<div><br />''</div>''<div>Textiles Secretary, Anant Kumar Singh today inaugurated 45th addition of IHGF Delhi Fair – Spring 2018 organised by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts at Knowledge Park – ll, Greater Noida.</div>''<div></div>''<div>Speaking on the occasion, Mr Singh said, handicrafts sector plays a significant and important role in the country's economy and is a key creator of employment to a vast segment of craft persons in rural and semi-urban areas. He said the sector generates substantial foreign exchange for the country while preserving its cultural heritage.</div>''<div></div>''<div>The Secretary said handicrafts exports during the year 2016-17 was Rs.24,392.39 crores with overall&nbsp; 13.15%&nbsp; increase in comparison to last year and the exports of handicrafts during 10 months of the current financial year 2017-18 is&nbsp; Rs. 19,862.19&nbsp; crores.</div>''<div></div>''<div>He said, the growth in exports ultimately results in the generation of employment in this decentralized sector of the economy and improving living standards of poor craft persons engaged in the production of handicrafts.</div>