The Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC), in association with the High Commission of India, Colombo, organized the “Mega Silk Exhibition & Buyer Seller Meet (BSM) cum Display of Make in India products of silk and other allied silk products” on 6th January 2022 at Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo.
The exhibition cum BSM was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Gopal Baglay, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka. During the event, over thirty Indian silk exporters held fruitful discussions with more than two hundred potential buyers from Sri Lanka. Various items of silk, including silk fabrics and yarns; sarees; high fashion accessories; home furnishing products; miniature carpets; wall hangings; batik paintings (on silk); silk-blend products of jute and wool, etc.; tribal weaves from the North Eastern States; and GI products from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir were at display. Mr. B.L.A.J. Dharmakeerthi, Secretary, State Ministry of Batik, Handloom, and Local Apparel Production also visited the exhibition.
Evolving profile of India’s entrepreneurship was manifested at the event with a significant number of women and young silk merchants whose innovations are adding modern dimensions to the country’s traditional heritage, thus making Indian silk products increasingly competitive in the world.
High Commissioner of India interacted with enthusiastic Sri Lankan sellers and encouraged the organizers and participants to explore long-term partnerships for technology and skills as well, so that Sri Lanka’s talented youth may benefit from our shared heritage and expertise.
On the sidelines of the event, ISEPC signed an MoU with the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) for close cooperation and sharing of information regarding investment, trade, quality standards, technology transfer technical know-how, market intelligence, economic cooperation in the field of silk textiles and other allied silk products. The High Commissioner of India expressed hope that the signing of the MoU would contribute to close commercial links and cooperation in the textile sector between the two countries.
India enjoys the status of the second largest silk-producing country in the world and has the unique distinction of being the only country producing all the four known commercial silks, namely, Mulberry, Tasar (Tropical Tasar, Oak Tasar), Eri, and Muga. It is estimated that the value of exports of silk and silk products during April-October 2021 stood at US$200.45 million which was 61.99% higher than the figures for the corresponding period during 2020 (US$ 123.74). Readymade garments of silk accounted for the largest share in terms of the value of exports i.e. US$ 80.45 million and US$ 43.00 million respectively during April-Oct 2021 and the corresponding period in 2020.
