IMPHAL, March 22: A National Handloom Expo jointly organized by the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Government of India and Managing Director, Manipur Handlooms and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (MHHD) commenced today at the Iboyaima Shanglen, Palace Compound.
The expo will continue till April 5, 2014.
The inaugural function of the expo was attended by John Thangtinkhuma, director of Commerce and Industry, Government of Manipur, V Touthang former addl director of Commerce and Industry and Sandeep P Thubrikar assistant director Weaving Officer-in-charge Weavers Service Centre, Ministry of Textiles Govt of India as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, John Thangtinkhuma said that the handloom items production in the state has to be increased to meet the huge demand.
Handloom products of the state have the capability to become a geographical indicator of the state, he asserted.
He added that the department is mulling establishment of a permanent centre for the Handloom Expo.
Sandeep P Thubrika expressed that the expo will explore the marketing aspects of handloom products of the state.
He continued that the promotion of handloom products with the engagement of brand ambassadors will help widen the marketing aspects of finished products across the globe.
He further expressed on the need to introduce new designs to suit the present generation.
The 15-day long expo has 61 stalls from different parts of the State. However, no other states have turned up to open stalls at the Expo. The Expo is showcasing several new designs of scarf, well knitted bed sheet, Khudei, Phaneks, Sarees etc.
