A Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Delhi and the National Council for Handloom and Handicrafts Development (NCHHD) , ( formerly COHANDS) with the objective of promoting cooperation in trade and commerce research activities in the field of textile and cotton industries between India and African countries MoU) was signed. On this occasion Delhi University Vice Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh said that this MoU will be mutually beneficial for both Delhi University and National Council for Handlooms. On the occasion of MoU, Vice Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh , Registrar Dr. Vikas Gupta , Head of the Department of African Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Gajendra Singh , Executive Director, National Council for Handlooms and Handicrafts Development (NCHHD) V.P. Thakur , Project Officers of NCHHD Surendra Kumar and Pradeep Yadav were present.

The Vice-Chancellor said that this MoU aimed to study handicraft activities , socio-economic status , problems and challenges , marketing strategies , protection/preservation and promotion of traditional arts and crafts etc. for the betterment of artisans in the handicrafts sector in India and South Africa. The memorandum has been signed. It is noteworthy that NCHHD is an apex body of 30 State/Central Handicrafts and Handloom Government Corporations , a nodal agency of Ministry of MSME and also works with Ministry of Culture , Textiles and other Ministries , SIDBI etc. It supports grassroots organizations , NGOs , self-help groups and small entrepreneurs engaged in handicrafts for capacity building , livelihood generation and market promotion. The main aim and objective of NCHHD is not only to create tangible assets but also to generate ideas , raise the social and economic profile of artisans and marginalized communities and provide a foundation for the overall welfare of the concerned area .