India International Trade Fair opens; 7,000 firms participating

NEW DELHI: The country's largest trade fair started today at Pragati Maidan where as many as 7,000 companies from different countries including China and Pakistan are showcasing their products.

Inaugurating the 35th edition of India International Trade Fair (IITF), President Pranab Mukherjee said the fair is an ideal platform for the global fraternity which has a shared interest in trade relations to enhance peace and prosperity.

"I am confident that this fair will provide a renewed impetus to trade and commerce and deepen our economic relationship with our trading partners across the globe," he said.

'Make in India' is the theme of the annual flagship event of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).

Extending India's global appeal for investment in diverse sectors, Smart Cities, Digital India, model villages, Clean Ganga Mission and Jan Dhan Yojana are depicting in the central and state pavilions.

The fair would also provide a platform to SME exporters, entrepreneurs and investors. Goa and Jharkhand are Partner States and the 'Focus State' is Madhya Pradesh.

Besides domestic companies, firms from countries including Afghanistan, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, South Korea and UAE would showcase their products in the fair.

First five days have been reserved for business visitors and then it would be open for public on November 19 till November 27.

The ticket rates on public days are Rs 30 and Rs 50 for weekends or holidays. One can also purchase tickets online for business days. The fair will open from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm.

There will be free entry for senior citizens and differently-abled from November 19 to 27.

While Afghanistan is the 'Partner Country', Bangladesh is the 'Focus Country' for the event.