Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, June 1: Extraordinary export growth of the Indian handmade carpet industry, noting its impressive expansion to a staggering US$ 2 billion, even in the face of global challenges, the industry has demonstrated resilience, maintaining stable exports at US$ 1.8 billion.
This was stated by Dr Romesh Khajuria Chairman, Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) in his welcome speech during 199th Committee of Administration (CoA) meeting on 30th May in New Delhi while welcoming the newly elected CoA members. The meeting, chaired by Dr. Khajuria was marked by significant discussions aimed at advancing the Indian handmade carpet industry.
Khajuria expressed gratitude for the cooperation extended by all members during the CoA elections, emphasizing the democratic and transparent nature of the process. He commended the CEPC team for their tireless efforts in ensuring the integrity of the election. Dr. Khajuria who is also Chairman of Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC), said that carpet industry has demonstrated resilience, maintaining stable exports at US$ 1.8 billion even during Covid times. Unlike its major competitors Iran, China, and Turkey – India has carved out a unique niche in the global market with its exquisite handmade carpets, he added.
This distinctive strength, according to Dr. Khajuria, must be strategically leveraged through robust global marketing and promotion efforts to further elevate India’s position in the international arena. He complimented Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) for supporting CEPC initiatives to promote carpet exports and for providing guidance from time to time for the industry’s betterment, acknowledging the crucial role of the Development Commissioner’s office in the industry’s success.
Dr. Khajuria also acknowledged the substantial efforts of the Government of India over the past decade to promote overall merchandise and services exports. The country’s exports have reached a historic high of US$ 770 billion during 2022-23. Various reforms have been implemented to make Export Promotion Councils more democratic and transparent, thereby enhancing their advisory roles. The Bharat Tex 2024 initiative by the Ministry of Textiles, which brought all textile EPCs and the entire textile value chain onto one platform, was particularly commended as a significant step forward.
During the meeting, the Committee of Administration decided to hold the Carpet Expo in Bhadohi from 15 to 18 October, 2024. This flagship event of the CEPC and the carpet industry is a significant player in the export and development of the carpet sector.
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