential buyers. Craft demonstration, fashion shows, and webinars will be the key highlights of the virtual trade show
Rakesh Kumar, Director General – EPCH said, “It has disrupted the global supply chains and international trade as the movement of people across borders has come to a screeching halt. This has not only adversely impacted the economies of the world but also has compelled the organizers of the fair exhibitions in the world to cancel their shows and look for alternatives to transact business,” he said in a statement.
The 49th edition of the IHGF Delhi Fair, organized by the same body was also removed from the calendar which was originally bound to happen on 15 – 19 April 2020 due to the widespread of COVID-19. This propelled EPCH and the exporters to come up with the idea of organizing a virtual fair to support the craftsmen during these testing times. Furthermore, the shows on textiles and IHGF Delhi fair will follow soon in the month of June & July 2020.
The body is indulging in rigorous campaigns to spread the word and induce buyers from all walks of life to participate in the fair. It is also been in contact with Indian missions and embassies to disseminate the message.
Vineet Bhatia, President, IFJAS said, “The overseas market potential of fashion jewellery and accessories is enormous since India is known for its rich heritage of art and craft in this field. The intricacies and the exquisiteness of the Indian tradition as well as contemporary fashion jewellery have created a niche for such products in the global market,”
The officials are expecting a good response from the overseas as well as domestic buyers as EPCH is taking great efforts to publicize the event and make the interaction between the buyers and seller fruitful.