Australia Has Been Recognized as an Emerging Market for Indian Handicrafts

Forming a part of Indian Ministry of commerce and Industry's Focus ASEAN scheme, Australia has been recognized as an emerging market for Indian handicrafts in recent times.
 
To tap the unexploited handicraft market of Australia, India's Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) is participating in the ongoing Australia International Sourcing Show being held in Sydney.
 
EPCH, the apex body for promotion of Indian handicraft items, has set up an Indian Pavilion at the three-day show. EPCH is featuring items like textiles, handbags, fashion accessories and home furnishings.
 
Drawing participation of many Asian nations, the annual show is of much importance, as it attracts buyers not just from the US and the EU, but also from Latin American region, Middle East and Central Asia.
 
The Council said a steady rise has been noted in India's handicraft exports to Australia over the past few years. Significantly above 2008-09's exports of US$ 24 million, India exported handicrafts worth US$ 32 million during last fiscal and the participation in the show is expected to push the amount further this year.
 
During the first seven months of the current fiscal, India's handicraft exports grew 37.46 percent from April-October 2011's exports of Rs. 59.1962 billion to Rs. 81.3706 billion. In terms of dollars, the exports grew by 16.07 percent year-on-year to US$ 207.24 million during the period.
 
With an aim to present, promote and boost India's handicraft exports, EPCH each year participates in over 20-25 global trade fairs/expos across the world.