EPCH organised the first virtual fair ‘Indian Fashion Jewellery & Accessories show’ from June 1 to 4, 2020 in which more than 200 member exporters took part. The fair concluded successfully with the visit of 1200 overseas importers from about 81 countries besides 500 buying agents and wholesalers and retailers said Shri Ravi K. Passi, Chairman – EPCH. The serious enquiries worth Rs. 150 crores were generated. During the Inauguration, he had said, the current Covid 2019 crisis has led us to think out of box as physical fair could not be organised thus enabling us to create a platform in the form of virtual fair for exporters of fashion jewellery and accessories.
The show was having fashion shows, webinars and craft demonstrations by the artisans. Shri Vinit Bhatia, President of IFJAS said, “EPCH created an opportunity in the form of virtual fair for manufacturers as going virtual is the only way to go forward. It not only provided business to the exporters but also provide livelihood to the artisans. While thanking all dignitaries Shri Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH said, it is a historic moment in the history of EPCH as the 1st virtual fair on Indian Fashion Jewellery & Accessories show has finally seen the light of the day. This Covid crisis has given us an opportunity to explore possibilities in virtual eco system.
Shri Kumar further thanked the member exporters who have shown faith in capabilities of EPCH for organizing virtual fair which was the need of the hour because organsing activities virtually is going to remain the trend for next 1 year till the pandemic of Covid 2019 is over of subsides. The fair got good response from both exhibitors as well as overseas buyers with over 400 buyers visiting the fair along the buying representatives on the 1st day of the show. The exhibitors participating in the show experienced altogether different atmosphere of virtual fair as they were sitting safe at their homes or factory premises and still able to interact with buyers from across the globe.
“Covid 2019 pandemic has impacted the global supply chains as the people are not able to travel. Fair organisers had to cancel their shows and look for alternatives. A virtual fair provided by EPCH has given a new mode to the exporters and now their businesses hopefully will be back on track and artisans and craft persons will also be benefitted by the same, said Shri Rakesh Kumar, Director General EPCH. Ms. Christian Rai, President, Buying Agents Association speaking on the occasion said that since buyers cannot travel, it is a great opportunity to stay in touch with them as well as to do business in this difficult time. Going virtual is the only way to survive in the longer run.