State handloom and handicraft team leaves for Mandalay expo

IMPHAL, February 16: State Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam flagged off a team of the Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd comprising of National and State level Awardees in Handicrafts and Handlooms for Mandalay to participate in a five day “Thematic Exhibition” from February 20 to 24 at the National Theatre, Mandalay.

The flagging off ceremony was held at the premises of the Manipur Handloom and handicrafts Development Corporation at Governor Road.

Speaking during the flagging off ceremony, W Nilamani, Managing Director of the corporation said there are already 30 stalls available for the exhibition; however the team will see if it can add another stall after reaching the venue.

He added there are also five stalls set for the Manipuris settled in Mandalay.

The Ministry of textiles, Government of India had entrusted the corporation to organize the exhibition in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Mandalay, he said and added that the Manipur Chambers of Commerce and Industry has provided technical assistance to the Corporation to organize the said exhibition successfully.

He further expressed that the exhibition would pave the path for development and strengthening of trade relations between the two neighboring countries of India and Myanmar.

The said expo will help in promoting the handicraft and handloom products of the state to the people of the Eastern countries and help in establishing proper markets for the state products in such countries, he added.

Commerce and Industries Minister, Govindas Konthoujam said such types of exhibitions can give exposure to the state artisans and their items before the outside world and that it should be encouraged by all.

The state ranks third in the production of Handloom and Handicraft items in the country, he said.

He added the handloom and handicraft items of the state have always brought laurels for the state and should be promoted.