HimVani
Shimla: Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal today directed the HP Handicrafts and Handlooms Corporation Management to explore the possibilities of marketing local products during the IPL cricket matches scheduled to be held at Dharamsala in the near future.
Chairing the 143rd meeting of the Board of Directors of HP State Handicrafts and Handlooms Corporation, Chief Minister said that it was for the first time that the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association had been assigned responsibility of organising IPL matches in the picturesque locations of Dharamsala, which would not only give boost to the tourism activities in the region but also add to the commerce and trade activities as well. He said that it would be the right opportunity to avail for marketing of handicraft and handloom products to cricket lovers as souvenirs back home who were likely to visit the venue in large number to witness cricket matches. He said that a large number of retail outlets would be set up in and around the cricket stadium premises for souvenirs and other gift items during the proposed mega events, thereby providing small retailers an opportunity to sell their products. He said that the Himachal Pradesh Handloom and Handicrafts Corporation would also be opening its retail outlet for the benefit of the cricket lovers during the matches thereby explore wider markets for their products within and outside the country.
. Dhumal said that the State Government was pursuing the matter of including Himachal Handloom and Handicrafts products into the list of souvenirs likely to be given to the players and visitors during the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi which would further add to the marketing expansion of the state products. He said that the Corporation was also participating in the India Show at Santiago, Chile, which was in progress since 18th of March and to conclude on 25th of March, 2009. He said that efforts were afoot to introduce the traditional handicrafts and handloom products in all major international shows so that international market was explored for the same.
