27^th Edition of India Carpet Expo – 12^th to 15^th March 2014 at NSIC Exhibition Complex, New Delhi

Dr. Anup K. Pujari, IAS, Director General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India inaugurated the 27^th India Carpet Expo on 12^th March, 2014 at NSIC Exhibition Complex, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi in the gracious presence of Shri Navraj Goyal, Addl. Development Commissioner (handicrafts), Shri Siddh Nath Singh, Chairman, Vice-Chairmen & Members, Committee of Administration of CEPC, Shri Ajai Sahai, DG & CEO, Federation of Indian Exporters Organization, Overseas Buyers, Buying Representatives, Exhibitors, Press and other dignitaries. Shri S. S. Gupta, IAS Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India was the Guest of Honour. The exclusive business fair will remain open for 4 days for the Overseas Buyers of Handmade Carpets & Other floor coverings, their Indian Representatives, Invitees and guests

The India Carpet Expo is the world acclaimed established exhibition of Handmade Carpets and other floor coverings in South East Asia, 255 exhibitors from U.P., Rajasthan, J&K, Panipat, Delhi etc. are displaying their latest designs of Handmade Carpets and other floor coverings.

350 overseas buyers from more than 50 countries including USA, Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Turkey, Brazil, China, Canada, Denmark, Japan, Korea etc. confirmed their visit to the fair to generate business for this rural based cottage industry. On the first day 208 Buyers registered their presence besides the registration of 125 Buying Representatives.

Dr. Anup Pujari was impressed with the display of various ranges of Handmade Carpets from the higher quality to lower quality and appreciated the adaptability of the industry in providing products from traditional to modern designs, according to the need and requirement of the end consumers.

The India Carpet Expo, upholding the prime motive of the Council, is not only bringing the largest business opportunity to all segments of carpet exporters, beginning from the smallest to the biggest exporter, but it also provides ‘unique pick and choose’ business opportunity to all kinds of overseas carpet buyers, may be retailers or wholesalers under one roof. Indian Carpet Industry is capable to make any design, quality to cater the demand of customers - vast range and variety of designs etc.

The Indian Handmade carpet Industry, is an age old and has made significant strides in the recent past. The Industry is highly labour intensive and provides employment to about 2 Million of workers directly and indirectly in the rural areas especially Women in their homes. The Handmade Carpet Industry provides extra and alternate occupation to the farmers and others at their homes. Indian Carpet Industry Ranked No. 1 status in the international market and exporting 70-75% of total production and for the first time crossed the mark of US Dollar One Billion in the year 2012-13.

Exports of Handmade Carpets & other floor coverings:

Year	Value of Exports in US $ Million	Value of Exports in Rupees Crores
2010-11	905.07	4142.47
2011-12	955.68	4583.08
2012-13	1080.90	5877.30
April-Feb., 2013-14 (prov.)	1092.89	6607.10
Target for 2013-14	1146.00	6875.00

Shri Siddh Nath Singh, Chairman, CEPC and all Members of the Committee of Administration are confident that India Carpet Expo continues to open up new business opportunities and will generate record business.