Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 22 2010:
A seven-day Mera Hou Chongba Festival Fair 2010 was opened today at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound under the aegis of the Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers' and Handicraft Artisans Co-operative Society (AWAS).
The fair is being sponsored by the Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur.
The inaugural function of the fair was graced by Commerce and Industries Minister Y Erabot, Commerce and Industries Principal Secretary O Nabakishore, Additional RCS Joel Luikham, AWAS advisor Prof N Mohendro, UPF president YK Dhiren and HERICOUN vice-president Mutum Churamani as presidium members.
Speaking at the occasion, Erabot said that a proposal was already there to construct a commercial market complex at the border town of Moreh.
Because of the meagre amount of budget allocation made to Commerce and Industries Department, the department has been facing severe limitations in implementing its different projects, the Minister stated.
Nevertheless, a sum of Rs 60 lakhs have been set aside to promote export of local handloom and handicraft products.
O Nabakishore highlighted the indispensability of economic inter-dependence in a multi-ethnic society like Manipur.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining quality as well as innovativeness so that the local handloom and handicraft products can find its markets outside
the State.
Altogether 60 stalls exhibiting and selling handloom and handicraft products are being opened at the fair.