Hon’ble Textile Secretary Shri Raghvendra Singh inaugurated 37th Edition of India Carpet Expo NSIC Exhibition Ground, Okhla, New Delhi
New Delhi, 10th March, 2019: The 37th Edition of India Carpet Expo, 
Organized by Carpet Export Promotion Council at NSIC Exhibition Ground, Okhla, New Delhi was inaugurated today with lamp lighting by Shri Raghvendra Singh, IAS, Secretary (Textiles), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India in the august presence of Shri Shantmanu, IAS, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). The Expo is organized under the aegis of Govt. of India with an aim to promote the Cultural Heritage and weaving skills of Indian hand-made Carpets and other floor coverings amongst the visiting overseas carpet buyers.
Shri Raghvendra Singh mentioned that, “We are very glad that CEPC organizes this Expo twice every year to promote Indian weavers worldwide. Every year Expo generates huge amount of business. We have everything handmade and hand weaved here, which is the major attraction to the foreign buyers.” Secretary appreciate the new innovations and display by the Members.
Chairman, CEPC requested that Carpet Industry was not incorporated in the recent decision taken by Cabinet for extending ROSL(Rebate on State Levies) to the Handmade Carpet Industry. Shri Raghvendra Singh, Secretary Textiles immediately called for a meeting on 11th March, 2019 with the representatives of the Handmade Carpet Industry to present their case and assured his best possible support to the Handmade Carpet Industry.
Shri Shantmanu, IAS, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) appreciated the efforts made by Chairman and Committee of Administration in organizing India Carpet Expo on such a large scale and expressed hope that the benefit will ultimately go to the artisans and weavers.
Mr. Mahavir Pratap Sharma, Chairman, CEPC said “India carpet expo is an ideal platform for International Carpet Buyers, Buying houses, buying Agents, Architects and Indian Carpet Manufacturers & Exporters to meet and establish long term business relationship. This exhibition is a crucial step towards taking Indian exports of Handmade carpet to much greater and newer heights. We have also set up a special theme pavilion wherein the experts of the industry are showcasing the process of carpet weaving through the concept of ergonomic and flexible tufting frame.”
Mr. Sharma further added that orders worth over thousand crores are expected to be executed. New fall-winter colors and designs are being showcased at the Carpet Expo
India Carpet Expo is one of the largest Handmade Carpet Fairs in Asia with a unique platform for the buyers to source the best handmade carpets, Rugs and other floor coverings under one roof. With the participation of over 305 exhibitors, it has become a popular destination worldwide on Handmade Carpets.
A record number of 152 overseas carpet buyers from around 60 countries mainly Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Germany, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey, U.K., USA etc. registered their presence on the first day of the fair till 3.00 p.m. It is the endeavor of the Council to provide exclusive business environment to the both carpet importers as well as manufacturer-exporters, which 
ultimately will benefit about 2 million weavers and artisans employed in this highly labour intensive rural based MSME cottage industry
