EPCH organises interactive session on ‘Design, Trends, Forecast and Export Compliances” at Srinagar
Srinagar: The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts organised an Interactive Session on “Design, Trends, Forecast and Export Compliances’ at Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir on 28th December 2024 (Saturday)
Neeraj Khanna, Vice Chairman – EPCH; Raj Kumar Malhotra, Former Chairman – EPCH; Ravi K Passi, Former Chairman-EPCH and Arshad Mir, Member COA-EPCH; Amla Shrivastava, Designer from EPCH, leading exporters and press and media from Kashmir region were present during the interactive session informed by R. K. Verma, Executive Director-EPCH.
Arshad Mir, Member COA-EPCH welcomed the CoA members and leading exporters from Jammu & Kashmir. He informed that today’s session is organised to facilitate the exporters to get in-depth knowledge on latest Design, Trends & Forecast in Handicrafts for the upcoming season.
He further added that EPCH is continuously working towards CSR initiatives by organising health check-up camps for artisans, education for the children of artisans, donation of ambulances and various other initiatives. He welcomed the setting up of the Jammu & Kashmir Artisans and Exporters Welfare Association (JKEWA) at Srinagar and hoped that with this initiative artisan and their families of the region would benefit.
Mir further shared that EPCH in association with Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun has taken a significant step forward in advancing its testing capabilities for pashmina products through the Advanced Centre for Pashmina Certification Lab at Dehradun. The advanced equipment installed will strengthen the testing process of Pashmina Shawls, ensuring exporters meet the stringent standards of international markets.
Dileep Baid, Chairman-EPCH informed that the EPCH has always been at the forefront of organizing a series of awareness seminars through expert faculties on a pan-India basis. He further shared that the much-anticipated world’s largest Handicraft platform ‘IHGF April Fair 2025’ to be held from 16th – 19th April 2025 at India Expo Centre and Mart Ltd will offer a global platform exporter to showcase their products and engage with international buyers.
Neeraj Khanna, Vice Chairman – EPCH emphasized on importance of skill enhancement, capacity building and market adaptability to stay competitive in global markets. He highlighted the need for continuous training programs and collaboration with designers to blend traditional artistry with contemporary trends. Stressing the role of digital marketing and e-commerce, he encouraged members to expand their reach and visibility globally.
Raj Kumar Malhotra, Member CoA – EPCH shared that Standards and compliance in international markets are emerging as key determinants of handicraft export competitiveness and access to expansive export opportunities. Approximately 70% of Indian handicraft exports are to compliance-conscious markets, and global brands & buyers prefer to place orders with Indian suppliers who follow better working conditions, workplace standards, and environmentally sustainable production.
Ravi K. Passi, Former Chairman-EPCH addressed the august gathering by sharing his vast experience in the field of exports of handicrafts. Passi encouraged the young entrepreneur from Kashmir to come forward and avail know-how of EPCH to increase their exports.
R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH informed that on inspiration drawn from nature and incorporating organic and nature-inspired designs into product ranges. Designs evoke a connection with nature and provide a refreshing respite from the fast-paced modern lifestyle. He also shared the journey of EPCH and new initiatives taken by EPCH over the past 35 years.
Amla Srivastava, Assistant Director Design-EPCH shared a presentation on the upcoming season of Autumn/ Winter 25/26 shared minimalism and simplicity have become a hallmark of contemporary design. Keeping botanical trends in the driving seat to clean lines, and bright color palettes, creates an understated elegance that appeals to customers seeking a sense of tranquillity in their spaces. She enlightened about transforming traditional crafts to contemporizing their style, pattern & silhouettes.
Various questions pertaining to Design, Product Development and Export Compliances were asked by the participants. The speakers addressed all the questions and provided solutions to the exporters and concluded with positive interaction with members exporters.
Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts is a nodal agency for the promotion of exports of handicrafts from the Country and create a brand image of the magic of the gifted hands of millions of artisans and crafts persons engaged in the production of home, lifestyle, textiles, furniture and fashion jewellery & accessories products in different craft clusters of the Country.
The Handicrafts exports during the year 2023-24 was Rs. 32,759 Crores (US $ 3,956 Million) registering a growth of 9.13% in rupee term & 6.11% in dollar terms over the previous year. The exports from Jammu & Kashmir during the year 2023-24 was 15.64 crores informed by R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH.
