Chandigarh, Jan 8 (IANS): British craftsmen will exhibit artefacts at the Surajkund fair with signing of a pact on Wednesday between the Haryana government and the British Council here.

State Tourism Minister Kanwar Pal said the agreement in the field of tourism and crafts with the British Council would strengthen India-UK relations and promote tourism as well.

Taking to the media after the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Surajkund Mela Authority and the British Council, he said the agreement was signed for three years.

Describing the pact as another milestone in the history of Surajkund Mela, he said that the fair, which will be held from February 1 to February 16 in Faridabad, would gain more popularity globally.

He said the British Council would organise programmes such as training of artisans, development of business models for artisans and display of handicrafts in India and Britain.

Additional Chief Secretary and Surajkund Mela Authority Vice Chairman, Vijai Vardhan said the British Council would help four craftsmen from Britain participating in the fair each year.

He said free board, lodging and local transport facility would be provided to the craftsmen participating in Surajkund Mela. Apart from this, free space will also be made available for sale or exhibition of artworks during the fair.

The British Council's North India Regional Director Tom Birtwistle expressed happiness over the agreement, saying that this would give the craftsmen of the two countries an opportunity to showcase their talent at an international platform.