The 2008 edition of the Houseware Fair of Hong Kong was held between 21st April  and 24th April, 2008 at Hong Kong and the undersigned alongwith Shri Ghulam Mohamed Jaweed, Jr. Accountant was deputed to co-ordinate the participation of the members of the Council in the Fair.
                   
A total of 22 members of the Council participated in the Fair besides HEPC. The Fair was inaugurated on the 21st of April 2008. There was considerable buyer turnout on all the four days of the Fair and our members had a good number of enquiries and also had spot orders. The buyer turnout was better than last year and some of our members’ stalls were continuously occupied by buyers all the time. Our members have reported Rs. 13,01,02,500/ worth of enquiries and Rs. 3,83,04,500/ worth of spot orders at the Fair. The quantum of orders and enquiries is consistently the highest in this Fair compared to all the other Fairs participated by the Council in the last two years.

Our member exporters reported that the buyers in the Fair were from Spain, Canada, Japan, Serbia, Brazil, Panama, New Zealand, Denmark, Russia, South America, North America, South Africa, Chile, Ireland, Italy, Uruguay, Israel, Argentina, Malaysia, Dubai, Peru, Sweden, Hong Kong etc., What is significant in this is that buyers from Middle East and African countries also were attracted to this Fair which is not the case even in prestigious Fairs like Heimtextile, Frankfurt. The number of visitors to our member exporters stalls was reported to be 440, which is a significant number.

All the members have rated their preparation for the Fair as excellent, very good or good except one person as average. Sixteen members have reported that the buyer turnout was either very good or good. Six members reported that it was average. Likewise, the quality of the buyers was also found to be excellent, very good or good by all the members, except four who found it to be average. To the query whether they would participate in the Fair next year or not and if participating, whether they would do so through HEPC or otherwise, all of them have emphatically answered that they will participate next year also and that it will be through HEPC.

The feedback reports obtained from the participant members are enclosed.

Chennai	(T.N.Subramanian)
29-04-08

Coordinated By:

Shri.G.Mathi Vathanan I.A.S Executive Director The Handloom Export Promotion Council #34, Cathedral Garden Road Nungambakam Chennai - 34 .

Name of the Fair	: Global Home Textiles – 2008
Organizers	: George Little Management LL, New York,USA
Venue	: Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Las Vegas, USA
Duration	: 3 days (6th to 8th May 2008)
Total No.of exhibitors	: 248
Number of participants through HEPC	: 7 (Listed below)
Other Concurrent fairs in the same venue	: Global Home Décor & The Gourmet Houseware show.

List of Participants 

Sl. No	Name of the participants
1	Rithika Exports, Karur
2	Diamond Exports, Panipat
3	Sethi International, Panipat
4	Trident Home Furnishings (p) ltd, Chennai
5	Nandini Fabrics, Karur
6	Texworld, N. Delhi
7	Silko Internationaal, Varanasi

 

 

 

 

 

Highlights of the fair as reported by the fair authorities

No of Exhibitors: 248
No of Visitors: 3000
Net Area: 40,800 sq.ft
Exhibiting Countries: Egypt, Pakistan, India, China, Turkey, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Israel, Thailand.

Countries of the buyers Visited : U.S.A, Canada,& South America based importers, Wholesalers and direct source retailers.

Countries of the buyers Visited    : U.S.A, Canada,& South America based importers, Wholesalers and direct source retailers.

About US market

With an area of approximately 93,73,000 sq.kilometer (including Alaska and Hawaii), U.S.A. is the fourth largest country in the world. As world’s leading economic power U.S.A. continues to occupy the most prominent place in the world trade and also is the leading trade partner of India.  As regards exports of handloom products are concerned, U.S.A. is still the leading market for India.  As per the available statistics, while the exports of handloom products have witnessed a marginally declining trend during 2001-02 at Rs. 613.46 crores as against the exports of Rs. 635.85 crores during 2000-01, there has been a considerable increase during 2002-03 at Rs. 860.60 crores.

The following tables depict the profile of import of Home textile products by USA & the leading country’s shares.

U.S.IMPORTS OF NON-APPAREL TEXTILES
                                                            $ in Billions

Year	Amount	% Change
2007	$22.5	3.9%
2006	$21.6	5.6%
2005	$20.5	10.5%
2004	$18.5	14.0%
2003	$16.3	6.9%

U.S.IMPORTS OF NON- APPAREL TEXTILES IN UNITS

                                                                                                Units in Billions

S.No	Name of the Country	Jan2008	Jan2007	% Change
1	China	1.051	1.022	2.8%
2	Pakistan	0.172	0.215	-20%
3	India	0.161	0.163	-1.5%
4	Mexico	0.129	0.139	-6.7%
5	Canada	0.125	0.169	-26.2%

About the fair

The U.S. has a potentially huge and profitable- $25 billion home textiles market. Recently it is experienced that the number of visitors from the U.S. are declining sharply in the International fairs held outside USA.  The reason behind this is that buyers, retailers, importers, agents and wholesalers are still sourcing home textile items in US itself.  Hence it has become important for the members of HEPC to look for establishing new contacts with these US retailers, importers, agents and wholesalers from US, and also meeting existing buyers, strike business deals with high potential and high volume US buyers, and meeting the US department Stores, Specialty Chains, Brands and Importers under one roof. 

In earlier occasions, HEPC has targeted the US market by means of Buyer-Seller Meets and fairs.   In 2001 HEPC organized a Buyer Seller Meet in New York from  11th to 19th  September 2001 with 7 member exporters.  However, this Buyer-Seller Meet had not yielded the desired results. Again in March 2005, we organized a BSM at New York which again was not successful.  In 2006 HEPC has participated in the Atlanta Gift & Home Furnishing Show, held in Atlanta, USA from 13th to 17th , January' 2006.  However, to our dismay, the turnout of business visitors from home textiles segment was very much meager as this was a multi-product show and our member participants were not happy with the outcome of the fair. 

