India firm to open emporia in Dubai

The rich and colourful handlooms and handicrafts of India will soon be available under one roof in the UAE with the state-owned Central Cottage Industries Corp of India Ltd (CCIC) opening its first emporia in Dubai, a top official confirmed.

This will be CCIC's first emporia overseas athough the Handicrafts & Handlooms Exports Corp of India Ltd, another government body, has overseas offices in New York and Tokyo.

"The CCIC plans to open its first overseas emporia (mega store) in Dubai by end-2002. The store will cover an area of 10,000 square metres," Pramod Nagpal, general manager (commercial) CCIC, told Gulf News.

Market surveys revealed that the demand for Indian handlooms and handicrafts is strong in this region from not only the large Indian expatriate population but other nationals too, he said.

"Talks are being finalised with local partners," he said, adding that CCIC will exhibit and sell its products at three stalls during the Dubai Shopping Festival this month.

Meanwhile, the Indian Bazaar organised on Thursday in the capital by the Indian Ladies Assocation (ILA) in coordination with the Indian Embassy was a runaway success as Indian and international shoppers had a field day, picking up authentic Indian merchandise sourced from every nook and corner of India.

Vinu Singh, ILA president, said the bazaar which showcased most products brought by CCIC made available some unique Indian products which otherwise is beyond the reach of the common man.

"It is through the help of the government that such products are brought overseas," she said. CCIC has 35 outlets across India and sources its products directly from artisans.