Know what caught former United States president Bill Clinton's [Images] fancy during his brief visit to Lucknow earlier this month? The small Gangotri showroom set up at the Taj Residency where he was staying impressed Clinton so much, he made purchases worth over Rs 80,000.

According to the chairman of the UP Export Corporation, Dr Merajuddin Ahmed, the former president was all praise for the marble carving work of Agra [Images], brassware from Moradabad and wood carving from Saharanpur and bought several pieces.

"Though he preferred smaller items, which were easy to carry, he was equally impressed by the wood and marble furniture and this has bolstered our morale to explore the western market, which has several connoisseurs of handicraft items," Merajuddin said.

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A similar interest shown by the Pakistani President Pervez Muzharraf who, on his visit to India, was presented  with chikan items from the Gangotri showroom in New Delhi, has now prompted the Corporation to hold two exhibitions in Karachi and Lahore [Images] in November and December.

The Central Government has already sanctioned Rs 10 lakhs for the purpose and more funds needed would be generated by the state itself, he said.

There is great scope for the brassware from Moradabad in the western market and private exporters were reaping rich dividends by exporting their goods directly, Merajuddin said, adding that, with government support, more showrooms could be opened across the world to showcase its handicrafts, which could earn it foreign exchange.

Merajudin said that there is continuous demand from Pakistan, where the chikan work is in great demand. "The Khurja pottery work is also in great demand and, if we work out a proper plan, we could capitalise on the market," he said. "There is one offer from China to set up a Gangotri showroom there and we are working on it." 

Besides exploring the international market, opening more showrooms in the country itself in regions, which are yourist destinations could help in showcasing and popularising Uttar Pradesh's handicrafts in a better way, according to Merajuddin.

He said the Gangotri showrooms in metropolitan centres, which are visited by foreign tourists, were running in more profits than the ones in smaller centres. Two Gangotri showrooms are soon coming up in Agra, which is a major tourist centre, he added.