The Hindu Business Line : International trade fair generates Rs 10,000-cr biz

New Delhi, Nov. 27 Asia’s largest trade show of its kind, the India International Trade Fair (IITF) drew to a close with the Minister of State for Commerce and Power, Mr Jairam Ramesh, underscoring the untapped trade potential among all member countries of Asean and SAARC Preferential Trade Agreement (SAFTA).

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ramesh remarked that the commercial alliance between Pakistan, Afghanistan and India would lead to faster growth in the region.

He said pending issues such as developing necessary infrastructure for speedy intra-regional trade and commerce, would be resolved amicably soon.

He informed that an exclusive exhibition of Pakistan in February 2009 in New Delhi would further strengthen the mutual understanding along with bilateral trade relations between the neighbouring countries.

The Minister expressed his happiness over extensive arrangements and improved logistics by the ITPO at the fair, this year. Analysing the preliminary business results of the fair, he estimated that around Rs 10,000 crore business has been transacted during the fair.

The Awards were given away to the winners in different categories. In the foreign pavilion category, Pakistan received the gold medal, while the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan was awarded silver medal with South Africa winning the Special Jury Award.

Gujarat received the Gold, Kerala and West Bengal got silver medals, while Lakshadweep received Special Jury Award in the State Government Pavilion and Union Territories. Nagaland was awarded the gold medal among North Eastern State Pavilions.

In the Central Government Pavilion and Public Sector Undertaking categories, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and National Small Industries Corporation were recipients of the gold medal.

For excellence in special theme displays, Sterling Sez & Infrastructure Ltd was awarded gold medal. In the Good Living section (Hall of Excellence) Toshiba India Pvt Ltd and CATA Appliances bagged the gold and silver medals respectively.

Morphy Richards UK and Black & Decker won gold and silver medal respectively in kitchen and home appliances category.

In Cosmetics & Health Care Products, the gold medal was presented to Nature’s Essence Pvt Ltd (Magic) while Ayur Herbals won the silver. In the stationery section, gold medal was claimed by Kangaro Industries with the silver medal going up ITZ Cash Card Ltd.

In the Textiles & Garments section, National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation won the gold medal while Jute Manufactures Development Council received the silver.

The Minister also awarded CISF and CRPF bands with special awards i.e. Best Band Display Award.

Earlier, welcoming the guests, Dr Sheela Bhide described IITF as a happy hunting ground for consumers. She said that despite the present economic scenario and security concerns, the fair received overwhelming participation response from India and abroad.

Apart from the large number of Indian companies, as many as 460 companies from 38 countries took part in the fair. Reiterating the Government concern for eco-friendly lifestyle, she informed that ITPO would take up measures to minimize use of plastics during IITF 2009.

According to Dr Bhide, the massive crowds at this mega event are a testimony to its popularity. As on November 26, 1,652 overseas delegates from around 92 countries visited the fair.

She informed during the fair, millions of visitors translated into a flurry of business in its different ramifications- counter sales, order booked and enquires generated at the pavilions of the States and union territories, special displays sectors besides the overseas projection.

More Stories on : Foreign Trade

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page