47th India Carpet Expo Concludes with Record Participation and Business Success

PRESS RELEASE

Dated: October 18, 2024

47th India Carpet Expo Concludes with Record Participation and Business Success

Bhadohi, October 18, 2024 – The 47th India Carpet Expo, organized by the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) at the Carpet Expo Mart, Bhadohi, successfully concluded today, attracting over 235 international buyers from 38 countries and 255 buying representatives. The four-day event, held from October 15 to 18, 2024, showcased the rich tradition and craftsmanship of Indian handmade carpets, paving the way for significant business collaborations.

Grand Inauguration Sets the Tone for Success

The event was inaugurated on October 15, 2024, by Chief Guest Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Government of India, who lit the ceremonial, ribbon cutting & release of fair directory. He was accompanied Guest of Honor Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs, and Shri Rakesh Sachan, Minister of Industries, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

The inauguration ceremony also featured a host of dignitaries, including:

Dr. Vinod Kumar Bind, Member of Parliament, Bhadohi
Shri Virendra Singh, former Member of Parliament Bhadohi
Shri Dinanath Bhaskar, MLA Aurai
Shri Vipul Dubey, MLA Gyanpur
Shri Deepak Mishra and Shri Ashish Singh Baghel, BJP Regional Secretary, Kashi
Shri Sohan Lal Shrimali, Vice Chairman, UP Backward Classes State Commission

CEPC Chairman Shri Kuldeep Raj Wattal, Members of the Committee of Administration, Ex-COA Members, Prominent Members Exporters, Media & distinguished guest were also present, reinforcing their support for the industry. Shri Jag Mohan, Officiating Executive Director of CEPC, expressed optimism that this expo would set new milestones for the carpet sector.

Chief Guest Shri Giriraj Singh emphasized the importance of the textile industry in employment generation and highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the development of new fiber blends using jute and bamboo.

He also advised the industry to consider setting up spinning mills in the area, stating that this move would not only save transition costs but also create employment opportunities and contribute to the overall development of the handmade carpet industry. He assured the carpet industry of continued government support and stressed the need to focus on technological advancements to remain competitive globally.

He assured the carpet industry of continued government support and stressed the need to focus on technological advancements to remain competitive globally.

Live Weaving and Prison-Made Carpets: Unique Attractions

This edition’s highlights included:

Live carpet weaving demonstrations at the CEPC Theme Pavilion, offering visitors a glimpse into the intricate craftsmanship behind handmade carpets.
Carpets made by inmates of the District Jail, Gyanpur, which received widespread admiration for their artistic quality and social impact.

These unique attractions captivated foreign buyers, enhancing the cultural dimension of the expo and providing a platform to showcase both artistry and rehabilitation efforts.

Hon’ble Minister of Labor and Employment, Coordination Department of UP, Mr. Anil Rajbhar, visited the event and expressed strong support for the carpet industry. He highlighted that the carpet sector is crucial for the economy and provides a significant source of employment, particularly for women and artisans in rural areas.

Mr. Rajbhar emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between government and industry to ensure sustainable growth. He extended his best wishes to all exporters and importers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift the carpet sector. His presence underscored the importance of governmental backing in fostering a conducive environment for business development.

The event was graced by the visit of Mrs. Renu Lata, Economic Advisor from the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. She commended the event’s organization and praised the vibrant carpets on display. Mrs. Lata highlighted that such expos are crucial in providing a new impetus to the carpet industry, encouraging further growth and international engagement. Her presence added to the significance of the event, showcasing the government’s commitment to supporting the handicraft sector.

Mr. DN Singh, District & Sessions Judge of Lucknow, also visited the expo and expressed his delight at the wide range of handmade carpets on display. He appreciated CEPC’s efforts in organizing this significant event in Bhadohi, acknowledging the role of such expos in promoting local craftsmanship and supporting the industry.

Key Achievements and Business Outcomes

245 exhibitors participated, displaying traditional and innovative designs.
Over 235 international buyers and 255 buying representatives engaged in fruitful business discussions.
Substantial export orders were placed during the expo, laying the foundation for long-term business relationships.
Its is expected that this expo will generate the approx. business of Rs. 450-500 crore over the period

CEPC Chairman Shri Kuldeep Raj Wattal remarked:

“The overwhelming response from international buyers reaffirms the importance of this platform. We are optimistic that the business generated here will benefit weavers and artisans across India.”