HEPC, has, therefore, been in the process of identifying a specialized fair for home textile products in U.S.A. and it has been ascertained that the  Global Home Textiles fair has its focus on home textiles.

Global Home Textiles is the fair that focuses on home textile segment.  Global Home Textiles has its reach a wide range of market segments in the U.S.  Global Home Textiles offers opportunities to establish high-potential and important relationships. The organizers George Little Management or GLM LLC as it is popularly known, the organiser of Global Home Textiles, is a 74 year old American company and claim to organize 86 trade fairs every year all over USA and Canada.

This second edition of the Global Home Textiles fair has 2 other concurrent fairs namely Global Home Décor & the Gourmet Housewares show.
           
The Gourmet housewares show is a much older fair & a very popular fair amongst the Importers.

At the end of the fair, I had a meeting with Ms.Penny Sikalis, the Vice president of the George Little Management(GLM) i.e fair authority and upon my request, the fair authority have made a special gesture by providing the list of names & contact details with names, phone numbers, email ids of the representatives of the leading importing (Listed  below) firms & chain stores of USA who have visited the fair during the 3 days. The list was provided only to our participants to enable them to take appointment for necessary follow-ups after the fair. This initiative of HEPC was highly appreciated by the participants.

S.No	Name of the Importing firms
1	Hsn
2	Target Corp
3	The Sundance Co.,Lic
4	Merrimack Home Textiles,Lic
5	A-1 Textiles
6	Century Home Fashions
7	Décor Group
8	Home Fashion USA
9	Hot Bargins Now
10	Invista
11	Softhome
12	The Luxury Robe
13	The Rug Market
14	All State Linen
15	American Textile Company
16	AZ Global Sourcing
17	JP Imports
18	Phoenix Textile

Participants feed back

Number of participants             :7

	Response (In no. of exporters)
	Average	Good	Very Good
Buyers Turnout	3	3	1
Quality of Buyers	2	3	2

No of visitors to our stall      : 88
Business                               : Spot Orders           :INR 83,80,000
                                                Avg./Participants      :INR 11,97,000

                                                Enquiries                   :INR 5,21,30,000
                                                Avg./Participants       :INR 74,47,000

Many participants felt that this is a right kind of fair i.e wholesale nature ( retailing not permitted) for home textile products & is likely to gain popularity in the next 2, 3 years.

The fair was dominated by the Chinese & Pakistani participants by their number of participants & imposing pavilion construction. HEPC should take steps to increase the participants to atleast above 10 & construct Indian Pavilion to showcase the brand image of India Handwovens in the coming years.

           (G.Mathi Vathanan)
Executive Director

Domtex Middle East is the only dedicated Carpets and Floor Coverings fair in the Middle East and North Africa. HEPC has organized the participation of six member exporters in this fair held at Dubai from 25th to 27th May 2008. The fair was organized under MDA scheme of Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Department of Commerce.  

Name of the fair	: Domotex Middle East 2008,Dubai
Organised by	: Deutdche Messe, Dubai Branch
Coordinated by	: Shri.R.P.Rajalingam   Export Promotion Officer,HEPC
venue	: Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Maktoum Hall, Dubai International Convention & Exhibition  Centre
Duration	: 3 days (25th – 27th May 2008)
Number of participants	: 6 (listed below)

List of Participants 

Sl.No	Name of the Firm
1	Winners Weaver, Karur
2	Vijayan Group, New Delhi
3	AASAN,Sitapur – 261 001 (UP)
4	Ameesh A Traders,Karur
5	AKS Rugs Co.,Panipat
6	Global Overseas,Bhadohi, U.P

 

 

 

 

 

HEPC has put up a central promotional stall in the event.

Highlights of the fair

Total No of Exhibitors	: 280
No of countries participated	: 36
Net Area	: 12,000 sq.mt
No. of participants from India	: 38
Countries of the Buyer’s Visited	: Saudi Arabia, Morrocco, Dubai, USA, Jordan, Iran & Kuwait.
No.of Visitors	: 6430

The fair organizers have arranged for a seminar during the fair “Designers Corner” sponsored by the American University in Dubai’s Department of Interior Design. Mr.Hans Bruinsma a Dubai based design consultant and many top executives of renowned organizations have presented their views and ideas.

The first two days of the exhibition showed that the demand for carpets and floor coverings has soared and the number of business transaction was high. The exhibition was visited by flooring professionals from 91 countries. Many exhibitors have already booked their places for Domotex Middle East 2009.

The fair authorities have scheduled this fair to coincide with five other Interior material international events in the same venue for the first time.

Participants Feed back:

HEPC participants have achieved the desired break through after two years in this fair.

Spot Orders Booked in INR	: 86,10,000.00
Enquiries Value in INR	: 1,19,70,000.00
No. of Buyers visited	: 76
country’s of buyers Visited	: Dubai, Morrocco, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, USA, Jordan, Iran, Kuwait

HEPC has made very elaborate arrangements for the participation with the help of Consulate General of India by arranging Hotel Accommodation at Corporate rate and coordinated with the participants for getting  Mobile SIM card, Internet Data card, Courier to carry exhibits besides VISA assistance. All the participants are very happy about the arrangements made by the Council. Four out of Six participants have decided at the end of fair to repeat their participation in next year through HEPC.

Deutche Messe Dubai Branch has announced the dates for fourth edition of Domotex Middle East from 12th to 14th May 2009 in Dubai. 

HEPC has organised the participation of the following 12 exporters in EVTEKS 2008, 14th Istanbul Home Textile Exhibition, held from 21-25 May 2008at CNR Expo, Istanbul, Turkey.

