India - HEPC eyeing Rs 1,350 cr worth handloom export.

Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) would participate in overseas textile festivals during the year to find new markets and for better exploitation of existing ones to achieve handloom export target of Rs.1,350 crore, a top official has said.

"We plan to participate in festivals in 20 countries, including United States, Italy, Germany, France, Belgium, South Africa, Japan and Brazil," HEPC Executive Director Beela Rajesh told a seminar on "Export Proceedures and documentation in Handlooms" organised by the council here last night.

He said from April to Dec 2009, handloom goods worth Rs.960 crore were exported.

The council planned to set up three more design centres at Varnasi and Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh and Bhubaneswar in Orissa. These centres would help the handloom weavers improve their quality and design and get better price for products.

The allocation of HS or harmonised code for handloom products would help them get distinct identity,and they could be positioned as eco-friendly. The code would also help in data collection,analysis and help realise trend forecasting.

Small Industries Product Promotion Organistion (SIPPO) Chairman S.Rajagopal said handloom industry players were complacent and they should go for different designs and better quality.

Source : yarnsandfibers.com