Export-Import Bank of India organizes Exim Bazaar 

Pune: Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has been supporting and curating grassroots enterprises and craftsmen across India, in the areas of product development, design & packaging sensitization, with the twin-objective of reviving the traditional arts and crafts of India while ensuring a sustainable means of livelihood to the artisans.

The Bank, through its training programmes, workshops and loan assistance, has been able to motivate the next generation artisans to imbibe the intricacies of the crafts nurtured by their forefathers through the centuries, build a sustainable business, and help secure wider recognition for the crafts, which are the true symbols of the country’s rich heritage, both in India and overseas.

In order to further strengthen these efforts, Exim Bank has organized an exclusively curated exhibition-cum-sale of Handmade traditional & contemporary arts, crafts and textiles from across India. The three-day event, ‘Exim Bazaar’ (the ‘Bazaar’) is being held from January 24 to 26, 2020 (Friday to Sunday) from 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM at the Dutch Palace, Opposite Residency Club, Pune. First launched in September 2017, succeeding editions of the Exim Bazaar have achieved greater and greater success in terms of artisanal reach and economic returns to the artisans.

The Bazaar brings together the best of traditional and contemporary crafts such as handwoven Phulkari, Crystal Jewellery, Madhubani Paintings, Sanjhi Paper Cutting, Warangal Carpets, Pashmina from Jammu & Kashmir, Kalamkari, Bidriware, Terracotta, Dokra, Warli, Patua Meenakari, Chanderi, Block Printed Garments, traditional home decor, and many more of such exquisite crafts under one roof. Over 50 participants are exhibiting their craft at the current (sixth) edition of the Bazaar.
Mr. Utpal Gokhale, General Manager, Exim Bank, inaugurated the exhibition and encouraged the artisans, asserting that this platform would provide the much desired recognition and awareness about India’s traditional arts and crafts. Besides, this is an endeavour to provide encouragement and motivation to artisans to take up the production of unique craft items as a sustainable means of livelihood, thereby ensuring the survival of the craft. Internationally, the demand and value of handmade products is increasing, and having recognized this vast potential, Exim Bank intends to showcase such craftsmanship on the international stage. 

Mr. Gokhale also highlighted that the Bank, through its Grassroot Initiatives for Development and Marketing Advisory services (GRID-MAS) provides hand holding support to market the goods and services of Indian grassroots enterprises. The Bank has been curating many of the grassroots artisans and has been providing them training on the latest designs, packaging techniques, and market requirements, which has helped them come up with newer utility products while at the same time, preserve and showcase the traditional art form. New colours, textures and materials that look attractive and at the same time are environment friendly, are in great demand internationally.  This has opened up a new space in the design world where the products not only carry India’s rich heritage but can also be put to use in the day to day activities, making the endeavour economically sustainable. The Bazaar will not only afford sizeable spot sales to participants but will also help them secure valuable contacts with corporate and retail buyers. Most importantly, it will also make the attendees aware about the rich cultural heritage and the variety of art forms that India has to offer.