Chairman : Gagan Rai

Vice Chairman : R. Rajendiran

Editor : R. Anand, Executive Director

Editorial team : N.C.K. SreeleghaS. GurusaranarajP. RangasamyM. Anandabalaji

OCTOBER 2015

Dear Members,

I participated in a review meeting taken by Smt. Rita Teaotia, Commerce Secretary with chairmen of EPCs, on October 7, 2015, to discuss the reasons for decline in exports of various commodities from India. During the meeting, I stressed the need to reinstate Interest Subvention Scheme which has not been continued beyond 31.03.2014; urged upon commerce Ministry to enter into Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for handloom, carpet and handicraft sectors providing duty free imports in other countries; fix a maximum time frame of, say 15 days, within which duty drawback should be reimbursed; and to find solution to avoid delay at DGFT office for incremental growth steps. Commerce Secretary assured to take appropriate action on all suggestions made by EPCs to boost exports.

Though there is a decline in overall trade, I am happy that handloom sector has registered 20% increase in exports in Dollar terms during April-July 2015 over the corresponding period of the previous year. I request you to take efforts to continue this trend so that handloom sector would be able to meet the target of US$ 421 million exports during 2015-16. Council is also taking efforts to promote handloom abroad. Live demonstration of handloom weaving was organized as part of our participation in Global Home Show in New York. This event, in which Council participated for the first time this year, has a lot of potential for future participation.

I am happy to inform you that the Council has, for the first time, announced an Early Bird offer of complimentary additional booth area of 3 sq.mtrs for each space booking made by member exporters for IIHF 2016, on or before 30th November 2015. Council has taken various measures for wider publicity of IIHF 2016 to make this event a grand success. Council has already started receiving profiles from buyers for participation in the event. I request all member exporters to avail the complimentary booth area by booking space in IIHF before 30.11.2015.

Warm regards,

Gagan Rai, Chairman

Chairman’s columnChairman’s column

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WHO's th th growth between 2012 and 2014, with the economy NEXT, a bi-annual event, was held from 4 to 7 growing by 0% in 2012, 0.8% in 2013 and 0.2% in 2014, September 2015 at Porte de Versailles, Parc des though growth picked up sharply in Q1 2015, as the Exposition, Paris, France. Who's Next trade show economy expanded by 0.7%, and the forecast for the year brought together French and International ready-to-wear 2015 are 1,2 for the IMF and 1,7 for the French collections across 5 different areas: FAME, PRIVATE, government, the highest since 2011TRENDY, URBAN, STUDIO. The “Who's Next”

exhibition was organized in well designed halls covering the entire range of Fashion accessories.

Trend Forum, conferences and Fashion show are also Export of handloom products to France was Rs. 42.34 part of the fair. This event is well renowned and is crore during FY 2009-10, Rs. 45.59 crore during FY considered a premiere event for Fashion accessories with 2010-11, Rs. 58.39 crore during FY 2011-12, Rs. 87.36 specific focus for high quality brands. The event is crore during FY 2012-13, Rs. 86.49 crore during FY organized by WSN Development, France. 2013-14 and Rs. 90.71 crore during FY 2014 -15.

Export has seen an increasing trend during the period (FY 2009-13) marginally declining during FY 2010-11 and then increasing during FY 2014-15. France has been France has the world's sixth-largest economy by nominal

thfigures and the ninth largest economy by PPP figures. It hovering around the 5 spot among top importers of has the third-largest economy in Europe with Germany Handloom products during these years. The top four and the UK in 1st and 2nd. OECD is headquartered in handloom importing countries during 2014-15 were Paris, the nation's financial capital. The chemical industry U.S.A., U.K., Germany and Italy contributing to Rs. 1091 is a key sector for France, helping to develop other crore amongst total export of Rs.2246 crore. manufacturing activities and contributing to economic An analysis of various products exported to France growth. France's tourism industry is a major component during 2014-15 reveals that among various product of the economy, as France is the most visited destination categories Made-ups occupies 66%, Floor coverings in the world. Credit Suisse's Global Wealth Report ranked occupies 31%, Clothing accessories occupies 2% and France the wealthiest European country with 2.6 million Fabrics occupies 1% of the total export. Top 5 products

thdollar-millionaires, and the world's 4 wealthiest nation in exported to France during 2014-15 were Mats & aggregate household wealth. According to the IMF, in Mattings, Bed sheets & Bed covers, Table cloth & Table

th2013, France was the world's 20 country by GDP per covers, Other Bed Linen, Table Linen, Toilet Linen, capita with $44,099 per inhabitant. In 2013, France was Kitchen Linen and Cushion covers.listed on the United Nations's Human Development

