Mega Indian trade fair gears for big rush

Thursday, 13 November 2003, 20:30 IST
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NEW DELHI: South Asia's biggest trade fair opens here Friday, bringing under one roof around 7,500 domestic and international exhibitors that include, after a long time, a huge Pakistani contingent. Tourism and export promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will be the main themes of the 23rd India International Trade Fair (IITF), which will be held at the sprawling Pragti Maidan fairground for a fortnight. The organisers say one of the key attractions would be the Pakistani stalls, which are expected to do booming business with a range of wares: textiles, gift items, wooden furniture, machinery and garments. China and Russia are also expected to take part in a big way along with 22 other countries. Going by the brisk sale of tickets, which are also being sold in the Mother Dairy vegetable vends across the city, the organisers are certain that the total number of visitors would exceed that of last year. Last minute requests for participation from Indian and foreign exhibitors have made the organisers set up three temporary structures. "We are still getting last minute requests and are trying to accommodate them. We will have over 7,500 exhibitors, excluding pavilions set up by the states and union territories " said S.H. Khan, a senior official. "After a gap of over 10 years, we will be seeing a country participation by Pakistan, besides a big contingent from China and Russia. "Several companies from countries like Iran have returned for a repeat show having got tremendous response last year," Khan told IANS. A delegation led by the Latvian deputy prime minister is among 30 foreign delegations that have so far confirmed plans of visiting the fair for business interaction. Some other countries sending delegations to the fair are Canada, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa. Besides promoting business, the trade fair is timed aptly at the start of the winter season and seeks brisk sale of woollens, silks and household articles. "The trade show has come to be recognised as a multifaceted event offering something for everyone, from business deals to shopping opportunity, along with cultural fare," said Khan. Among the special highlights this time would be a generic pavilion on uses of steel, from homes to offices and automobiles. Three laser shows starting at 6 p.m. at half an hour intervals, fashion shows, light and classic music shows, folk and classical dances and a range of cuisine will be on offer. In anticipation of the heavy rush, the security has been beefed up in and around Pragati Maidan, complete with surveillance cameras and plainclothes policemen. Special transport arrangements too have been made to facilitate travel to the exhibition.
Source: IANS