Guwahati hosts global trade expo, provides platform for local artisans

The north east has a huge pool of talented craftsmen who need a platform to display their skills.

Recently, Guwahati played host to the 13th edition of the International Leo Expo that gave local artisans a chance to show their products alongwith foreign traders.

Organised by Leo Advertising, the fair was organized to foster better trade relations with other countries and to provide greater exposure to local artisans.

Traders from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan participated in the expo.

"This kind of fair helps local people understand international business and marketing, because, this year, participants from other countries came here and displayed their products. In the same way, artisans from here will also get a chance to go to other countries with their products. This year, the fair is very good," said Mridul Dutta, an organizer.

Artisans from different tribes displayed their indigenous handloom and handicraft products for visitors. Most participants were village women and men affiliated to self-help groups who don't normally get exposure to the outside market.

The trade fair has also set up a special hall for the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous District Council where Bodo tribes, including Koch Rajbonshis, displayed their traditional handicrafts.

"It is a good platform that they have given us, a good opportunity for BTC, and, we also get chance to showcase our products with international products. So, I am very happy. People are appreciating our work, and we hope that we will get a chance to showcase our products outside," said Prasad Rai, a participant.

Such trade fairs provide a bigger platform to the local artisans to showcase their products. Moreover, they give a boost to trade relations with other countries.