Thai Delegation Explores Collaboration Opportunities in Assam's Handicrafts and Culture

Thai Delegation Visits Assam for Cultural Exchange

Guwahati, July 16: A prominent delegation from Thailand arrived in Assam on Wednesday to investigate potential partnerships in the fields of handicrafts, handloom, creative industries, and cultural exchange.

The delegation was spearheaded by Kiran Moongtin, the Foreign Affairs Minister associated with Thailand’s Department of South Asian, Middle East, and African Affairs. Accompanying him were senior officials from the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), representatives from notable Thai educational institutions, and members from sectors such as tourism, wellness, and cultural promotion. Diplomats from the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi were also part of the group, as per an official announcement.

During their stay, the delegation visited the Craft Promotion and Experience Centre of the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) located in Guwahati.

Mara Kocho, the Managing Director of NEHHDC, presented the corporation's vision and strengths, which include an OEKO-TEX certified Eri Silk spinning mill, a NABL-accredited textile testing laboratory, and a vast artisan network supported by government initiatives.

A significant aspect of the visit was the proposal to establish a joint action plan (JAP) between NEHHDC and Thailand's Creative Economy Agency (CEA), which is anticipated to be formalized shortly, according to the statement.

The JAP encompasses ten essential pillars of collaboration, such as knowledge and expertise sharing, joint product development and design innovation, artisan skill enhancement and cultural residencies, participation in international exhibitions and festivals, sustainable practices and green certification frameworks, co-managed digital platforms and cross-border e-commerce, IPR protection, and advocacy for traditional crafts, along with policy dialogues on creative economy cooperation.

Additionally, the delegation explored NEHHDC's advanced production and testing facilities, which include the handloom production unit, textile testing laboratory, Centre of Excellence, and the artisan museum.

The NEHHDC operates under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.