Manipur commerce and industries department observed ‘textile day’ on thesecond day of the ongoing Manipur Industrial Expo, 2016’being held for the first time at Lamboi Khongnangkhong in Imphal.

The expo is a platform to provide employment and generate income under the ‘Make in Manipur’ initiative, which aims to achieve the objective without any extra financial burden to the state. Over 600 entrepreneurs and government departments have set up stalls at the week-long fair to showcase their products.

State’s Commerce and industries minister, Govindas Konthoujam, who was the chief guest encouraged the participants saying weavers of the state played a key role in this process. He urged them to showcase their best products and also promote those to visitors from outside the state. The expo will also feature national handicraft, handloom and food processing segments.

The minister also asked weavers to opt for quality products and uphold the traditional designs and motives in their works.

Several government officials and important personalities attended the ‘textile day’ observation. The government has a plan to promote Lamboi Khongnangkhong as the industrial hub of the state and is planning to set up a permanent trade-cum-exhibition space and apparel and garment making centre in the area. The state will also try to develop industrial estates for Senapati, Tamenglong and Imphal East districts under the initiative of the state chief minister.