HEPC had participated for the first time in this fair Index with 0.884 (very high human development) and

during 2007 (September edition) and been regularly th25 on the Corruption Perceptions Index. participating in this fair, since 2010. HEPC was allotted

After the turn of the millennium, wealth per adult grew total space of 260 sq.mtrs. at Hall No. 2.1 for 22 member very strongly in France, tripling in value between 2000 participants. Out of 22 member participants, 12 and 2007. France's economy entered the recession of the participated under National Handloom Development late 2000s later and appeared to leave it earlier than most Programme of Ministry of Textiles, Government of affected economies, only enduring four-quarters of India, and remaining 10 participants participated without contraction. However, France experienced stagnant Government grant.

TREND OF HANDLOOM PRODUCTS EXPORT TO FRANCE

ABOUT FRANCE & ITS ECONOMIC POLICIES:

Who’s Next fair (September 2015) V. Ratheesh, HEPC

Fair ReportFair Report

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Fair ReportFair Report

Other than HEPC's member participants, members of Indian Silk Export Promotion Council and few Indian exhibitors also participated directly, and exhibited in the same hall. Most number of Indian Exhibitors were allotted booths in Hall 2.1 and the remaining Indian exhibitors, who par t ic ipated direct ly, were accommodated at Hall 1, 2.2 & 3.

Other than Indian exporters, few exhibitors from France, Thailand, Bulgaria, Turkey, South Korea, Spain and Morocco also exhibited their products in the same hall. Exhibitors in Hall 2.1 displayed the products such as shawls, scarves, bags, hats, jewellery, enquiries worth Rs.16.04 crore were generated. Most of gloves, leather goods, belts, sandals, ready to wear for them expressed their desire to participate in the next women and children, multiple accessories, shoes, edition of Whos Next fair through Council. purses, etc.

As per the feedback received from the participants, first two days were the highlight of the fair, and most of the participants had visitors and received sport orders & serious enquiries. The flow of the visitors during the last two days were less, when compared to previous days. However, most of the participants were happy with the overall outcome of the event. As per the report, buyers from UK, France, Germany, Chile, Lebanon, Portugal, Belgium, Japan, Turkey, Spain, Greece, etc, visited their booth. It was informed that the buyers who visited participants booth were looking for products with good quality, trendy design, low price and timely delivery.

As per their feedback, the participants had about 422 visitors, spot order worth Rs.14 crore and business

Council had put up a central promotion booth, wherein promotional materials like Handloom Atlas, brochure of

th6 edition of IIHF, fair catalogue, and posters featuring

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Fair ReportFair Report

Handloom Mark, India International Handwoven Fair, an India Pavillion to showcase techniques / know how of list of member participants in Whos Next, were placed. various Indian products like Ikat, Kalamkari etc.

nd During the fair, 25 importers submitted their registrations During the 2 day of the event, Smt. Annapoorna Mahindra, Economy & Commercial Wing, Embassy of India, visited the event and interacted with the participants and fair authority. She had assured full co-operation of the Indian Mission in our future endeavors.

After the completion of second day, Council organized a

thto visit upcoming 6 edition of India International Handwoven Fair (IIHF) to be held in Chennai. Further, we had propagated about the launching of “Indian Handloom Brand” to all the importers who had visited HEPC's booth.

Overall support extended by the fair authority during the “Business Networking Meet” at Hotel Jodhpur Palace, Paris, event was excellent. The next edition of Whos Next fair coinciding with Whos Next & Maison and Objet fairs. will be held during 22-25 January, 2016 at Paris, France.

