In order to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) exporting handicrafts, the Export Promotion Council for Handicraft (EPCH) is planning to set up an exclusive SEZ for handicrafts at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh or in Haryana, said Raj Kumar Malhotra, Chairman, EPCH at a press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Malhotra said that the economic downturn and the recession in the global market is now getting more and more dimmer as the demand is picking up. "And to tap the growing demand of handicraft products in the global market we are looking for an exclusive SEZ for handicrafts in Delhi-NCR region," he added.

Meanwhile Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director, EPCH, opined that there is a need for an SEZ for handicrafts as the sector is one of the largest foreign exchange earners.

He said, "The exclusive SEZ for handicrafts will provide a globally-competitive and hassle-free environment especially for small exports of handicrafts."

Although the world market for handicrafts and giftware is estimated at $235 billion, India's share is only $3 billion, which translates 1.6 percent of the total market.

While reveling handicraft exports figures for the month of April-May this year, Kumar said that there is a 22 percent growth in dollar terms for April-May, year-on-year basis.

According to the provisional data available, exports of handicrafts have shown an increase of Rs. 201.72 crore, from Rs. 1340.84 to Rs. 1542.56 crore, an increase of 15.04 percent in rupee terms. In dollar terms, exports have shown the increase of USD 60.88 millions i.e. exports increased by 22.31 percent over the similar period in 2009-10.

Kumar further disclosed that, to strengthen the handicraft sector, a comprehensive plan had been prepared to set up an International Local Trade Center in Narsapur, Andhra Pradesh. "EPCH is setting up this project, of Rs. 100 crore, with the help of the government of India," Kumar added.