Smriti Irani inaugurated 33rd edition of India Carpet Expo at Pragati Maidan

New Delhi [India], Mar 27 (ANI): The 33rd Edition of India Carpet Expo, Organized by Carpet Export Promotion Council at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi was inaugurated today with lamp lighting by Minister of Textile, Smriti Irani in the august presence of Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Textiles and Virender Singh, Member of Parliament, Bhadohi. The expo is organized under the aegis of Govt. of India with an aim to promote the Cultural Heritage and weaving skills of Indian hand-made Carpets and other floor coverings amongst the visiting overseas carpet buyers. "We are very glad that CEPC organizes this Expo twice every year to promote Indian weavers worldwide. Every year Expo generates huge amount of business. We have everything handmade and hand weaved here, which is the major attraction to the foreign buyers," said, Minister of State for Textiles, Ajay Tamta. Virender Singh, M.P., Bhadohi said, "We are planning to provide special privileges to the shepherds for the first time, as they play a crucial role in the process of carpet manufacturing. Until now all the focus was only on the weavers and manufacturers, but now we hope for the upliftment of the shepherds as well." Mahavir Pratap Sharma, Chairman, CEPC said "India carpet expo is an ideal platform for International Carpet Buyers, Buying houses, buying Agents, Architects and Indian Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters to meet and establish long term business relationship. This exhibition is a crucial step towards taking Indian exports of Handmade carpet to much greater and newer heights. We have also set up a special theme pavilion wherein the experts of the industry are showcasing the process of carpet weaving through the concept of ergonomic and flexible tufting frame." Sharma further added that orders worth over thousand crore are expected to be executed. New fall-winter colors and designs are being showcased at the Carpet Expo. India Carpet Expo is one of the largest Handmade Carpet Fairs in Asia with a unique platform for the buyers to source the best handmade carpets, Rugs and other floor coverings under one roof. With the participation of over 305 exhibitors, it has become a popular destination worldwide on Handmade Carpets. A record number of 410 overseas carpet buyers from around 60 countries mainly Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Germany, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey, UK, USA etc. shall be visiting the Expo to generate business for this rural based cottage sector. It is the endeavor of the Council to provide exclusive business environment to the both carpet importers as well as manufacturer-exporters, which ultimately will benefit about two million weavers and artisans employed in this highly labour intensive rural based MSME cottage industry. (ANI)