News

Press Release
Dated: October 15, 2024

The four-day carpet fair, organized by the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) with the support of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, commenced today at the Carpet Expo Mart in the Carpet City, Bhadohi, from October 15 to 18, 2024. The event was inaugurated by Chief Guest Shri Giriraj Singh, Minister of Textiles, Government of India, by lighting the ceremonial lamp. He was accompanied by special guests Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs, Government of India, and Shri Rakesh Sachan, Minister of Industries, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Among other dignitaries present at the inauguration ceremony were Dr. Vinod Kumar Bind, Member of Parliament, Bhadohi; Shri Dinanath Bhaskar, MLA, Aurai; Shri Vipul Dubey, MLA, Gyanpur; Shri Deepak Mishra; Shri Ashish Singh Baghel, BJP Regional Secretary for Kashi; Shri Sohan Lal Shrimali, Vice Chairman of the UP Backward Classes State Commission; Shri Virendra Singh, former MP, Bhadohi; Shri Kuldeep Raj Wattal, Chairman, CEPC, and members of the CEPC Administrative Committee, including Shri Mahaveer Pratap Sharma, Shri Mohammed Wasif Ansari, Shri Anil Kumar Singh, Shri Aslam Mehboob, Shri Bodhraj Mehrotra, Shri Sanjay Gupta, Shri Ravi Patodia, Shri Suryamani Tiwari, Shri Husaini Zafar Husaini, Shri Piyush Kumar Barnwal, Shri Imtiaz Ahmed, Shri Rohit Gupta, Shri Deepak Khanna, and Mehrraj Yaseen Jaan. Other attendees included EKMA President Shri Raza Khan, EKMA Vice President Shri Rajesh Kumar, former CEPC Administrative Committee members such as Shri Umesh Kumar Gupta, Shri Rajendra Prasad Mishra, Shri Shriram Maurya, and Shri Omkar Nath Mishra. CEPC’s Officiating Executive Director and Secretary Shri Jag Mohan was also present.

Highlights of the Inaugural Addresses

Shri Giriraj Singh, Minister of Textiles, noted in his address that the textile sector is the second-largest employment-generating industry in India after agriculture. He mentioned the goal of providing employment to 60 million people by 2030. Currently valued at USD 170 million, the industry aims to reach USD 300 billion by 2030. This growth will require an additional 20 million metric tons of yarn. Shri Singh emphasized the need to focus on technological advancements to remain competitive in the global market. He further announced that the Ministry of Textiles is working on developing a new fiber by combining jute and bamboo. He urged the industry to reduce transition costs by setting up spinning mills locally, which could lower costs by 15% and generate employment. The minister assured full support from the Ministry for the industry’s development.

Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs, appreciated the fair for showcasing India’s cultural heritage through carpets, uniting the country through its artistry. Shri Rakesh Sachan, Minister of Industries, Uttar Pradesh, remarked that carpets represent a unique sector where agricultural products like yarn are woven primarily by farmers. He called for a joint policy from both central and state governments to support the industry and promised all possible assistance from the state government.

Participants and Impact

The four-day fair has attracted over 500 buyers from 67 countries and 260 exhibitors from across India. CEPC Chairman Shri Kuldeep Raj Wattal remarked, “The India Carpet Expo provides an ideal platform for international carpet buyers, buying agents, architects, and Indian manufacturers and exporters to establish long-term business relationships. This exhibition is a significant step toward elevating the export of handmade carpets to new heights.” He highlighted the immense business opportunities for participants, with key international buyers expected to place substantial orders during the expo. New carpet designs are also being showcased at the event.

The India Carpet Expo is one of Asia’s largest fairs for handmade carpets, offering a unique platform for buyers to procure the finest handmade carpets, rugs, and floor coverings under one roof. With 240 exhibitors participating, the event has become a preferred destination for handmade carpets worldwide. On the first day, the expo recorded the participation of 153 buyers from 30 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, France, Canada, Israel, Turkey, Japan, Russia, the USA, the UK, Italy, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland, along with 185 buying representatives.

CEPC’s efforts aim to create a specialized business environment that benefits both carpet importers and manufacturer-exporters. Ultimately, the goal is to uplift approximately 2 million weavers and artisans employed in this labor-intensive cottage industry, which is primarily based in rural areas.

Shri Jag Mohan, Officiating Executive Director, expressed satisfaction and optimism, stating, “This expo will set new milestones, and its ultimate beneficiaries will be the weavers and their families.”