Textiles minister Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurated the 33rd India Carpet Expo, began at Pargati Maidan in New Delhi today. Minister of State for textiles, Ajay Tamta was also present along with textiles secretary Rashmi Verma.

The four-day event, one of Asia’s biggest handmade carpet fairs will promote the cultural heritage of Indian handmade carpets and other floor coverings, and the weaving skills of their makers before the visiting overseas carpet buyers. It is an ideal platform for international carpet buyers, buying houses, agents and architects to meet with and establish long-term business relationships with Indian carpet manufacturers and exporters.

The fair received an overwhelming response from exporters. 305 exhibitors are displaying their products in the show. Around 410 Carpet importers from 55 countries, mainly from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Germany, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey, U.K. and USA have registered for the Expo. Bulgaria, Israel, Malaysia, Mauritius, Taiwan, Zimbabwe, Vietnam, Serbia and Hungary are being represented for the first time at the mega show, according to organiser sources.

Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), chairman, Mahavir Pratap Sharma has said that the exhibition and buyer-seller meet will be the first step in taking Indian exports of handmade carpets to greater heights and expressed confidence that the event will generate a good business.

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