Centre plans to promote export of NE handicrafts

Aizawl, Feb 22 (UNI) Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) has planned to set up a sourcing hub in Agartala or Guwahati to boost the potential of handicraft products in the North East region.

The Council would spend about Rs 10 crore for developing this industry in the region.

Official sources here today said the handicraft products of the region have been appreciated by the international buyers which prompted EPCH to initiate plans to set up the sourcing hub in NE.

''NE will be one of the six handicraft destinations in the country. An exclusive product pavilion for thematic display of NE handicrafts will be created in the forthcoming Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair, 2007,'' an official said.

Identifying sourcing of the products as one of the major hurdles, the Council officials said six sourcing hubs would be set up all over the country.

Aggressive international marketing projects, human resource development, training, design and product development would the main focus of the Council. Around 400 budding entrepreneurs have already become successful in exporting handicrafts.

UNI