GUWAHATI, March 2 - The North East Craft Conclave 2017 got under way at the NEDFi House today. It was inaugurated by Prof Pradyumna Vyas, NID Director.
In his speech, Prof Vyas stated that the advantages of the craft sector include low tooling costs, less power and capital and availability of local material, which are regenerative and good for the ecosystem. The disadvantage lies in the inability of the sector to cope with fashion trends. He stressed the need to connect the creative culture industry with the service industry through the sale of products at various outlets like airports, hotels, etc. He congratulated the NEDFi for bringing all stakeholders, including online marketing platforms, fair trade and craft mark organisations and artisans together.
The CMD of NEDFi, in his address, said that the craft products have their own advantages in terms of creativity because they are handmade, and there are customers who appreciate such exclusive products. He also stated that the craft conclave would not only help the NEDFi to prepare a roadmap for the future but also to jumpstart online marketing by tying up with leading online craft marketing organisations of India.
JK Sinha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, inaugurated the exhibition and the data centre and appreciated the range of products developed by the participants of various States of NE Region. The NEDFi also signed MoUs with All India Artisans & Craft Workers� Association and Fair Trade Foundation-India with an objective to taking joint initiatives with these organisations to build the capacity of craftspersons. The CMD, NEDFi and the Director, NID, also launched the app for GoCoop, an online agency, which primarily works with grassroots cooperatives, in the presence of Siva Devireddy, the founder and CEO of the organisation, stated a press release of the NEDFi.