Council's Vice Chariman, Shri R. Rajendiran, visited the fair venue during the third day of the event and interacted Who's Next is one of the most prestigious fairs for with most of our participants as well as other Indian fashion accessories in Paris France. As per the feedback exhibitors, who participated through Silk Export received from participants, most of them wanted to Promotion Council. He also discussed with fair authority participate in Spring edition as well as Summer edition of regarding Council's future participation in Whos Next. this event through Council. They also agreed to give prominent location in the next edition of Whos Next fair, and discussed about allowing

CONCLUSION:

Export dataExport data

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Product Category

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Fair Report Fair Report

Organised twice a year (September & January), more than Interior designers, architects, designers, hoteliers, 80,000 professionals from all over the world came to the restaurateurs, developers, department stores, retailers and show to order merchandise or find new sources of manufacturers explore the aisles of MAISON & OBJET inspiration. to find products to use in their projects, discover new

markets and open up to new opportunities.

Maison & Objet 2015, Paris, FranceWilliam Desmond Jude, HEPC

Name of the Fair : Maison & Objet, Paris

Organiser : SAFI Salons Francias Et Internationaux, 8 rue Chaptal, CS 50028, 75442 Paris,Cedex 09, France

Venue : Parc des Expositions de Paris Nord\

Villepinte, ZAC de Paris-Nord II

CD 40, 93420 VILLEPINTEParis, France

Duration : 5 days (4th – 8th September 2015)

No. of HEPC participants : 11 + HEPC stall

Graph indicating quantity of handloom products during April-July 2015 vis-à-vis April-July 2014

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Fair Report Fair Report

Highlights of Fair reported by Fair Authorities:-

Product profile at Maison & Objet

Art and decoration, well-being/bath, garden/outdoor, lighting, furniture, objects and accessories, services, Table/kitchen , children's world and textiles (duvets, blankets, pillows, travelling rugs, cushions, nursery accessories, bedroom linens, table Apart from the participants, HEPC had also set-up a linens, curtains, net curtains, trimmings, curtain rods, blinds, Central Promotional Stall wherein various publicity tapestries, furnishing fabrics and carpets). materials were displayed. Visitors were briefed

about the participants present at the event, and were also informed about the India International Handwoven Fair 2016, and the travel package offered by HEPC.

HEPC organised the Maison & Objet, Paris held from th th4 – 8 September 2015 under Marketing Development

Assistance Scheme of Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India.

Entire halls of Maison & Objet is bifurcated into two major categories as given below:

1. Home Fashion – Halls 1 to 62. Luxury & Design – Halls 7 & 8

Total Number of unique visitors - 69,071

Type of visitors - 70% Retail (distributors, retailers,departments stores & chain stores)30% Specifiers (architects, interior designers, hotel owners, project managers)

Top 10 visitors - France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands, Switzerland, USA, Spain & Japan

Continentwise distribution of buyers - European Union (55390) Asia (4614) Western Europe (2645), Eastern Europe (1138), Middle East (1478), North America (2232), Africa (714), Latin America (522), Oceania (338)

Total number of exhibitors : 3318

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Fair Report Fair Report

Spot orders were received for cushion covers, bath mats, carpets, floor coverings and business enquiries were generated for bath mats, bath rugs, silk scarves, table linens, kitchen linens, cushion covers, carpets, floor

Mr. Venugopal Menon, Consul Attaché (Trade), coverings and beach pareos.Embassy of India, Paris, along with Mr. Rajendiran,

The buyers were satisfied with the price offered by Vice-Chairman, HEPC visited all the stalls of HEPC

our participants. All exhibitors except one have and interacted with member participants of HEPC.

expressed their willingness to participate in the next Many of the participants put-forth the view that the

edition through HEPC, provided a better location is location of the stall should be improved and Mr.

given. Venugopal Menon, Consul Attaché (Trade) informed that he will take up the issue at appropriate level.

Nearly 25 buyers visited the Central Promotional Stall of HEPC, and they were explained in detail about the advantages for visiting the India International Handwoven Fair to be held in Chennai, India, from 9-11 March 2016. 11 buyer profiles were collected from the visitors. Apart from the above, using the services of the Hostess, the exhibitors at the venue, who belong to various countries in Europe, were contacted in person and were briefed about IIHF 2016, and distributed brochures.

