Amongst the major gainers during the period, export of woodwares increased from Rs 170.40 crore to Rs 213.10 crore, an increase of 25.06 per cent and that of hand printed textiles and scarves increased from Rs 720.80 crore to Rs 898.50 crore, an increase of 24.65 per cent.

The other items which have witnessed major growth include; embroidered and crochetted goods with a rise of 17.93 per cent from Rs 869.38 crore to Rs 1025.30 crore and miscellaneous handicrafts, which has shown an increase of 16.40 per cent from Rs 760.90 crore to Rs 885.70 crore. The export of art metalware has shown a growth of 10.27per cent from Rs 1,075.22 crore to Rs 1,185.60 crore. Export of Zari & Zari goods and imitation jewellery increased from Rs 55.50 crore and Rs 72.90 crore to Rs 58.42 crore and Rs 78.10 crore respectively.

Speaking at a press conference in the capital on Monday, Navratan Samdria, immediate past chairman, EPCH, said that the export target set for the year 1998-99 of Rs 5,249 crore for the sector is likely to be surpassed.