The Hindu Business Line : Talks on for Lepakshi showrooms abroad

The Andhra Pradesh Government has initiated talks through Indian embassies in the US, the UK, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore and Dubai to open showrooms in those countries to sell Lepakshi handicrafts.

Announcing this at a press conference here on Tuesday, Dr J. Geeta Reddy, Minister for Major Industries, Exports, Commerce and Tourism, said the AP Handicrafts Development Corporation (APHDC), which promoted Lepakshi, have made plans to open showrooms outside India, keeping in mind increasing interest for the products.

"We have been test-marketing the products in international trade fairs in the last few months. The response has been encouraging," she said.

Besides, the Corporation would open showrooms in Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. Currently, it has a network of 14, including one each in Delhi and Kolkata. It would have one more in Delhi.

Referring to a recent approval by the State Government, the Minister said the Corporation would now get red sanders at a subsidised rate.

"There is a great potential for products made of this wood variety in eastern countries like China and Japan," she said. Citing a recent purchase of red sanders worth Rs 70 crore by some Japanese traders, Dr Reddy said there is immense potential for value-added products.

Stating that the APHDC was the only corporation in the country to pay dividend to the Centre for two consecutive years, the Minister said it has come out of the red.

More Stories on : Retailing | Overseas Investments | Arts & Crafts | Andhra Pradesh

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