Page 6 - Craftcil Oct 2023

feature - 56th IHGF Delhi Fair and Delhi Fair Furniture

Inauguration by Chairman, EPCH

The 56th edition of IHGF Delhi Fair and Delhi Fair Furniture also encourages exporters to manufacture products for the global
held concurrently were inaugurated on 12th October 2023 by market using local materials as well as skills.
Mr. Dileep Baid, Chairman, EPCH in the presence of Dr. Rakesh
In his welcome address, Mr. Dileep Baid, Chairman, EPCH,
Kumar, Chairman, IEML; Mr. Raj K Malhotra, Past Chairman, EPCH;
complimented the resilience of the handicraft exhibitors for
Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Vice Chairman II, EPCH; Mr. Naresh Bothra,
collectively facing the challenges amidst changing times and
President, IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn 2023 and Delhi Fair Furniture;
keeping the sector upbeat. He appreciated the handicraft
Mr. S K Goel, Vice President, IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn 2023 and
fraternity's efforts led by the past Chairmen of the Council and
Delhi Fair Furniture; Committee of Administration Members,
attributed the exemplary legacy of the IHGF Delhi Fair to their
EPCH; and Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH. The shows
hard work, vision and leadership. He hoped that the sector and
were inaugurated amidst exhibitors, overseas and domestic
the fair continue to gain strength and grow as one of the most
volume buyers as well as members of press and media.
successful handicraft fairs in the world. Announcing the opening
In a message for success of the fair, Smt. Darshana Jardosh, of the 56th edition of IHGF Delhi Fair and Delhi Fair Furniture, he
Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Textiles, commended the fair said, "the event stands tall as one of the largest and most
organisers and exhibitors for making IHGF Delhi Fair - an excellent prestigious trade fairs in the country, a testimony to the
medium to promote the craft industry and provide an opportunity entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of our member exporters
for them to interact, share knowledge and explore business who have been showcasing their exquisite craftsmanship and
opportunities. She appreciated EPCH's role in providing a platform unique products to the world for around three decades. Credit
to a large number of exhibitors, especially small and medium also goes to the overseas buying community, who have reposed
entities, who, with their hard work, creativity and enterprises faith and confidence in EPCH and have consistently participated
have been able to add to the exports of handicrafts from the in each edition of the show since the last 30 years."
remotest regions of India. Hailing the idea of 'Local for Global'
Sharing about the Delhi Fair Furniture, he further added, "a
she called the fairs' intent in sync with the vision of 'Atmanirbhar
show crafted for connoisseurs of furniture trade, this features a
Bharat', of the Government of India which aims to not only
wide selection of modern designs, innovations, handcrafted
promote local products and reduce dependence on imports but
fusion and contemporary & new age materials from craft clusters
and production sectors spread across India. Delhi Fair Furniture
is a One Stop solution for importers, wholesalers, retail chains
and design professionals dealing in all things furniture &
accessories.”
Mr. Naresh Bothra, President, IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn 2023
and Delhi Fair Furniture, while delivering the vote of thanks,
thanked the Ministry of Textiles; the Office of Development
Commissioner, Handicrafts; and various departments of the Govt.
of India, for their support and the exporters, overseas buyers,
artisans and press & media for their valued patronage towards
the IHGF Delhi Fair throughout its many editions. The fairs opened
to a momentous start and engaged buyers with diversity,
creativity, innovative options and eco-friendly expressions.

6 CRAFTCIL • October 2023