Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 29 2009:
Mera Houchongba Fest Fair 2009 has been kicked off at Palace Compound, Hapta Kangjeibung today.
The week-long fair is being organised by the Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers and Handicraft Artisans under the aegis of the Directorate of Commerce and Industries.
A total 61 stalls of different weaver societies would be opened at the fair.
The opening function of the fair was graced by Commerce and Industries Director Norbert Disinang, Co-operative Society Registrar Thaithuilung Pamei and Commerce and Industry OSD (Handloom) M Rajen as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Commerce and Industry Deputy Director Lamlee Kamei gave key-note address of the function.
In his speech, Norbert Disinang emphasised the need to introduce advance technologies in order to make the handloom and handicraft products of Manipur marketable in international markets.
For this, the Commerce and Industry Department has been making extra efforts, he said.
Even as the weavers of Manipur are very skilful, their products lacked quality to compete in international markets.
After a detailed study, the Commerce and Industry Directorate has taken up necessary measures to make clusters of weavers so as to enable them produce quality products, Norbert Disinang said.