Maison & Objet is a premium fair. Exhibitors from all over Europe displayed their exclusive The range of products exhibited by our participants products in a very professional and elegant include rugs, bathmats, bath rugs, silk scarves, fabrics, manner. The entire stalls in the fair are of superior table linens, kitchen linens, cushions, bags, curtains, quality construction very apt for the kind of cushion covers, throws, beach pareos, fout AS, home products displayed. Though Textiles form a textiles, etc.segment of the fair, overall it could be observed The participants have informed that the overall turnout that many visitors showed interest in the stalls of buyers were good and they were able to penetrate into which displayed home textile products in a new markets Viz. Belgium, France, U.K., Japan, Canada, professional manner.USA and Spain.

IIHF Mobilisation at the venue:

Conclusion :

Feedback from participants: -

No. of visitors : 135

Spot ordersExisting : US $ 20,000New : US $50,000

EnquiriesExisting : US $ 277,000New : US $ 88,000

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Business Networking MeetBusiness Networking Meet

Hand loom Expor t Promot ion Counc i l in coordination with Embassy of India, Paris, organised a “Business Networking Meet” on 5th September 2015 at 7.30 P.M. at Jodhpur Palace, located at 42, Allee Vivaldi, 75012, Paris.

The Business Network Meet was attended by member participants from both Maison and Objet, Paris held from 4-8 September 2015 and Who's Next, Paris held from 4-7 September 2015, along with their buyers. Mr.Raj Anand, Indian Representative, for Maison & Objet, and Ms. Christine Basset, Sales Manager (Accessories)

This meeting was conceptualized to provide a from Who's Next were also present. Mr. Rakesh

platform for one to one interaction among Sharma, First Secretary (MER & Protocol),

member participants of Maison and Objet, Paris Embassy of India , Par is a long with Ms.

and Who's next, Paris and various stake holders Annapoorna Mahindra, Embassy of India in

of the industry to share their views regarding France, Economic and Commercial Wing were

various opportunities available in expanding the present during the meeting.

tradeMr. R. Rajendiran, Vice-Chairman, Handloom Export Promotion Council delivered the welcome address.

Mr. Rakesh Sharma, First Secretary (MER & Protocol) addressed the gathering and assured that all efforts would be taken-up by the Indian Mission to promote trade from India.

Many of the members present appreciated the efforts taken by HEPC in organising the Business Networking Meet.

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In the NewsIn the News

INDIA'S FOREIGN TRADE (MERCHANDISE): SEPTEMBER, 2015

A. EXPORTS (including re-exports)

C. CRUDE OIL AND NON-OIL IMPORTS:

B. IMPORTS

D. TRADE BALANCE

registering a negative growth of 14.16 per cent in Dollar terms and 8.46 per cent in Rupee terms over Exports during September, 2015 were valued at US$ the same period last year. 21844.98 million (Rs. 144652.67 crore) which was 24.33

per cent lower in Dollar terms (17.67 per cent lower in Rupee terms) than the level of US$ 28867.71 million Oil imports during September, 2015 were valued at US$ (Rs.175703.03crore) during September, 2014. 6626.59 million which was 54.53 per cent lower than oil Cumulative value of exports for the period April- imports valued at US$ 14573.17 million in the September 2015-16 was US$ 132939.45 million (Rs. corresponding period last year. Oil imports during April-853586.59 crore) as against US$ 161397.35 million (Rs. September, 2015-16 were valued at US$ 48128.96 million 971716.43 crore) registering a negative growth of 17.63 which was 41.58 per cent lower than the oil imports of US$ per cent in Dollar terms and 12.16 per cent in Rupee 82378.98 million in the corresponding period last year. terms over the same period last year.

Non-oil imports during September, 2015 were estimated at US$ 25697.09 million which was 10.68 per cent lower than

Imports during September, 2015 were valued at US$ non-oil imports of US$ 28768.58 million in September, 32323.68 million (Rs. 214040.28 crore) which was 2014. Non-oil imports during April-September, 2015-16 25.42 per cent lower in Dollar terms and 18.86 per were valued at US$ 152805.28 million which was 0.72 per cent lower in Rupee terms over the level of imports cent higher than the level of such imports valued at US$ valued at US$ 43341.75 million (Rs. 263799.12 crore) 151710.45 million in April-September, 2014-15. in September, 2014. Cumulative value of imports for the period April-September 2015-16 was US$

The trade deficit for April-September, 2015-16 was estimated 200934.24 million (Rs.1290218.42 crore) as against

at US$ 67994.79 million which was lower than the deficit of US$ 234089.43 million (Rs.1409403.56 crore)

US$ 72692.08 million during April-September, 2014-15.

