Thirty-three South African arts and crafts entrepreneurs will showcase their products to the international market at the 32nd India International Trade Fair in New Delhi from 14 to 27 November.

The group's participation in the prestigious two-week international exhibition has been made possible through the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI's) export marketing and investment assistance scheme.

Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Elizabeth Thabethe will accompany the entrepreneurs to India, attending the first week of the exhibition before proceeding to Turkey on an outward selling mission.

"South Africa first participated in the India International Trade Fair in 2008, and the good reception that the South African products received encouraged us to send more businesspeople to display their products and market them internationally," Thabethe said in a statement on Monday.

"The crafters we are taking to the fair this year were first identified at the South African Handmade Collection, a unique and proudly South African craft brand that promotes South African handmade products nationally and internationally, and also aims at promoting emerging craft enterprises, especially those residing in rural areas."

The India International Trade Fair is one of the world's largest integrated trade fairs in terms of exhibitor and visitor participation targeting both trade visitors and the general public.

More than 7 000 exhibitors from all over the world will be participating in the fair, showcasing products ranging from leather, textiles and handicrafts to jewellery, furniture and furnishings.