Mohd. Wasif Ansari, Member of the Committee of Administration and Convener of the Expo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the entire carpet industry for their cooperation in making the event successful. He also thanked all overseas buyers for their participation, stating:

“The support from the carpet community and the presence of international buyers have been instrumental in the success of this expo. We are excited about the future prospects that have emerged from these interactions.”

CEPC Officiating Executive Director, Shri Jag Mohan, added:

“This event exemplifies our commitment to promoting the handmade carpet sector and empowering rural artisans, especially women. The expo’s success will significantly impact the lives of weavers.”

Committee of Administration: Leadership and Contributions

The Committee of Administration members played a crucial role in ensuring the seamless organization and success of the event. Key members include:

Shri Anil Kumar Singh, Shri Suryamani Tiwari, Mohd. Wasif Ansari, Shri Aslam Mehboob, Shri Imtiaz Ahmed, Shri Rohit Gupta, Shri Piyush Baranwal, Shri Husain Zafar Husaini, Shri Sanjay Gupta, Shri Ravi Patodia, Sheikh Aashiq Ahmed, Shri Mahaveer Pratap Sharma, Shri Bodhraj Malhotra, Shri Deepak Khanna, Mehraj Yasin Jaan, Mukesh Kumar Gomber, and Shaukat Khan.

Their continuous efforts ensured smooth operations, facilitating interactions between buyers and exhibitors. The committee members actively engaged with participants, gathered feedback, and contributed to the expo’s strategic direction.

CEPC Chairman Kuldeep Raj Wattal commended their efforts, stating:

“The dedication of the Committee of Administration members has been vital to the expo’s success. Their contributions have helped us create a world-class event, laying the foundation for future growth.”

Bharat Tex 2025 Roadshow Creates Excitement

On the third day, a roadshow for Bharat Tex 2025 was also conducted during the Expo by Mr. Shekhar Srivastava, Joint Director, O/o DC Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. He announced that Bharat Tex 2025, the world’s largest textile show, will be held from February 14–17, 2025, in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam and India Exposition Mart, Greater Noida. He urged exhibitors to take full advantage of this opportunity to expand their global footprint.

Acknowledgment of Government of Uttar Pradesh and Local Authorities Support

CEPC expressed special thanks to the Government of Uttar Pradesh, particularly Shri Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary, MSME, for his unwavering support. The event’s success was also made possible through the assistance guidance & support of:

District Magistrates of Bhadohi, Mr. Vishal Singh
District Magistrates of Mirzapur, Ms. Priyanka Niranjan
Addl District Magistrates of Bhadohi, Mr. Kunwar Virendra Maurya
Commissioners Vindhiyanchal Mandal, Muthukumarasamy B
Superintendent of Police, Bhadohi, Dr. Meenakshi Katyayan
Addl Superintendent of Police, Bhadohi, Mr. Tejvir Singh
Addl CEO BIDA, Ms. Anita Kumari

Their contributions ensured seamless operations and security arrangements throughout the event, creating a conducive environment for business activities.

Closing Remarks

The 47th India Carpet Expo has not only boosted business prospects for the Indian carpet industry but also underscored the importance of innovation, cultural heritage, and social impact. CEPC Chairman Shri Kuldeep Raj Wattal concluded:

“We look forward to continuing this journey of promoting Indian carpets on the global stage, empowering our artisans, and fostering new business relationships. The success of this expo marks a promising future for the industry.”

Additionally, CEPC would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the local media for their extensive coverage and support, which played a vital role in promoting the expo. The collective effort of the carpet industry and all stakeholders has significantly contributed to the event’s success.

CEPC extended gratitude to all participants, overseas buyers, exhibitors, and stakeholders for making this edition a grand success.

This edition of the India Carpet Expo will be remembered not just for the business success it generated but also for its innovative elements such as live weaving demonstrations and prison-made carpets, which added a unique touch to the event. The collaborative efforts of the Committee of Administration members and the support from the Government of Uttar Pradesh and local authorities have ensured the expo’s lasting impact on the global carpet trade.