Handicraft sector has high potential for exports and job creation, textiles secretary, Rashmi Verma has said inaugurating the 41st edition of India Handicrafts and Gifts Fair (IHGF) – “Delhi Fair Spring” 2016 at the India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida last week.

More than 2800 exhibitors, including permanent marts are displaying houseware, home furnishing, furniture, gifts and decoratives, Christmas and festive décor, carpets and rugs, fashion jewelry and accessories etc. at the fair, which will come to an end today.

Speaking on the occasion, Verma said handicrafts is an important sector both from economic and social point of view. “The uniqueness of this sector lies in its high export potential, low capital investment requirement and immense scope for generating employment opportunities particularly for economically and socially backward sections of the society,” she said.

Textiles ministry has undertaken various developmental and promotional activities through its on-going schemes such as creating mega clusters, common facility centres and design development and technology upgradation centres.

She appreciated the wide range of high quality products on display at the fair which was organised by EPCH. She also urged the exporting community to lay more emphasis on new designs and product innovation to retain the share of Indian handmade products in the world market as lifestyles across the globe are changing very fast.

Describing the event as classic one, K. Gopal, development commissioner (Handicrafts) said this fair has created a common platform under one roof, for exporting and buying community.