New Delhi, India — Filipino-designed furniture made of bamboo and rattan with intricate patterns are among the handicrafts which have attracted attention from different parts of the world, an official of the Indian government said.
Alka Arora, India’s Additional Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, said the Philippines and India could have a good partnership when it comes to making and improving handicrafts of both countries.
“India is a big country and we have many crafts but the kind of knowledge you (Filipinos) might have we may not have,” Arora told The STAR. “If there are new things you can’t do there we can do it here.”
“We can also have the benefit of having designs of Filipino designers. Basically it’s an exchange program, it’s like helping each other,” said Arora, adding such relationship could improve trade which could help boost the economy of both countries.
Arora acknowledged the fact that there are a lot of designers in the Philippines with world-class talents and taste. “Almost all the people I know from the Philippines are designers with good taste.”
The STAR represented the Philippines invited at India’s 32nd Indian Handicrafts and Gift Fair (IHGF) held at the India Expo Center and Mart in New Delhi from Oct. 15-18.
The four-day fair was organized by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts to promote India’s handicrafts, most of which were handmade by Indian artisans.
Arora said the Philippines and India could exchange ideas and complement each other’s artistic talents to be able to further improve their respective products and entice more buyers from different parts of the world.
She noted that India could accommodate Filipinos interested in learning more about Indian handicrafts. “In the Philippines, I believe they are good in bamboo and rattan handicrafts.”
In many handicrafts fairs she attended in various countries, Arora said she had noticed the good taste of Filipino artists in their designs. “We want to see what we can do (in the possible partnership between the Philippines and India in handicrafts).”