Session with Embassy of India in Tokyo

Oct 01, 2021

An interactive session with Embassy Of India (EOI), Tokyo was held on 22 September 2021. Shri Mayank Joshi, Deputy Chief of Mission, Tokyo participated in the event. The objective of the session was to showcase major and potential export products from Odisha and have an interaction with EOI for further Indian interest in exports. The event was being coordinated by Depart of Commerce/ DGFT in collaboration with the State of Odisha and IOPEPC & World Trade Center (WTC), Bhubaneswar.

Mr. Mayank Joshi, Deputy Chief of Mission, Tokyo opened the session with his address where he spoke about the bilateral trade relations between India and Japan. He added that the major exports from India to Japan are Granite, Cashew, Rice and Chemical products. He also mentioned that bilateral trade between India and Japan is being worked upon with special agreements and provisions being drawn up for easing the trade process. He deliberated that both the nations are working towards skill matching and recruitments are being done from India. He also helped identify channels to source authentic trade partners and experts who can guide the entrepreneurs on the export potential of their products.

WTC Bhubaneswar facilitated a part of the session by showcasing unique products which have immense export potential and highlighted some of them during the session. Such products included the silver filigree (Tarakashi) from Cuttack, Odisha, the prominent weaves of handlooms from Odisha, Handicraft products which are hand crafted and painted with ancient history, heritage and culture.

Mr. Bharat Ganatra, Represented Cuttack Tarakashi Association and spoke about the famous silver filigree work, also known as TARAKASI of Cuttack and explained how it had been developed for more than 500 years. He explained how the artisans of Baniasahi, Mangalabag create beautiful artworks n artefacts using this techniques and how  it is used quite often on  the idols of Goddess.  He further drew attention to the cluster existing in Cuttack since ages making filigree items and few craftsmen endowed with twilling skills which are best in world. The highly skilled handmade items produces by few very old craftsmen has a great potential for export market.

Ms. Jyoshna Das, Founder, Bivabari, presented Odisha as one of the prominent States in the Handloom & Textiles map of the country. She highlighted how the sector is providing livelihood to the people in rural Odisha. She also explained about the famous handloom products of the State like silk ikkat weaves, an intricate process (bandha) in which wrap and weft threads which are first tied and then dyed, to produce the designed pattern on the loom while weaving. She also highlighted Sambalpur, famous for its Sambalpuri sarees, as one of the famous centres for Odisha handloom. She explained how she is creating sustainable and fashionable products out of the handloom.

Mrs. Smaranika Mohapatra, Founder, Maavni Designs & Ms.Shiny Khuntia, Founder, Folkmate, represented handicraft products. Ms. Mohapatra deliberated that hand painted and hand crafted home decor products are a pride to Odisha. She spoke about the Popular Arts and Handicrafts of Odisha  which include Pattachitra which is  believed to be originated in the early 12th-century, “Pattachitra is an icon painting which makes it one of the most popular living art forms in India” she said. Ms. Khuntia showcased unique handmade Paper Mache products, palm leave work which were eco friendly and hand painted.

Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, World Trade Center, Bhubaneswar concluded the session seeking assistance from the Indian Embassy in Tokyo for enhancing the visibility of the products and establish channels which would be of assistance to the exporters.