Hyderabad Hosts Vibrant Handicrafts, Bangles Expo 2024

News Desk 

Hyderabad: The ‘Handicrafts and Bangles Expo 2024’, organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), was inaugurated on Saturday at Dolmen Banquet Hall in Latifabad.

During the inaugural ceremony, Brigadier Noman Arif, Station Commander of Hyderabad, praised the expo for its vibrant display of cultural colors.

He visited all the stalls and admired the high-quality craftsmanship on display. Brigadier Arif commended TDAP for providing a platform for artisans from various parts of Sindh to showcase their handicrafts and bangles.

He emphasized that this platform not only allowed artisans to exhibit their creations but also facilitated mutual learning.

Brigadier Arif highlighted the importance of cultural handicrafts in reconnecting people with their heritage, stating, “Our culture is very rich and needs to be innovatively adapted to modern requirements.”

Director General of TDAP, Abdul Kareem Baloch, mentioned that the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and the Pakistan government were collaborating with TDAP to support artisans in becoming entrepreneurs.

He stressed the importance of motivating people to start small businesses instead of relying on charity. Baloch identified three primary obstacles faced by artisans living below the poverty line: financing, training, and organization.

To address these issues, TDAP and the Pakistan government offer grants ranging from Rs60,000 to Rs30 million to women from low-income families. Additionally, TDAP provides skill enhancement training to help artisans meet modern standards.

Another initiative involves organizing individual artisans into larger groups to fulfill international orders secured by TDAP.

The expo featured over 50 stalls displaying a variety of handicrafts and bangles, including block printed Ajrak, khaadi and lawn fabrics, embroidery and applique, handmade footwear, sussi and lungi fabrics, blue pottery, handmade boski fabric of Hala, hand-carved furniture, artificial jewelry, glass bangles of Hyderabad, and organic beauty products and cosmetics.

The event was widely publicized in Hyderabad to attract visitors.

Commissioner Hyderabad Ahsan Ali Qureshi and other officials also shared their views during the occasion.