India to retail sandalwood products in China

India is planning to retail artefacts like sandalwood figurines in China through a franchise outlet of Central Cottage Industries Corporation (CCIC), a senior official said.

"We are exploring the possibility of opening a franchise showroom in China," CCIC Managing Director M A Ibrahimi said.

The franchise will be CCIC's second venture abroad. It has an outlet in Denmark capital Copenhagen.

The Corporation, which sells its products under the brand 'cottage', is yet to identify the franchise partner.

Sandlwood items and hand-made objects are a big draw among the Chinese, he said.

CCIC, under the Ministry of Textiles, has plans to set up shop in tourist locations like Khajuraho, Kovalam and Kochi.

"These places are strategically important in terms of both foreign and domestic tourists," he said. CCIC is retailing handicrafts and handloom products in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and several other cities of the country.

It also sells artefacts through an outlet of National Textiles Corporation in Mumbai.