JOIN USThe 2012 India International Trade Fair saw a 22 per cent increase in business visitors, with 437 overseas exhibitors from 23 countries participating in the 14-day fair. Nearly 8,000 business visitors registered during the first five days of the event.
“Inclusive growth is likely to be the theme of India International Trade Fair, 2013,” said Rita Menon, chairperson and managing director of India Trade Promotion Organisation, while speaking at the award presentation ceremony of IITF, 2012 on the closing day of the fair at Pragati Maidan on Tuesday.
Approximately 290 overseas delegations or visitors are expected to participate from across 44 countries in the 2013 fair.
Menon said the number of visitors to the fair is likely to be the same as last year’s, which is nearly 15 lakh.
While giving away the awards, D Purandeswari, Union minister of state of commerce and industry said IITF provides avenues for business promotion to all entrepreneurs — large, and micro, small and medium enterprises.
She said the fair has helped in promoting goods made by rural industries, artisans and other micro enterprises.
The Republic of Belarus, also the partner country of the fair, received a gold medal in the ‘foreign pavilion’ category, followed by South Africa, the ‘focus country’, which received the silver medal.
Assam won the gold medal in the states and Union Territories category, while Kerala won the silver followed by Punjab and Rajasthan jointly receiving the ‘commendation award’.
Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh managed to win gold medal and commendation awards in the north eastern states category, respectively.
For the first time, ITPO introduced the ‘cuisine of the state’ award, won by Maharashtra and followed by Kerala.
In the ministries and departments category, the ministry of agriculture was given a gold medal, followed by the ministry of power and its constituents wining the silver medal.
IITF saw a record number of footfalls at the Delhi pavilion, said a senior government official. While the exact figure is yet to be compiled, a huge crowd was seen at the Delhi pavilion.
Based on this year’s theme, the pavilion showcased the human resource of the country, including the many skills that have contributed to the spectacular growth of Indian industry, including in Delhi.
The house sparrow, declared the state bird by the city government, and Tihar Jail’s stall attracted several visitors.