Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 08 2010:
A seminar on 'awareness on Hand-loom Exports' was held at Classic Hotel today under the joint aegis of Handloom Export promotion Council, Chennai and Weavers' Service Centre, Imphal.
Principal Secretary (Commerce & Industries) O Nabakishore, South Zone (Chennai) director of Weavers' Service Centre BB Paul and former Officer in-charge of the Centre H Rajendra were the chief guest, president and guest of honour of the seminar.
In his address, O Nabakishore highlighted that weaving is a way of life in the North Eastern region with almost every section of the society familiar with the art of weaving.
Strongly advocating expansion of earning and employment opportunities for which export of handloom products was described as a vital area, the chief guest stated that export market commands better prices.
Suggesting that there is need for increasing volume of handloom products to meet export demands as well as streamline guidance and networking system, Nabakishore opined that the seminar would be considered a successful venture only when two or three individual from the region emerge as handloom exporters.
With reference to the locally produced women's apparels such as Inaphi, he reminded that the indigenous product has huge export potential as there is high demand from not only Manipuri women settled in other parts of the country and beyond but also from foreign ladies.
While pointing out that sale process is slack within Manipur compared to heavy demands in metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai, Nabakishore also suggested sending the local product to Manipur Emporium, Delhi.
In comparison to demand in the domestic markets for most products weaved in Manipur, apparels with designs by weavers/artistes of the hill districts are the favourites for foreigners, he informed.
director BB Paul claimed that while there is stiff competition between the Indian and foreign designers in the domestic market, uniqueness of designs from the North East artistes/weavers attracts more buyers due to exclusivity of the products.