Accra, (Greater Accra Region) 16 Oct. Ghana exported 2.92 million dollars worth of handicrafts last year to various European countries as against the previous year's of 2.07 million dollars. The 40 per cent increase was achieved by 211 exporters dealing in 13 handicraft products. Owuraku Amofa, Deputy Minister of Tourism, said this in Accra yesterday in a speech read for him at the opening of a three-week long handicrafts exhibition The exhibition being mounted by Mrs. Kati T. Dagadu, Manageress of Sun trade Limited, is sponsored by the Novotel Accra, a major art promoter within the Hotel industry. Exhibits include Kente, Batik, carvings, jewellery and wrought- Iron furniture He said because the handicraft sector has immense export potential, the first International Handicraft Fair has been planned to take place in Accra from Thursday, November 27 to Sunday, December Seven. Under the Theme - "Handicraft - Creating a global cultural link through trade", it is being organized by the Ghana Trade Fair Authority. Owuraku Amofa said there is the need for the establishment of a modern training centre to supplement traditional training of craftsmen to ensure quality standards. He said quality handicrafts will guarantee export market, more jobs and incomes. Overseas sales of crafts are very competitive. They require a steady supply of items, appropriate design, quality control and a suitable marketing strategy, he added. Owuraku Amofa said while artisans are making efforts to diversify their products they should maintain the cultural identity of the Ghanaian. He commended the Ghana Export Promotion Council, World Bank, USAID, DANIDA, The European Union Aid to Artisans Ghana, a non- governmental organization, and the Association of Handicraft Exporters for their support for training programmes. The minister also commended Novotel for constantly encouraging and promoting African and Ghanaian artists in particular, to attain the right exposure.