Huge potential for handicraft exporters in China, Africa: EPCH

NEW DELHI: Hit by slowdown in the US and Europe, handicarft exporters are exploring ways to tap markets of Africa, China and South America to boost shipments.

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) Vice-Chairman Rajesh Kumar Jain said that demand has dipped significantly in traditional markets - the US and Europe.

"In the US and the Europe, we are still facing huge problem. These were our major markets. We are now looking at South America, Africa and China. These regions have huge potential for exporters," he told PTI.

He said that in order to tap these markets the council is organising exhibitions, fairs and buyer-seller meets.

"The move would help us in understanding demand in these markets. We will go with full force in these countries," he added.

China is an important market and there is an urgent need to tap that, he said, adding that "we need to learn from them to make our products competitive in the global markets".

The US and Europe together account for about 60 per cent of the country's total handicraft exports.

He also said exporters are facing product compliance issues in western markets.

"We need government support to comply those compliances. Demand of western buyers are very expensive to meet," he said.

Country's handicraft exports contracted by about 8 per cent to $1.38 billion. The sector employs about 70 lakh people directly and indirectly.

Jain said that the major product categories which can be sold in China, Africa and South America include house-ware, home textiles, furniture, glassware, bamboo goods, fashion jewellery and lamp & lighting.