SME Times News Bureau | 28 Jul, 2010
In order to capitalize on the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2010, the textile ministry is geared up to launch an aggressive campaign to promote silk and handicraft products among sports persons, spectators and officials.

"We will start a high-decibel campaign a week before the mega sporting event here and this will continue till the Games are over," a textiles ministry official said.

Besides promotion of silk, the focus would be on handloom and handicrafts items. During 2009-10, silk exports slumped 9 percent to Rs 2871.79 crore over the year-ago period.

During the campaign, a number of road shows and exhibitions would take place. Also, stalls would be set up showcasing dress materials, garments, scarves both in silk and handlooms, in malls, five-star hotels and near the airports, the official said.

Also, handicraft items, including art metalware, woodware and home decors, would be showcased. "We will target both the high-end and the low-end customers," he said.

The Textiles Ministry would allocate about Rs two crore from its budget for the campaign, he said.

The Commonwealth Games are taking place between October 3 to October 14, in Delhi. The Games, which is expected to attract one lakh visitors, could be an ideal platform to launch the campaign to popularise Indian silk, the official said.