S.No	Company name and place
1	Sethi International, Panipat
2	Ramesh Impex Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
3	Garud Fabs (P) Ltd., Noida
4	Kittu Exports, Salem
5	Malabar Textiles, Kannur
6	Weave & Craft India International, Kannur
7	Sheil International, New Delhi
8	H.A. Hai & Brothers, Varanasi
9	Modern Silk Manufacturing Industrial Coop. Society ltd., Varanasi
10	Aastha Enterprises, Delhi
11	Silko International, Varnasi
12	Shikhar Merchandise Corporation, New Delhi

As per the feed-back received from our member participants, all were happy about their participation in this fair. As per the feedback given by them, 343 number of serious buyers visited our 12 stalls during the 5 day fair, and spot orders worth Rs.1.06 crores were booked, and enquires worth minimum Rs.15.60 crores were received, which may ultimately lead to concrete orders. On an average each participant had nearly 30 visitors, which is a significant number when compared to other home textile fairs. All of them wanted to repeat their participation and also to increase their stall size.
Shri T.N. Subramanian, Business Promotion Officer, of the Council had coordinated the participation.

With 13 Countries, over 370 million inhabitants and GDP of almost US $2 trillions, the South American market holds great opportunities. Brazil is the most important market in South America with over 180 millions inhabitants and GDP of over US $ 1 trillion. It is one of the world’s ten largest economies.

Council participated in House & Gift fair oragnised by M/s. Grafite Feiras e Prmomocoes Ltda at Expo centre, Sao Paulo , Brazil during 16th – 19th August’08 The participation in the event was organised by the Council for the first time to tap the potential offered by LAC region which still remain not fully explored .

The event in its 37th edition, essentially showcasing house hold products like kitchenware, table ware , furnitures and other interior products, invited mainly small & volume retailers. The fair hosted about 900 Brazilian & International exhibitors. Of which there were about 90 exhibitors ( nearly 10%) from India participated through various trade promotion organisations like HEPC , ITPO , FIEO, CEPC , EPCH , JMDC

Council’s participation along with its members was arranged with the financial assistance from Ministry of Commerce with an encouraging response from the trade utilising this opportunity The following 18 exporters from all over the Country participated in this event under the aegis of Council .

- Gem Exports, Karur
- Global Overseas , Bhadohi
- Inertia International, Noida
- Sethkumar Rai International , New Delhi
- The Harichandra Weaving Mills, Kannur
- Nandini Fabrics, Karur
- R.P.Overseas, Panipat
- Max Creations , Karur
- American Textile Company , Karur
- Malabar Textile , Kannur
- Sarla Handicrafts, Panipat
- Devan International Exports , Coimbatore
- Ashika Fabrics, Karur
- Visa Cotton, Karur
- Sri J.J.Lakshmi & Co, Narsapur
- Trident Home Furnishings ( P ) Ltd, Chennai
- R.K.Exports , Karur
- Karur Evergreen Exports Pvt Ltd, Karur

A total area of 192.m2 was hired and council had also put up a central promotional stall

A Few Clippings of Exhibitors under the aegis of HEPC :

There was a turn out of 324 buyers to our member participants and spot orders worth of Rs.61,68,000/-was booked and trade enquiries worth of Rs5,67,72,000/-was received by our participants . During the event , Council hired the services of interpreters for providing assistance to the member participants to converse with the visitors most of whom were unable to speak even a single word in English. For this reason , Council also prepared exhibitors’ catalogue in Portuguese language for distribution during the event .

Office of Indian consulate , Sao Paulo in Brazil provided excellent support through out our participation in this event right from identifying interpreters . Shri.Rajiv Kumar, Consul , O/o Consulate General Of India, Brazil visited during inaugural day of the event and interacted with our participants and provided them with valuable inputs about the market. The Consul also visited during the concluding day of the event to have an on the spot feedback from our exhibitors.

Mr.Roberto Paranhos do Rio Branco , President & Mr. R.L.Keshwani ( a Tamilnadu born Indian ) , Vice president of BrasilIndia Chamber of Commerce also visited our participants on 3rd day of the event. During the interaction , they had shown keen interest in mobilising the visit of importers who are members of the chamber in the next edition of the event.

Council was represented by Mr.P.Rangasamy , Superintendent who coordinated members’ participation in the event on the spot.

Observations during the fair :

- Brazil is a developing economy with a per capita income and GDP much better than anyother developing nations and the country has a presence of lot of middle and upper middle class population . As such there exists a sizeable population who is willing to spend in decorating the interiors and furnishing their house

- There exists a great demand for Indian products particularly hometextiles as could be seen from the keen interest shown by many retailers in placing order for hometextiles in small quantities.

- There also exists a market for fabrics offered by the converters.

- The design and color trends for the products are in line with European market ( Spain region in particular ) since the country has sizeable population having the origin of Spain region. Products having less value addition/ ornaments available at an affordable price will click well in the market

- Our existing product pricing in general also seems to be attractive and affordable.

- With product and price acceptance, there exists a good potential for our hometextiles products.

- Noticeable presence of Indian community involved in importing is also an added advantage

- However, the existence of cumbersome import formalities and restrictions drives away many willing entrepreneurs from entering into import business. Many of small retailers who visited our participants’ stall not even aware of import formalities and hesitant to undertake the same, hence, most of them wanted the materials be imported and delivered to them. With the result, there are only a few players in the field of import business and as such there exists a good scope for importers / distributors / agents to enter into importing and distribution . Our exporters can also look at the opportunity of engaging such importing agents / distributors to reach the potential clients.

- Import duty is in the order of around 35% ( minimum ) and is levied on weight basis ( understood that Brasil recently switched over from import duty on value basis to weight basis ).

- Out of 18 participants under HEPC 6 of them have booked spot orders. 10 of them indicated their willingness to participate again through HEPC and 2 of them will be deciding it in the future.

- Continuous participation in any trade fair is very essential to create a confidence and register among the sourcing community in a market of this kind which is yet to be explored to its full potential.

- In the present scenario, wherein, all developed markets are either fully saturated or nearing saturation, , it may be worth repeating our participation again in this event which will provide a platform for our exporters to diversify their market and establish market linkage in this upcoming market. It is reflected from the feedback given by a few of our participants who already expressed their willingness to repeat their participation.

