National Handloom Expo kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, December 10 2020: Trade, Commerce & Industry Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh inaugurated the 15 Days National Handloom Expo 2019-2020 today at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi, Imphal East.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the expo, Biswajit said that the articles listed under the Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985 for exclusive production by handloom is reserved for handlooms.

The Minister also emphasised on the importance of preserving age-old traditions and culture in bringing development to society and added that the loom is not only an integral part of tradition in both the hills and valley, but is also an important source of livelihood for many people in the State.

He continued that industrialisation can be enhanced in many sectors including handloom and handicrafts, tourism, medical among others.

Only when these industrial sectors are enhanced, development can be brought about.

Industrialisation will also mean that finished products will reach the global market, and it is therefore important to produce standardised and value added products, he added.

Biswajit said artisans, craftsmen and weavers of the State can avail capacity building trainings under Mission for Economic Empowerment of Traditional Artisans & Craftsmen (MEETAC) and added that no society or region can achieve their goal without industrialisation.

"Our State has a vast pool of God-given resources, but we should also understand that human resources are vital for growth, because it is through human resource that we will be able to utilise and harness all available resources", he said.

The Minister also observed that transportation is a major aspect of development and the present Government is committed to improving the transportation sector including land and waterways.

The inaugural function of the expo was also attended by MANIDCO Chairman and MLA of Hiyanglam AC Dr Y Radheshyam among others.

The expo, having 30 stalls displaying handloom and handicraft products, is organised by the Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers & Handicrafts Artisans CS Ltd, Paona Keithel, Imphal under the sponsorship of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, New Delhi.

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