Manipur Industrial Expo receives mix response
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 11 2016: The first Manipur Industrial Expo, 2016 organised to expand the horizon of industries in the State and promote Lamboi Khongnang Khong as the industrial hub of Manipur is receiving mixed responses from the public.

Organised by the State Department of Commerce and Industries under the sponsorship of DoNER, Ministry of Textile, Ministry of MSME, Ministry of Food processing, Ministry of Commerce & Industries and IOC, the expo began from April 4 and is scheduled to be concluded on April 18.Earlier the expo was scheduled to conclude on April 10 but was later extended.

Manipur Industrial Expo receives mix response

The first ever grand Manipur Industrial Expo witnessed participants from foreign countries like Thailand, South Africa, Bangladesh, Myanmar and other States of the country.

More than 600 stalls showcased their products which include a varied range of products including handloom, handicrafts and indigenous food items.

There has been mixed responses from the public as there is less business activity, commented bamboo artisan Thokchom Gopel who represented 'Bamboo and Cane' of Alliance for Development Alternatives Manipur (ADAM) Kakching.

Artisans are selling and showcasing their products at reasonable prices but there have been fewer customers.

Even though local made products are highly sought after by customers from abroad, the general public of Manipur prefers other foreign products, he added.

The preference of the local people has diminished the scope of market for artisans and it is disheartening, he said.

Highlighting his products, Gopel said that products ranging from sofa, table, dining tables, trays, flower pot, basket and table lamps all made from chemically treated bamboo and cane to last more than 20 years are showcased.

There has been little sale for the last many days and it has caused hardships for the craftsman like him, Gopel said.

A visitor Shila Athokpam commented that the expo could have been something far better than the one held this year.

"After the media hype, we were expecting something more extravagant and illustrious, but it is far below our expectation," she said.

But it is a positive step from the State Government to organize such mega expo for local artisans and entrepreneurs, she added.

On the other hand, a florist who showcases rare flowers to visitor stated that the exhibition has been good for business.

People are lining up to buy flowers and all they want to sell is their products, he added.