Guwahati, August 11, 2025: Assam Chief Secretary on Monday held a high-level meeting with Shri Mara Kocho, IES, Managing Director of the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd. (NEHHDC), to discuss measures for strengthening the promotion, packaging, and marketing of locally made handicrafts and handloom products aimed at tourists visiting the state.
The meeting focused on improving the presentation and visibility of indigenous products sold through NEHHDC outlets so that they appeal to a wider customer base while highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Assam and the Northeast. Officials discussed strategies to make locally produced handicrafts, textiles, and traditional items more attractive through innovative packaging and branding.
Another key agenda was expanding collaborations with tourism-related institutions, hotels, airports, museums, and other popular destinations frequented by visitors. Such partnerships are expected to increase the visibility and accessibility of authentic Northeast products, thereby creating better market opportunities for local artisans and weavers.
During the meeting, NEHHDC Managing Director Mara Kocho briefed the Chief Secretary on the progress of the upcoming Ashtalakshmi Hut, a unique marketplace inspired by Delhi's Dilli Haat. The proposed hub will feature 24 stalls, with three stalls representing each of the eight Northeastern states, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the region's diverse handicrafts, handloom products, cuisine, and cultural traditions under one roof.
The meeting also reviewed progress at the Eri Spinning Mill in Baksa, which has generated significant employment opportunities for local weavers and strengthened the value chain of Assam's renowned Eri silk industry. Officials highlighted innovative initiatives such as embedding QR codes on Eri stoles, enabling buyers to instantly access detailed information about the product's origin, weaving process, and authenticity through digital platforms.
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The Chief Secretary further suggested that NEHHDC strengthen partnerships with government agencies, private enterprises, e-commerce platforms, and tourism stakeholders to expand market linkages for artisans engaged in weaving and handicrafts. Such collaborations, he noted, would ensure sustainable livelihoods, encourage entrepreneurship, preserve traditional craftsmanship, and enhance the global reach of Northeast India's unique cultural products.
Officials expressed confidence that the initiatives discussed during the meeting would significantly boost the visibility of Assam's handicrafts and handloom sector while supporting tourism-led economic growth and creating greater income opportunities for artisans across the region.