- It is understood that EXPOCOMER is another fair held during 1st week of March every year in Panama city situated in central America . It is also worth exploring for our participation due to its proximity to COLON a trade free Zone and a big distribution centre for South America.

The 9th edition of Heimtextil India 2008 for home & household textiles & accessories organized by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai was inaugurated on 10.10.08 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai

Textile Days India is a combination of Heimtextil India & Texworld India this year. Approximately 150 exhibitors participated in the Textile Days India. Texworld India is representing to apparel fabrics, accessories, fibers and yarns. Out of 150 exhibitors about 95 leading Indian & overseas exhibitors participated in Heimtextil India’08 with new varieties in various range of textiles products including home furnishings, made-ups such as bedspreads, cushion covers, bed linen, table linen, decorative table cloths, durries, mats, duvets, quilts, patchwork, curtains, throws etc.

The Council has participated in Heimtextil India’08, Mumbai with 17 member exporters & one promotion stall in 216 Sq. Mtrs. Out of 17 participants 5 are erstwhile DEPM beneficiaries from across the country to market test their products.

The following 17 member exporters have participated through HEPC:

A Few Clippings of Exhibitors under the aegis of HEPC :

SL.No	Name of the Participants
1	Amit Enterprises, New Delhi
2	Cotton Craft Overseas, Panipat
3	Ravi Export Inds, Panipat
4	Narmadha Fabrix, Karur
5	Bandejjia Traders, Agra
6	Home Accents, New Delhi
7	KHDC Ltd., Bangalore
8	Simran Export, Panipar
9	Sahib Overseas, Panipat
10	The Meppayil Weavers coop P&S Society Ltd., Meppayil
11	Home Creation India, Panipat
12	Goalpara Tangil Tantubay S.S. Ltd., WB
13	Kishorigung Tantubay S.S. Ltd, WB
14	Puchmura Tantubay S.S. Ltd., WB
15	Sharad Exports, Panipat
16	Radha Hari Export, Jaipur
17	T.K.International Ltd., New Delhi

Our member participants have displayed their products in a very attractive and professional manner. According to the feed back received from our member participants that 119 Foreign Buyers, 56 Buying Agents and 100 Business visitors from France, Estonia, Poland, Germany, Gulf Countries, South America, Russia, USA, UK, Peru, Korea, Africa, Brazil, Dubai, Spain, Taiwan have visited our 17 member exporters stalls. It has also been ascertained from our member participants that spot orders worth of Rs.25.38 lakhs and sample enquiries worth of Rs.2.23 crores have been generated during the three days of fair. Due to poor turn-out of overseas buyers the response was not up to the expectations.

Shri G. Mathi Vathanan, IAS, Executive Director of the Council & Shri L.N. Nayak, Director Textiles, Govt. of Orissa have visited the fair and interacted with our member exporters.

Shri. Chandrakant D. More, from Regional Office, New Delhi has coordinated the fair. Few photographs & details of feed back statement of the fair are enclosed.

Dt.21.10.2008	(Chandrakant D. More)
LDC

The 26TH Edition of Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair (Autumn) 2008 was inaugurated by Shri Ashok Pradhan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Noida on 15.10.08 at India Expo Mart & Centre, Greater Nodia in the presence of Shri Sanjay Aggarwal, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Dr.Sandeep Srivastava, Addl. Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) leading congregation of foreign buyers, Foreign and Indian journalists and Indian Exporters . The inaugural function started with traditional lamp lighting by Shri Ashok Pradhan, Member of Parliament. In his inaugural address Hon’ble member of Parliament highlighted the role of Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair in promoting the craftsmanship who belong to economically weaker sections of the Society.

EPCH has allotted 477 Sqm of raw space at 2nd phase of 3rd floor of India Expo Mart to accommodate HEPC member exporters. Due to poor location only 10 member exporters come forward to participate in Indian Handicrafts and Gift Fair (Autumn)’08. The following 10 members were accommodated in the above fair. As the location was not very much advantageous, buyer’s turnout was not up to expectations.

The names of members who have participated in IHGF(Autumn)’08 through HEPC are furnished below:-

SL.No	Name of the Participants	Stall No.	Size in m2
1	S.R. Overseas, Bhagalpur	D-10/18/01	12
2	Gramkalna Tangail Tantubay Samabay Samity Ltd., West Bengal	D-10/18/02	12
3	Art International, Jaipur	D-10/18/03	12
4	Gangotri Overseas, Panipat	D-10/18/05	20
5	Silko International, Varanasi	D-10/18/06	20
6	Visalatchi International, Bhavani	D-10/18/07	24
7	Noble Enterprises, Panipat	D-10/18/08	24
8	Amsa Exports, Karur	D-10/18/09	20
9	Prakassh Exports, Karur ISO 9001-2000 Company	D-10/18/10	24
10	KPR International Exports, Ambala	D-10/18/11	18

Council had engaged NIFT students to help our member exporters to display our member exporters products in a professional way. There were total 37 Foreign Buyers, 11 Buying Agents from Spain, Japan, China, Korea, Singapore, France, Russia, USA, Iran, New-Zealand & Italy have visited our 10 member exporters stalls. It has been ascertained from our member participants that spot orders worth of Rs.2 lakhs and enquiries worth of Rs.13 lakhs have been generated during the four days of fair.

Shri.G. Mathi Vathanan, IAS Executive Director of the Council & Ms.Meenu S.Kumar, Chief Enforcement Officer, Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles have visited the fair and interacted with our member exporters. Shri. R. P. Rajalingam, Export Promotion Officer, Regional Office, New Delhi co-ordinated the event.

