Assam government will soon formulate a textile policy for giving a major fillip to handloom and textile sector in the state. The proposed policy will focus on integrating production and marketing of handloom and textile products, empowering weavers and making a niche for handicrafts of the state in global market.

Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, while reviewing the activities of the handloom and textile department also directed the department to set up a state of the art emporium showcasing unique and attractive fabrics of all communities of the state shortly.

Referring to the vast potential of the sector in the state, Soonowal advised the department to formulate pragmatic strategies to empower the rural weavers, marketing of the products as well as motivating young entrepreneurs to take up the trade. He also advocated planning for chain-linked exhibition system covering all districts of Assam for proper marketing of the handicrafts.

The officials have been asked to devise strategy to project the handloom products of the state at the upcoming India-International Textile Summit, 2017, to be held in Gujarat. The textile summit, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will see participation of 28 countries like China, the US, the UK, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Canada, South Korea, Russia, South Africa, Brazil, France, the Netherlands, Vietnam and Hong Kong.