SEPTEMBER EXPORTS(including re-exports) SEPTEMBER APRIL-SEPTEMBER

2014-15 28867.71 161397.35

2015-16 21844.98 132939.45

%Growth2015-16/ 2014-15 -24.33 -17.63

IMPORTS

2014-15 43341.75 234089.43

2015-16 32323.68 200934.24

%Growth2015-16/ 2014-15 -25.42 -14.16

TRADE BALANCE

2014-15 -14474.04 -72692.08

2015-16 -10478.70 -67994.79

EXPORTS & IMPORTS : (US $ Million) (PROVISIONAL)

In the NewsIn the News

17

EXPORTS & IMPORTS : (Rs. Crore) (PROVISIONAL)

SEPTEMBER APRIL-SEPTEMBER

EXPORTS(including re-exports)

2014-15 175703.03 971716.43

2015-16 144652.67 853586.59

%Growth2015-16/ 2014-15 -17.67 -12.16

IMPORTS

2014-15 263799.12 1409403.56

2015-16 214040.28 1290218.42

%Growth2015-16/ 2014-15 -18.86 -8.46

TRADE BALANCE

2014-15 -88096.09 -437687.13

2015-16 -69387.61 -436631.83

EXPORTS & IMPORTS (SERVICES) : (US $ Million) (PROVISIONAL)

August 2015-16

EXPORTS (Receipts) 13580.00

IMPORTS (Payments) 7773.00

TRADE BALANCE 5807.00

EXPORTS & IMPORTS (SERVICES): (Rs. Crore)

(PROVISIONAL) August 2015-16

EXPORTS (Receipts) 88368.18

IMPORTS (Payments) 50580.70

TRADE BALANCE 37787.48

Source: RBI Press Release dated 15th October 2015

INDIA'S FOREIGN TRADE (SERVICES): August, 2015 (As per the RBI Press Release dated 15th October, 2015)

A. EXPORTS (Receipts) Exports during August, 2015 were valued at US$ 13580 Million (Rs. 88368.18 Crore).

B. IMPORTS (Payments) Imports during August, 2015 were valued at US$ 7773 Million (Rs. 50580.70 Crore).

C. TRADE BALANCE The trade balance in Services (i.e. net export of Services) for August, 2015 was estimated at US$ 5807 Million.

In the NewsIn the News

18

Commerce Secretary holds deliberations with Export submission of bills to get this credit. Responding Promotion Councils to seek views on promoting to the large number of suggestions for changes exports in the MEIS, Commerce Secretary pointed out

that the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 was drawn Date : 07 Oct 2015after extensive deliberations. Hence it may not be

Location : New Delhi possible to make changes very frequently and go back on the scheme. She said that with the Commerce Secretary Ms. Rita A.Teaotia today held changing paradigms/ dynamics of the export detailed consultations and deliberations with around marke t , expor te r s shou ld be f l ex ib l e in 27 Export Promotion Councils to seek their views responding to the changing economic scenario and suggestions on ways to promote exports. and should work in the spirit of give and take Export Promotion Councils for Apparel, Carpet, wherein getting access has to be complimented Cashew, Chemicals, Cotton, Leather, Electronics & by giving access to markets. Highlighting that the Computer Software, Handicrafts, Gem & Jewellery, SEZs could be made as a fulcrum of Make In Handloom, Indian Silk, Plastics, Powerloom, Sports India, the Commerce Secretary said that the Goods, Synthethic & Rayon Textiles, Wool & Govt is concentrating on agreements in multi Woollen, EOUs & SEZ, Oilseeds & Produce, latera l forums for wider benef i ts to the Telecom, Pharmexcil etc participated in the meeting. exporters. The major issues highlighted by the Export

