ITFAA buyer-seller meet to promote handicrafts

Guwahati, Mar 6: A unique buyer-seller meet on handicrafts products of the North Eastern states today focused on diversification and adoption of new techniques by the craftsmen to attract buyers from the international market.

Organised by the Industries and Trade Fair Association of Asom (North Eastern Region), in association with the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under Union Government, the meet was attended by a number of representatives from Asian countries and a few businessmen of the neighbouring countries.

Guwahati Mayor Gunawati Teron, while inaugurating the meet welcomed the foreign dignitaries, and hoped that the event would succeed attracting buyers from the neighbouring countries.

Delivering the keynote address S Dkhar from Union Textile Ministry said the region has enough resources and the ministry was promoting the handicrafts sector.

Thai representative Tharadol Thongruang, explaining the steps taken by the Thai government to promote handicrafts, said the artisans and craftsmen have to be trained properly to ensure a ready market both within and outside the country.

The government has to come forward to help the rural people.

Indonesian diplomat Among Setiaharta, while supporting the views of his Thai colleague, said a number of items displayed at the 14th International Guwahati Trade Fair was attractive.

Pakistani businessman Khwaja Parvaiz Badar Ud-din, who has participated in the ongoing Trade Fair, invited the participants to the Pakistan pavilion of the fair and requested others to look into the garments produced by his firm.

Sample of handicrafts, produced in the region, was also displayed in the meeting. The first session was followed by interaction between buyers and sellers.

UNI