Dt.21.10.2008	(Chandrakant D. More)
LDC

The 2nd edition of Indian Houseware and Gift Fair (Autumn) 2008 for Houseware, Gift, Decorative, Furniture & Christmas items and Home Textiles - for the first time was organized by Society For Small & Medium Exporters (SSMEX) from 15.10.08 to 18.10.2008 at Pragati Maidan , New Delhi

Approximately 150 leading Indian and overseas exhibitors have participated in “IHGF (Autumn) ‘ 08 in Hall Nos. 14 &18. The products on display are wide range of Home Textiles, Gift, Decorative, Furniture & Christmas items.

The Council has participated in this fair with 21 member exporters out of which 5 are erstwhile DEPM beneficiaries from across the country to market test their products. All our member participants have been provided with NIFT trainees to put-up display of their exhibits in an international standard, as few of them are first time participants in an International fair.

The following 21 member exporters have participated through HEPC:

SL.No	Name
1	Indo Siam Textiles, New Delhi
2	Swati Exim Private Limited, Noida, U.P
3	G.C.International, New Delhi
4	Devi Textiles, Kerala
5	Himachal Woollen Mills, Ludhiana
6	Garud Fabs Pvt.Ltd., Noida, U.P
7	Sri Jothi Impex, Karur
8	Fulia Progotisil Tantubay Samabay Samity Ltd., West Bengal
9	Chennai Hometex Pvt.Ltd, Chennai
10	Fulia Tangail Shari Bayan Silpa Samabay Samity Ltd., W.B
11	TK International limited, Gurgaon
12	Kishoriganj Tantubay Samabay Samity Ltd., Burdwan
13	Home Accents, New Delhi
14	Tohfa, Varanasi, U.P.
15	Sahil International(PNP), Panipat
16	The Puthiba Leirak Miga Silk Weaver's Co-op. Society Ltd., Imphal
17	Unique Exports, Agra
18	Venus Exports, Delhi
19	Dee Dee International, Panipat
20	Panchmura Tantubay Samabay Samity LTd., Burddhaman Distt., West Bengal
21	The Shastri Nagar Handloom Weavers Production Cum Sale Co-Op.Indl.So.Ltd., Kullu

According to the feed back received from our member participants there are 85 foreign buyers & 44 Buying Agents & 90 Other Business visitors have visited our member participants stalls from Germany, Poland, France, Italy, Israel, Spain, Denmark, Japan, China, Brazil, Holland, Netherlands & USA . It has also been ascertained from our 21 member participants that spot orders worth of Rs.1.40 lakhs & enquires worth of Rs.29.85 Lakhs were generated during the 4 days of fair for different products. Over all the response was not up to expectations due to Poor turn out of buyers.

The following are the main reasons:

- No advertisement across the city by the fair authority

- Lack of Publicity in & around Pragati maidan.

Shri.G. Mathi Vathanan, IAS Executive Director, HEPC and Shri S.K.Jha, Addl. Development Commissioner (HL), have visited the fair and interacted with our member exporters. Shri. R. P. Rajalingam, Export Promotion Officer & staff of Regional Office, New Delhi have co-ordinated the event.

Dt.21.10.2008	(Chandrakant D. More)
LDC

Heimtextil’09 one of the biggest International trade fairs for home and contract hometextiles was held at Frankfurt , Germany during 14-17th January’09.

For the 1st time in the history of Council’s participation in Heimtextil , Council has taken space directly with Messe Frankfurt , Germany by taking a total raw space of 462 sq.mtrs and constructing the stand .The following 29 member exporters from all over the country were provided space for exhibiting various products covering the entire spectrum of hometextiles.

Sahil International (PNP), Panipat	(Chandrakant D. More)
Ramesh Impex Pvt. Ltd.,, New Delhi	Trident Home Furnishings (P) Ltd.,, Chennai
N.M.T. International,, Karur	Rama Crafts Pvt. Ltd.,, Jaipur
Swati Exim Private Limited,, Noida	Design Collection, Panipat
Raghav Exports, Panipat	Master Linens Inc., Karur
ICL-INC, New Delhi	G.C.International, New Delhi
R.G.Exports,Panipat	Paradigm International,, Karur
Meridian Fabrica,, Karur	H.A. Hai & Brothers, Varanasi
Santh Exports,, Karur	The Karur Creation, Karur
Amity International,, Karur	Indo art Fashion,, Panipat
Eram Inc, Sitapurr	Mangalick Sales (P) Ltd.,, Agra
Home and We Handicrafts Pvt. Ltd.,, New Delhi	Western Textiles,, Kannur
Co-optex International,, Chennai	Garimaa Silks, Bangalore
Shyam Exports,, Panipat	Chellas Impex,, Karur

Besides Council had also put up a central promotion stall of 42 sq.mtrs promoting the Indian hand-woven textile with product clippings of wall panels showcasing the handloom industry’s dominant presence in a vast portfolio of products such as Table Linen, Kitchen Linen, Bed linen , Furnishings , cushion covers and floor coverings etc., The opportunity was also best utilized to publicize the brand image of the handwoven products bearing the “Handloom mark” label and its uniqueness. Council booked advertisement space in “Lumio” and “Piccolumio” digital display systems placed in the main pathways , for advertising our members’ stall locations. Council also hired space in “Optimo” for distribution of exhibitors catalogue . These advertisements resulted in good advertisements for our member exhibitors .

Smt. Meenu S.Kumar, Addl Development Commissioner ( Handlooms ) , Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India and Shri Ajithkumar, Consul General of India in Germany visited the fair and interacted with participants

Council booked space in level 6.0 in Hall 6 which has become the focal point for many Asian companies who have been placed in different levels of the same hall by the fair authorities . As per the feedback submitted by participants under the aegis of Council , a total of about 533 visitors visited the stalls of our member exhibitors and business enquiries worth about Rs11.50 Crores were generated during the event and spot orders worth about Rs.3.08 Crores were booked

Assessment about the fair :

- As per the un audited statement available , the total number of exhibitors came down from 2884 exhibitors during 2008 to 2621 exhibitors in 2009. Against this overall picture , the number of exhibitors from India had gone up from 362 exhibitors during 2008 to 387 exhibitors in 2009 . The fact that HEPC’s direct space booking through Messe Frankfurt , Germany helped in bringing down the participation fee thereby encouraging many exhibitors’ participation in this event through Council as could be seen from the increase in number of exhibitors from 6 exhibitors during 2008 to 29 exhibitors in 2009 had contributed significantly for the increase in Indian participation..

