IMC Handloom Resource Centre - An Introduction

The data on Handloom Sector including production, clusters, design, trade, etc. are available in a scattered form all over the country. Not enough effort has so far been made for their systematic consolidation and rationalization. Besides, in an age of globalization and cutting age competition, the stakeholders’ need for clarifications on a number of issues has become paramount.

Lack of access to reliable information under one roof, notably of the market trends and regulatory developments in the developed world - - Europe, US and other markets - - is acting as a major bottleneck for seizing the trading opportunities by India. Also, there is a need for quick delivery of market information to the stakeholders in a fast changing global demand pattern so as to capture emerging opportunities immediately and effectively.

To cater to the requirements of Indian stakeholders - - weavers, producers, traders, exporters and policy makers, etc. - - that aim at entering global market and also expanding the share of domestic market, the formation of a specialized Resource Centre at the national level has become urgent.

Further, this need for setting up a centralized Handloom Resource Centre was pronouncedly felt while implementing the UNCTAD/DFID/Govt. of India (Ministry of Industry & Commerce) Project “Strategies and Preparedness for Trade and Globalization in India” in which the Indian Merchants’ Chamber (IMC) is the Tier-1 Partner for Textiles & Clothing Sector, especially Handlooms.

With the aforesaid need, the Handloom Resource Centre has been established by IMC at the initiative of UNCTAD and with the support of DFID, UK and Govt. of India (Ministry of Industry & Commerce). The Centre is well equipped and located near the Library Section in the IMC Premises in Mumbai.

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