FICCI organised a very successful event and the opening ceremony was held on 8th October at the FICCI chambers, New Delhi followed by the event-cum-show on 9th-10th October at The Constitution Club of India, New Delhi.

8th October 2018 – The event began with the opening ceremony. The Guests of Honor Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Minister Of Textiles, Ms. Bulbul Sur from Ikea India, Ms. Ankhi Das from Facebook and Mr. Pankaja from A Fashion Designer took their seats at the podium along with the Director of FICCI.

The panel expressed their views on the handloom sector and its growth. The event was streamed live on Facebook on FICCI’s Facebook page and was very well received with thousands of likes and comments.

The evening was concluded with a closing speech by Ms. Pinky Reddy, Head of FICCI women wing and was followed by drinks and dinner.

BAA members present at the opening ceremony including Mr. Michael Vinod from Made In India Sourcing, Mr. Sanjeev Jain from TQM Global Buying, Mr. Anupam Sharan & Ms. Sharmila Sharan from Mila Merchandising, Mr. Mahesh Marathe from Max Serve Merchandising, Mr. Swatantra Gupta from Trades India, Ms. Apurva Agarwal from Outre Couture and Mr. Puneet Khanna from K P Enterprises & Mr. Nikhil Goyal from Elcorte Ingles.

9th October 2018 – The show was targeted at small and quality handwork exhibitors, with the total number of booths over 35-40 from different States of India showcasing handloom and hand-made products. Few artisans and craftsmen also exhibited their products. The following portfolio of products was showcased:
• Kashimir crewel embroidery,
• Shawls, stoles
• Paintings and other wall arts
• Artificial handmade jewellery
• Sarees and Dupattas
• Different handmade linen and Khadi fabrics
• Other blends of handmade fabrics suppliers
• Zari and mirror work from Gujrat and decoratives etc…

BAA Members who attended the show on 9th Oct included Mr. Sanjeev Jain from Tqm Global Buying, Ms. Sangeeta Vashisht & Mr. Harish Chandra from Springs Home, Mr. Mahesh Marathe from Max Serve Merchandising, Ms. Apurva Agarwal from Outre Couture, Mr. Puneet Khanna from K.P. Enterprises, Mr. Swatantra Gupta from Trades India, Mr. Nikhil Goyal from Elcorte Ingles and Mr. Anil Jain from Kan Kan Merchandising visited the event on the 10th Oct 2018.

Overall the show was small but focused and targeted on Indian domestic market though few exhibitors showed interest in export markets as well. BAA member participation was very well received by FICCI and discussions on taking this association ahead are on.

It was a good exposure for BAA members to the crafts of India.

As reported by Trade Fair Committee Buying Agents Association.