- Further, it is interesting to note that the number of Chinese/Hong kong exhibitors had also gone up from 347 ( in 2008) to 359 ( in 2009) and Pakistan also increasing its share from 162 ( in 2008 ) to 182 exhibitors ( in 2009)

- As the economy mostly in developed countries reeling under recession and many other related economies showing recession trend it is hardly surprising to note that Heimtextil 2009 attracted fewer visitors than in 2008.

- According to the estimates on the last day of the event there were 74,000 visitors from 121 countries . However, there seems more visitors came from Germany than were expected - given the economic situation.

- The gloomy economic situation and worsening visitor expectations contributed for the fall in number of visitors from outside Germany . Further , visitors from outside Germany came in smaller delegation and spent an average of 2 days at the fair instead of 2-4 days as in the past . It was noticed during the fair that only the 2nd and 3rd days of the event had the satisfactory buyers turnout and the remaining days were very quiet.

- Nations particularly affected by the financial crisis such as USA and China and other economies tied to the Dollar were characterized by significant declines on visitor numbers.

- The buyers turnout were very thin from European countries such as Portugal, Spain and Sweden which witnessed the greatest drop in exports in 2008.

- The top 10 visitor nations after Germany are: Italy, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Spain, France, Belgium, Turkey, Poland, Greece and the USA -pushed to the 10th spot. Against this trend some African countries such as Egypt and Algeria registered an increase in visitor numbers, albeit a very small one.

- It is observed that the poor turnout of buyers was attributed to the drop out of non-serious visitors. However, the event had a satisfactory net result in terms of volume of orders booked on the spot and business enquiries generated.

- Another important aspect which need to be taken into account is that the Chinese products are slowly losing its competency as most of their items no longer remain cheaper and the cost difference is almost narrowing down due to the current curtailment of overly generous and unfair subsidies hitherto extended to these products. Further, the first rule to work with China is to make a huge stock due to their higher production capacity which has lost its relevance as no importer would be interested in making huge stocks in the present gloomy economic scenario. Our Indian exporters may avail this opportunity to capture the share of Chinese export basket.

- As the financial melt down spreading its wings to many countries there will be a tough time ahead for the industry in forthcoming year with slackening demand and lowering prices. Under the circumstances, industry need to adopt suitable strategy by bringing out innovative products and focus on reducing lead time for an effective inventory control etc even to retain the existing client ad to survive the storm of economic slowdown.

- The Heimtextil in Frankfurt am Main is a trend setter for the whole sector. Heimtextil trend was offered with six trend forecasts offering visions for design in the coming season under the heading “Expect the Unexpected”- stands for current trends that reconsider and reinterpret tried and tested ideas and in doing so , encounter unexpected ideas. The six trend themes – “Illusionist”, “Time Traveller”, “Fortune Teller”, “Alchimist”,.“Witchcraft”, and “Enchanted”- which emerged from the trend table’s consideration of the various inspirations and influences.

The event was coordinated by Mr.P.Rangasamy & Mr. M.Ananda Balaji - officials of Handloom Export Promotion Council

Handloom Export Promotion Council has organized the sixth continuous year participation in Domotex 2009 held at Hannover, Germany between 17th and 20th January 2009. This year the Council has booked space directly with fair authority as per the demand of previous two-year participants. There were 27 (during 2008:22) member exporters’ participated in 425 sqm (during 2008:253) area at Hall No.15. Council has set up a full fledged Central Promotional stand in about 24 sqm area comprising display and distribution of publicity materials, information across the counter, meeting place, etc…

The following member exporters have participated in Domotex ’09 through the Council under MDA scheme.

1	Ashoka Handicrafts, Panipat
2	Shyam Overseas, Panipat
3	Sahib Overseas, Panipat
4	Ess Kay Enterprises, Panipat
5	Design Collection, Panipat
6	Noble Enterprises(India), Panipat
7	Bandejjia Traders, U.P.
8	AKS Rugs Co., Panipat
9	Adarsh Rugs, Panipat
10	Balaji Loomtex, U.P
11	R.P. Overseas, Panipat
12	Vijayan Group, New Delhi
13	Winners Weaver, Karur
14	Unique Exports, Agra
15	Rug Tex, Panipat
16	Niryatak Handloom co-operative Society Ltd., Kanpur
17	Tex India, Panipat
18	Mittal Exports, Panipat
19	Cael Exports, New Delhi
20	La Rugs, New Delhi
21	Pardeep International, Panipat
22	Eram Internationale, UP
23	Hafizia Art & Crafts Pvt. Ltd., Sitapur
24	Indian Heritage, Sitapur
25	Seth Kumar Rai Int., New Delhi
26	Sahil International(PNP), Panipat
27	Home Creations, Panipat

This year the fair has started with great anxiety among participants, Council officials and Deutche Messe AG, the fair organizer about the out comes in the prevailing economic crisis faced by the entire world. The fair started slowly but studiedly picked up for serious business. It appeared that there were less number of visitors, but the fair end report from our member participants shows 544 ( during 2008:260) visited them. According to the feed back received from our 27 participant member exporters’ spot orders worth of US $ 20.45 lakhs (during 2008:5.84) and enquiries worth of US $ 33.30 lakhs (during 2008:7.28) have been secured apart from 81 serious negotiations in final stages. The success rate in terms of spot orders is 45% (during 2008:55%).

