India Carpet Expo 3-6 October, 2016 in Sampurnanand Sanskrit University Ground, Varanasi

The 32nd India Carpet Expo and 12th in Varanasi which was inaugurated by Virendra Singh, Member of Parliament Bhadohi and Prof. Yadunath Prasad Dubey, Vice-Chancellor, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi in the gracious presence of Ravindra Jaiswal, M.L.A. Varanasi and Zahid Jamal Beg, M.L.A. Bhadohi in the Ground of Sampurnanand Sanskrit University Ground at Varanasi concluded today after four days of hectic business activities.

Rashmi Verma, Secretary (Textiles), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India visited the Expo on 4th October, 2016 to interact with overseas buyers and encourage the participants. She assured the participants and exporters the best possible support from the Ministry in promoting Hand-knotted Carpets. She also appreciated the efforts of Carpet Export Promotion Council in organizing such a big event at par with international standard.

Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Govt. of India also visited the Expo and was very happy to see the Mega Carpet Expo and interacted with overseas buyers and participants.

He expressed his full support for development of Hand-knotted Carpet Industry and assured that whatever help the industry needs will be given and would brief the status of Indian Carpet Industry to the Prime Minister.

Rita Teaotia, Secretary (Commerce), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India also visited the Expo on 5th October, 2016 and was very appreciative of the new designs, colors and textures displayed by the manufacturers from all over the country.

She also assured the continuous financial support to the Carpet Industry for doing such mega events in future as well.

309 Exhibitors from different parts of the country participated in this export oriented fair where 325 buyers from 60 countries registered their attendance. The fair was also attended by more than 250 buying representatives.

Although it is difficult to quantify the business generated in the fair but in accordance with the feedback given by the participants it is estimated that fair will generated business of over Rs. 275.00 to Rs. 300.00 crore apart from number of enquires which shall also generate further business over the period of time.

The organizer of the fair i.e. CEPC mentioned that in the current recessionary trend the presence of 350 Overseas Buyers from all over the world in India Carpet Expo establish the status of India Carpet Expo and demand of Indian Products in International Market.

Kuldeep R. Wattal, Chairman, CEPC expressed that this event will be beneficial to the Medium and small exporters who can't afford to display their products in overseas Exhibitions on the one hand and on the other hand show the capability of India in producing and supplying quality products in time. Chairman, Vice-Chairmen and other Members of the COA, CEPC expressed happiness and congratulated Shiv Kumar Gupta, Executive Director-cum-Secretary and all Staff Members of the Council for their strenuous and untiring efforts to make the fair a Grand Success.

Council announced the date of next India Carpet Expo from 27- 30 March, 2017 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.