New Delhi, Nov 8, IRNA
Global economic slowdown is likely to get reflected at the 33rd edition of the India international Trade Fair (IITF) beginning on November 14 here as the foreign participation is expected to decline to 260 exhibitors from 427 last year.
However, in the case of domestic participation, the number of exhibitors who would showcase a wide variety of products at Pragati Maidan would be around 5,700, slightly more than that in the last year.
ˈThis time the global economic slowdown has affected the foreign participation in the fair. This year, 260 foreign exhibitors from 21 nations like Canada, Italy, UAE, Japan Thailand and Pakistan, would take part in the exhibition compared to 427 last year,ˈ the PTI reported, quoting India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) Chairperson Rita Menon as said here. The countries which are not participating include the UK, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, she added.
In all, about 6,000 exhibitors from India and abroad, showcasing a wide range of items ranging from electronics, decorative, FMCG and accessories, will participate in the fair.
During the 14-day fair, the first five days would be reserved for business and trade visitors. The annual IITF will open for the general public from November 19 to 27.
Talking about the number of footfall expected at the fair, Menon said, ˈLast year, about 160,000 people (per day) visited the exhibition. This year, we are expecting more visitors compared to last year.ˈ
The theme of the IITF is ˈInclusive Growthˈ, highlighting the performance of central and state ministries, departments and private sectors in the related fields, Menon said.
Japan has been accorded the ˈpartner countryˈ status, while South Africa is the ˈfocus countryˈ at the fair.
The exhibition would be inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee and the guest of honour would be Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma.
© IRNA 2013