The details of top-10-exhibitor countries and their display area in this year Domotex are as follows:

Germany	: 250 exhibitors on 21,000 sqm.
Belgium	: 89 exhibitors on 11,870 sqm.
Turkey	: 115 exhibitors on 11,560 sqm.
India	: 235 exhibitors on 6,830 sqm.
Netherlands	: 59 exhibitors on 6,270 sqm.
China	: 180 exhibitors on 4,050 sqm.
Italy	: 54 exhibitors on 3,340 sqm.
Iran	: 27 exhibitors on 2,730 sqm.
USA	: 45 exhibitors on 1,960 sqm.
Egypt	: 6 exhibitors on 1,880 sqm.

As usual the office of Consulate General of India, Hamburg has extended full co-operation besides personal visit by Mr.S.R.Patnaik, Vice Consul with Mr.Rajat Sarkar, Commercial Officer to the Council stand and interacted with Council member exporters. Shri Manoj Jain, Dy. Development Commissioner (Handlooms) has been specially deputed from O/o Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India to ascertain first hand information on all aspects including market trend in the present economic scenario.

Apart from HEPC there are many other organizations such as India Trade Promotion Organisation, Coir Board, Jute Manufacturers Development Council and Carpet Export Promotion Council have arranged group participation in Domotex 2009 from India.

According to Deutch Messe AG 82% of participants and 64% of visitors are from abroad. The organizers have summed up the mood of exhibitors as “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”. This year 1394 exhibitors have displayed their products from 70 countries has attracted 38,000 visitors out of which 86% are purchase decision makers. All usual events were held in the sidelines of Domotex 2009.

They are detailed below:

Carpet Design Awards 2009: To reward quality, creativity and innovative design in handmade carpets
- 140 products submitted from 18 countries
- Competition with a high international profile
- Prize money totaling 10,000 euros

The 2009 Carpet Design Awards (CDA) 2009 under the aegis of DOMOTEX HANNOVER. Worth a total of 10,000 euros, the Carpet Design Awards are given in recognition of exceptional design, creativity and material quality in the "Handmade carpets and rugs" market. This year saw 140 carpets from 18 countries entered for the Carpet Design Awards. A panel of experienced and well known judges were involved in the selection process comprising ten categories. The winners were announced at the award presentation

This year Domotex the world's biggest trade show for carpets and floor coverings has attracted 1,394 exhibitors from some 70 countries who has presented their latest products and innovations in carpets, textile and resilient floor coverings, laminate floorings and wood parquet. On a total display area of 89,000 square metres market-leading suppliers from Germany and many other countries

An exciting first time at DOMOTEX in 2009 is the world's largest square Nain carpet, measuring massive 20 × 20 metres. With approx. 490,000 knots per square metre, the carpet was Handmade in Iran knotted in one piece and took six years to produce. A total of 2,250 kilos of wool, 300 kilos of natural silk and 1,280 kilos of cotton went into the delicate filigree motifs, the beige background and the artistic design of the central medallion.

Majority of Exhibitors and 38,000 visitors have mainly focused on innovation and creativity of 1,394 exhibitors from 70 different countries display of latest products and developments in carpets, textile and resilient floor coverings, laminate flooring and parquet flooring.

The fair was coordinated by Shri R.P.Rajalingam, Export Promotion Officer and Shri R.Leelaprathapan, Superintendent. The Domotex 2010 would be held from 16th – 19th January 2010.

The 27th Edition of Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair (Spring) 2009 was inaugurated by Shri E.V.K.S. Elangovan, Hon’ble Ministry of State for Textiles on 25.03.2009 at India Expo Mart & Centre, Greater Nodia in the presence Guest of Honour Mr. Christian-Matthias Schlaga, Charge-d Affairs, Embassy of Germany, Ms.Taliana Varagas, Miss Columbia Universe 2008 & brand ambassador for Indian Handicrafts in LAC, Shri Sanjay Aggarwal, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Dr.Sandeep Srivastava, Addl.Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) leading congregation of foreign buyers, Foreign and Indian journalists and Indian Exporters.

The inaugural function started with traditional lamp lighting by Shri E.V.K.S. Elangovan, Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles. In his inaugural address Hon’ble MOS(T) lauded EPCH for it’s noteworthy efforts towards the growth & development of the sector and also acknowledge the effect of economic slow down on handicraft exports. To tackle the crises & stand up to international competition, he advised exhibitor to cut costs intelligently & work collectively for the growth of the sector.

Touching upon Government initiatives, he mentioned about Vishesh Krishi & Gram Udyog Yojana, Interest Subvention, Pre-Shipment & Post-Shipment Credit & special packages for the cluster development of handicrafts. The Hon’ble Minister has congratulated the organizers and best wishes to all the participants for successful participation.

According to fair authority, there are 1800 leading manufacturers and exporters, besides mart owners, have displayed vide range of Handicrafts and Textiles including Home Furnishing made-ups such as bedspreads, cushion covers, bed linen, table linen, decorative table cloths, rugs, duvets and quilts, patchwork, curtains, throws besides fashion accessories such as scarves, stoles, etc.

HEPC has got the premises in 2nd Floor Mart Area belongs to Govt. of Orissa & put-up 7 booths for participation of HEPC members in IHGF (Spring) 2009, from 25th to 28th February 2009.

The following member exporters have participated in IHGF (Spring)’09 through HEPC:

Sl.No	Name of the Firm	Stall No.	Size (Sqm)
1	Indo Siam Textiles, New Delhi	C-08/2-6/01	12
2	Dee Dee International, Panipat	C-08/2-6/02	12
3	Art International, Jaipur	C-08/2-6/03	12
4	Swati Exim Pvt. Ltd., Noida	C-08/2-6/04	12
5	Ess Kay Enterprises, Panipat	C-09/1-5/05	18
6	Indo Art Fashion, Panipat	C-09/1-5/06	18
7	Exclusive Products, Panipat	C-09/1-5/07	12

There were total 33 Foreign Buyers, 11 Buying Agents & 12 business visitors from South Africa, UK, Japan, UAE, Europe, Poland, France, Italy & Germany have visited our 7 member exporters stalls. It has been ascertained from our member participants that spot orders worth of Rs.50,000/- for the items curtain & cushion covers and enquiries worth of Rs.23 lakhs for the items curtain, cushion cover, bathmat & throw have been generated during the four days of fair. Due to global economic slow down the over all buyer’s turnout was very low.

