Page 9 - Craftcil August 2025

meetings & announcements

Jain, COA Member, EPCH, noted that extreme tariffs are causing
large-scale order cancellations and shrinking margins, calling for
swift fiscal and diplomatic measures. Mr. Rajendra Gupta, COA
Member, EPCH, added that exporters are ready to innovate but
require sustained policy support to safeguard millions of artisan
livelihoods. Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH stressed that
the crisis is also a chance to diversify markets, innovate products,
and strengthen India’s handicraft brand.

EPCH has urged the Government of India for targeted fiscal support,
promotional incentives, and diplomatic engagement, emphasising
that protecting handicrafts means preserving both artisan livelihoods
and India’s cultural heritage. The Hon’ble Minister gave a patient
hearing to the issues raised.
Export Promotion Councils and Industry Associations to discuss the
impact of U.S. Reciprocal Tariffs on Indian exports and explore
Vision Document for Growth of Handicraft Exports
potential mitigation strategies.
from Uttar Pradesh presented to State Chief Minister
EPCH was represented by Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in
the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH and Chairman, IEML, along with
Mr. Rajesh Jain and Mr. Rajendra Gupta, Members of the Committee
of Administration, EPCH; Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH
and Mr. Rajesh Rawat, Additional Executive Director, EPCH.
Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon'ble Union Minister of Textiles, Govt. of India
shared that "the current tariff scenario presents undeniable challenges,
but it also compels us to strengthen our strategies and diversify our
markets. While the government will continue in engaging with the
US to secure favourable terms for our exporters, we must also expand
our footprint in emerging and high-potential regions. Diversification
will not only reduce our dependence on a single market but also
open new growth opportunities for our exporters. The government
remains committed to supporting the sector with targeted policy
interventions, promotional incentives and strategic trade negotiations
to ensure that Indian exports continue to thrive." A high level delegation led by Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH met
Shri Yogi Adityanath, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. The meeting
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor,
also saw the presence of Mr. Avdesh Agarwal, Chief Convenor, EPCH and
EPCH and Chairman, IEML, spoke about the tariffs posing a major
Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH
challenge and recommendation of urgent measures to combat
the situation to safeguard exporters. He further added, "we're also On 27th August 2025 a High level delegation led by Dr. Neeraj
working on new supply chain model such as warehousing and Khanna, Chairman, EPCH met Shri Yogi Adityanath, Hon'ble Chief
drop shipping, allowing exporters to fulfil orders directly to Minister of Uttar Pradesh. This meeting at Lucknow also saw the
customers in overseas markets. We also see great potential in presence of Mr. Avdesh Agarwal, Chief Convenor, EPCH and Mr. R K
opening flagship and partner retail stores in key global cities to Verma, Executive Director, EPCH. The objective was to discuss the
supply products directly to customers, reducing dependence on impact of U S Reciprocal Tariffs on Indian exports and explore
intermediaries and improving profit margins for our exporters.” potential mitigation strategies.
Mr. Avdesh Agarwal, Chief Convenor, EPCH, said exporters are facing Recognising Uttar Pradesh as India's largest handicraft exporting
one of the most challenging phases in recent years and need timely state contributing significantly of the country's exports, the Council
government intervention to stay competitive globally. Mr. Rajesh has submitted a Vision Paper 2025-35 to the Hon'ble Chief Minister.

CRAFTCIL • AUGUST 2025 9