A delegation of handicrafts exporters led by Ravi K Passi, Chairman-EPCH met Som Prakash, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce and Industries and raised various issues pertaining to handicrafts sector and also suggested measures enhance exports of handicrafts in the country. Important issues raised during the discussion included classification problem pertaining to MEIS incentives for stone and marble handicrafts, additional funds for branding and promotion under Market Access Initiative scheme of Ministry of Commerce, inclusion of buyers from developed countries in MAI scheme for invitation to RBSMs in India, sale to foreign tourist to be considered as deemed exports, GST refunds, handicrafts to be included under Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL), exemption from 100 percent examination of shipments getting opened on account of Risky Exporters Listing, cover to handicrafts exporters under ECGC schemes to be prioritized, opening of warehouses in markets like Latin America and CIS countries.
Passi said that the Hon’ble Minister gave a patient hearing to all the issues raised during the meeting and assured all necessary interventions in the matter. Chairman further said that the meeting reflects the positive intentions of the government to work towards enhancing exports from the country.
Rakesh Kumar, Director General – EPCH said that we are hopeful that such interactions at the highest level will surely result in addressing of all the issues faced by handicrafts sector and their timely resolution. The exports of handicrafts during the period April-May of the current financial year 2019-20 have registered a growth of 10.96 percent in rupee terms and 6.16 percent in US dollar terms and is currently at Rs. 4,132.50 cr and $593.75 mn. However, the exports of handicrafts during the year 2018-19 have been Rs. 26,590 cr registering a growth of 15.16 percent.