Promotion Councils related to early refund of the The Commerce Secretary thanked the Export duty drawback amounts, credit of interest P romot ion Counc i l s fo r g iv ing va l u ab l e subvention, increase in the incentives given in the sug gest ions and assured them that these Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), suggestions will be crystallised in a concrete form governance issues relating to delays in clearances, and specific actions would be taken by the Ministry to addition of more items under the MEIS, request for facilitate exporters.increase in MEIS incentives for certain items,

Senior officers of the Ministry and DGFT were all agreements with specific countries to promote present in the meet ing to l i s ten to the exports of certain items. sug ges t ions/ v iew points of the Expor t

Addressing the Export Promotion Councils, the Promotion Councils.C o m m e r c e S e c r e t a r y i n f o r m e d t h a t t h e

The meeting comes in the backdrop of declining allocations for export incentive schemes in the trend in the exports for which the Commerce current financial year has been increased from Ministry is taking steps to arrest the same for faster the earlier Rs.18,000 crore to Rs.21,000 crore and export growth in the coming times.this amount was likely to be available for

allocations in the coming year. However, she RC/nba d v i s e d t h e e x p o r t e r s t o e n s u r e t i m e l y

Commerce secretary holds deliberations with EPCs

List of importersList of importers

1. Stafil 6. Texaltra Polska SP. Z O.O.Via Altamanni, Altmanstass 1 Ul. Krakowska 340, 25-801 KielceBolzano, Italy Kielce zipcode : 25-801 PolandTelephone : 39-047-1060343 Telephone : 41-3464788 Fax : 41-3464787E-Mail : p.planoetscher@stafil.it Website : www.texaltra.com.plWEBSITE : www.stafil.it Import : Household LinensContact : Mr. Peter Planoetscher

7. Textiles vilber s. A.Import : Quilting FabricsCno. La Dula s/n, 46760

2. Stegemans Textiles Tavernes De La Valldigna. SpainV.O.F., Oude Rijksweg 413, Telephone : 34-962837878 Fax : 34-9628230517954 GH Rouveen, Netherlands E-MAIL : administracion@vilber.es Telephone : 31-0522-291270 Website : www.vilber.esE-Mail : stegemanstextiel@zonnet.nl Import : Linen TextilesWebsite : www.Stegemanstextiel.nl

8. The woolbagImport : Home Textiles, Home FurnishingsKerkstraat 17, 2282 bl

3. Stoeckel & Grimmler Kg Rijswijk NetherlandsGartenstr. 25, Munchberg Telephone : 31-70-3077420 FAX : 31-84-7224306Zipcode : 95213 Germany Website : www.thewoolbag.comTelephone : 925189-0 FAX : 925189-110 Import : Quilting FabricsE-Mail : post@stoeckel-grimmler.de

9. Tibbey & Co.Website : www.stoeckel-grimmler.deEriksbergsgatan 34Import : Furnishing Accessories, FurnishingStockholm zipcode : 11430 SwedenFabrics, Upholstery & Curtain FabricsTelephone : 46-8-6112414 Fax : 46-8-6783334

4. Tecidos fernando roda lda E-Mail : tibbey@bredband.net AV.Almir.Gago Coutinho 142 Website : www.tibbeyandco.seLisboa zipcode : 1700-029 Portugal Import : Home FurnishingsTelephone : 021-8436985 FAX : 021-8471689

10. Tissages denantesE-Mail : comercial@fernandoroda.pt 276 boulevard jean jaurs, billancourtWebsite : www.fernandoroda.ptBoulogne zipcode : 92660 cedex (france)Import : Home Furnishings ItemsTelephone : 01-55206950 Fax : 01-55206951

5. Tekstiilipalvelu KY E-Mail : commercial@tissages-denantes.fr Vilpolantie 1/PL 38, Toijala 37800 Website : www.tissages-denantes.frFinland Contact : Ms. Catherine RufenachtTelephone : 358-3-5752200 FAX : 358-3-5752240 Import : Bath Mates, Bed Linen, Cotton TowelsE-Mail : info@tekstiilipalvelu.com Website : www.tekstiilipalvelu.comImport : Home Furnishing Textiles, Home Textiles

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