The Regional office, New Delhi lead by Shri R. P. Rajalingam, Export Promotion Officer has
co-coordinated the event.

The next Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair (Autumn) ’09 will be held from 10th to 13th October 2009.

(R.P.RAJALINGAM)
Export Promotion Officer.

The 15th edition of “Tex-Styles India” organized by India Trade Promotion Organisation was inaugurated by Smt.Sheela Dixit Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi.

Approximately 200 leading exhibitors have participated in “Tex-Styles India 2009” fair in a Gross area of 14000 sq. mtrs. in Hall Nos. 8, 9, 10 & 11. The products on display are Home Furnishings & Made-ups, Fabrics, yarn etc. The special features are Trend Forum, Theme Pavilion, Fabric Folio, Handloom and Power loom sector, Wool and Silk, Designer Gallery etc.

The Council participated in this fair with 47 member exporters in an area of 792 sqm out of which 10 are Handloom Export Scheme (erstwhile DEPM) beneficiaries from across the country to market test their products. All our member participants have been provided with NIFT trainees to put-up display of their exhibits in an international standard, as most of them are first time participants in any International fairs.

The following member exporters have participated though HEPC:

HALL NO. 10

NAME	PLACE	SPACE	S.NO
Destitute Hathkargha Udyog Utpadan S.S.Ltd.	Azamgarh	15	57
Puthiba Leirak Muga & Silk WCS Ltd.	Imphal	15	58
The Shastri Nagar handloom & handicrafts Production cum sales cooperative society ltd.	kullu	15	60
Gram Kalna Tangail Tantubay Samabay Samity Ltd.,	WB	15	61
Bhutti Weavers CSL, Kullu	kullu	15	77
Panchmura Tantubay Samabay Samity Ltd., West Bengal	WB	15	78

HALL NO. 11

NAME	PLACE	SPACE	S.NO
Trident Home Furnishing P.Ltd.,	Chennai	24	113
Diamond Exports,	PNP	30	114, 115
AVS International,	New Delhi	15	116
S.R.Overseas	Bhagalpur	15	117
All India Handloom Fabrics Mktg.Coop Society Ltd.,	Noida	15	119
Marvel Exports,	Bhubaneswar	15	120
Simran Exports,	PNP	15	121
Home And We Handicrafts P.Ltd.,	ND	15	122
Shivani Wooltex P.Ltd.	New Delhi	24	123
Tuli International	Panipat	24	124
Mangalick Sales P.LTd.,	Agra	15	125
Vijayan Group	ND	15	126
Imperial Lace Exports	Seetharampuram	15	127
Raja Exports	PNP	15	128
Indian Silk, Varanasi	VNS	15	131
The Tirubuvanam Silk Handloom WCP&S	Thirubuvnam	15	132
Trishulin Overseas	Noida	15	133
Cooptex International,	Chennai	15	134
Khatri Texstyles	Jaipur	18	135
Abhishek Exports	Karur	15	136
Tanisha International,	PNP	15	137
Golden Lace Exports	Seetharampuram	15	138
Dee Dee International	PNP	15	139
Sahil International (PNP)	PNP	21	140
Fashion Folio	ND	15	141
Goalpara Tangail Tantubay Samabay Samity Ltd.,	WB	15	142
The Karnataka Handloom Development Corpn.Ltd.	Bangalore	15	143
Mahaprabhupara Tantubay Samabay Samity Ltd., Burdwan	WB	15	144
Home Creation (India)	PNP	24	145
Fabrication	VNS	15	146
Aditya Exports,	PNP	15	147
South India Producer Associations	Chennai	15	148
Vardhman Impex	Delhi	15	149
Himachal Woollen Mills	Ludhiana, Punjab	18	150
Rangoli Overseas	PNP	15	151
India Cottage Industries	G’bad	15	152
Dream Collection	PNP	15	153
T.K.International	Bhubaneswar	15	154
HEPC		15	155
Surya Overseas,	Panipat	24	156
ABB International Inc.	Panipat	15	157
Gangotri Overseas	Panipat	15	158
The Kanhirode Weavers CP&S	Kannur	15	159

The Council has organized a crash course on Visual Merchandising, Designing Concepts, International Marketing Techniques and Business Etiquettes for the participants for the first time on 27.2.2009 with eminent speakers from NIFT and IIFT,

Closing and Best display award ceremony was held on 3.3.09. HEPC has been awarded ‘Gold trophy’ for best coordination Council.

According to the feedback received from our member participants there are 238 foreign buyers, 113 Buying Agents & 256 Business visitors have visited our member participant’s stalls from Germany, Italy, Spain and Japan. Spot orders worth of Rs.1,11,95,000/- has been booked & enquiry worth of Rs.4,26,30,000/- has been generated during the 3 days of fair. The orders booked were for the products Cushion Cover, Curtains, scarves, stoles, Polyster Shaggy Rugs and other Home furnishing items.

Few photographs taken during the fair are place below:

Shri B.K.Sinha, Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Smt.Meenu S.Kumar, Addl. Development Commissioner, Dr.(Mrs.) Beela Rajesh, Executive Director and Shri M.Nagaraj, Business Promotion Officer, HEPC have visited the fair and interacted with participants.

Shri R.P.Rajalingam, E.P.O., HEPC has coordinated the Fair. The 16th edition of Tex-Styles India Fair will be held at Pargati Maidan from 24th to 27th February 2010.

(R.P.RAJALINGAM)
Export Promotion Officer.