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`Increase in export of handicrafts'

Special Correspondent

All-India Crafts Bazaar is being held in Pondicherry

PONDICHERRY: The export of handicraft products from the country to foreign countries has increased from Rs.5,058 crore in 1998-1999 to Rs.13,032 crore in 2004-2005, according to the Regional Director (Southern region) of the office of the Development Commissioner, P. Sundaramurthi.

Addressing presspersons here on Thursday, he said that the handicrafts had been exported largely to the UK, the USA, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Middle East countries.

He said that the spurt in the quantum of exports from all over the country was due to the implementation of various schemes by the Government.

As many as 150 master craftsmen from different States and Union Territories showcased their respective States' art and craft pieces at an all-India Crafts Bazaar being held for 10 days at Gandhi Thidal (near the seashore) here from Friday. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day

The exhibition-cum-sale of the products had been organised by the Pondicherry-based PUDUMAI cooperative society of handicrafts, in collaboration with the District Industries Centre (DIC) here. Around Rs.1 crore worth of handicrafts from all over the country would be on display for sale there.

Mr. Sundaramurthi said that while 75 per cent of the total expenditure for holding the bazaar would be borne by the office of the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, the remaining 25 per cent would be borne by PUDUMAI. The bazaar would offer all the participating craftsmen a free platform to display and sell their products.

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