Itanagar, Apr 23: The Department of Textiles & Handicrafts, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) at the State Golden Jubilee Banquet Hall here, marking a significant milestone towards the holistic development of the state’s handicrafts sector.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration, focusing on skill development through structured capacity-building programmes, product diversification aligned with global market trends, and strengthening branding, packaging, and storytelling of traditional crafts. It also aims to facilitate participation of artisans and entrepreneurs in national and international trade fairs, including the IHGF Delhi Fair, while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and enhancing market linkages.
Textiles & Handicrafts Minister Nyato Dukam lauded the initiative and expressed confidence that the partnership would play a crucial role in empowering artisans and showcasing Arunachal Pradesh’s unique handicrafts on the global stage.
Commissioner Mimum Tayeng highlighted the state’s rich heritage of traditional crafts such as bamboo, cane, textiles, and tribal artefacts, noting their vast potential in both domestic and international markets. She said the collaboration with EPCH would enable structured interventions in capacity building, design innovation, and market access, thereby strengthening the entire value chain.
EPCH Executive Director Rajesh Rawat reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting Arunachal Pradesh in transforming its handicrafts sector into a sustainable, export-oriented ecosystem. He added that focused interventions would be undertaken in areas such as product development, quality improvement, branding, packaging, and export readiness.
Regional Convenor of EPCH–NER, Jesmina Zeliang, emphasised the importance of building strong market linkages for artisans. She noted that handholding support, exposure to wider markets, and participation in platforms like the IHGF Delhi Fair would help make artisans export-ready and globally competitive.
Earlier, Director of Textiles & Handicrafts Dorjee Phuntso, in his welcome address, described the MoU as a historic step towards strengthening the handicrafts ecosystem in the state.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the State Govt and EPCH. The agreement was formally exchanged during the event, followed by a vote of thanks.