In a strategic move to strengthen its traditional crafts ecosystem, the Arunachal Pradesh government has entered into a partnership with the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), aimed at enhancing the growth and global visibility of the state’s textile and handicraft sectors.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was formalised between Mimum Tayeng, Commissioner of the Department of Textiles and Handicrafts, and Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director of EPCH, in the presence of state minister Nyato Dukuma and other officials.

The collaboration focuses on advancing skill development through structured capacity-building programmes, encouraging product diversification aligned with evolving global trends, and strengthening branding and packaging of traditional crafts.

Additionally, the agreement seeks to improve market access by enabling artisans and entrepreneurs to participate in national and international trade fairs, thereby creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Dukuma expressed optimism that the partnership would empower local artisans and elevate Arunachal Pradesh’s handicrafts on the global stage. Emphasising the state’s rich legacy of bamboo, cane, textiles, and tribal artefacts, Tayeng noted that the initiative would drive design innovation, capacity building, and enhanced market linkages.

Rawat reaffirmed EPCH’s commitment to fostering a sustainable, export-oriented handicrafts ecosystem in the region, with a strong focus on product development, quality enhancement, and export readiness.

Echoing similar sentiments, EPCH-NER regional convenor Jesmina Zeliang highlighted the importance of expanding market linkages and providing artisans with exposure to diverse trade platforms to improve their global competitiveness.