The Hindu Business Line : India Trade Show to be held in Muscat next year

COMPANIES representing a variety of sectors including consumer products, textiles, engineering, auto parts and ancillaries, the building and construction sector, as well as service-related industries are expected to participate in a trade show to be organised in Muscat, Oman, between March 7 and 11, 2005.

According to an official release, the India Trade Show (ITS) is expected to attract around 400 exhibitors and more than 10,000 people from Muscat and the neighbouring countries.

The Muscat-based Shanfari Group of Companies will partner Orbit Tours & Trade Fairs, the country's largest business tour company, in hosting the show, which will be held in a 3,000 sq ft space at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.

According to the statement, the trade show has the support of trade bodies such as the All India Association of Industries, the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi, the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata and the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chennai.

It is expected to attract industrialists, officials from small-scale industries, representatives of industry associations, chambers of commerce, and doctors, bankers, agriculturists, travel agents, hotels, trade visitors and the general public from India as well as the entire West Asia.

The statement, quoting the Director of Orbit, Mr Om Prakash, said: "The ITS will provide Indian companies the chance to highlight their products and services to the international markets."

According to the statement, there has been an increase in trade between India and Oman. India's exports to Oman stood at $271.26 million in 2002, up from $150 million in 1999.

India is the fifth largest importer into Oman, accounting for 3.5 per cent of total imports. India's exports to Oman include textiles and garments, machinery and equipment, electrical and electronic items, chemicals, iron and steel products, in addition to tea, coffee, rice and meat products.