Hope on handicrafts to boost economy and back social weak class

The XXI century nothing changed much. The top developed countries remain major exporters of Indian handicrafts - from brass vases and beads, to garden accessories and wool carpets and textile.

And if you are in Europe and exploring some brand supermarkets as Bloomingdales, Macy, K-Mart, Wall Mart, Pier 1, Marks and Spencer, Woolworth, Karstadt and many others in search of presents for your home people, don't deceive yourself that buying from European stores- you buy European production. Asian countries always brought flavor to Europe and, again, nothing has changed since then. The main importers are the USA with volume for exported goods in 2008-2009, excluding carpets - USD495, 6 million, England - USD 189, 63 million, Germany - USD163, 57, UAE - USD105, 11 million, Canada - USD 51, 47 million, Latin American countries - USD29, 12 million, and others. However, there was a significant decrease in volume from the previous import leaders like US and European countries, therefore, profile ministry and export promotion council urged the exporters to explore new markets, re-define marketing strategies and diversify products to increase India's share in the global market.

The main event which gathers up to 2130 exporters and more than 6000 buyers and guests from abroad is Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair, which is held twice a year and this year has marked its 28th anniversary.

The Executive Director Rakesh Kumar for Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), the organizer of the exhibition, said that handicraft sector is providing employment up to 8 million artisans directly or indirectly in the country.

Just imagine this number of creative people - which is equal almost to a half of the population of Kazakhstan. "Handicraft is an important subject in India with 8 million artisans living in small villages and making these goods by hand. Thus, supporting handicraft production is of a social objective as well," said Rakesh Kumar.

In general the global gift and handicraft market equals to USD250 billion, India's share is 2 % and the profiled agencies of India consider they should enhance it to at least 4% in the world market.

Major competing countries for India in the world market are China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan and Turkey. India stands out among these countries with ecologically friendly material used for manufacturing of gifts, because only natural raw material and paints from herbal extracts are used. India handicrafts are cheaper in price. One can say that for Kazakhstan China is always a good solution for cheap production, acessroties, etc. However, buying items from China you never know how it is really done, and mostly it is done in a factory by equipment, what reduces attractiveness of a handicraft. In India handicrafts are mostly made by hand, and only on the latest stages they are done in factories - like packing, etc.

These are advantages and unforgettable glamour of Indian souvenirs.