38th IITF to be held on smaller scale

The 38th edition of India International Trade Fair 2018 is being organised on a small scale in the context of the premier exhibition complex at Pragati Maidan transforming into an iconic world-class International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC). The much-awaited fair will be held from November 14-27.

This year, this flagship event of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) assumes a special significance for the country as the year marks the start of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of the Father of Nation.

Theme of the fair is 'Rural Enterprises in India' where all States, Government organisations and other stakeholders will put their best foot forward for the realisation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Vision i.e 'Sab Ka Sath, Sabka Vikas'. It is also significant to enhance rural employment for maximum utilisation of local resources and stop the trend of migration from villages to cities. The theme pavilion will be set-up by the Ministry of Rural Development in Hall 7 FGH. Besides, the fair manifests its commitment to various initiatives taken by the Government such as 'Make in India', 'Digital India',' Skill India', 'Swachh Bharat' and 'Startup India'.

IITF has evolved by stages as a mega trademark event for ITPO ever since its inception in 1979. This year too, featuring new avenues of trade and skill development, the event highlights the reforms as well as policy initiatives in diverse fields and multi-sectors of Indian industry. featuring the state-of-the-art technologies, products, services, and innovations along with CSR initiatives, it showcases India's acclaimed khadi their multifarious hues, designs, motifs, and techniques.

ITPO has made extensive efforts to ensure all important sectors of IITF as well as foreign participants in the available space. Importantly, nearly all States and Union Territories have continued their presence in the fair. The 'Partner Country' is the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan' and the 'Focus Country' 'Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal'. The 'Focus State' is 'Jharkhand'.

Around 800 participants from States/Government Departments, domestic and are taking part with considerable participation of rural

artisans, craftsmen, and SME entrepreneurs. Significantly, the fair has registered foreign participation from Afghanistan, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Kenya, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, Tunisia, United Kingdom, USA, UK and UAE in Hall 9 and 10. Government group participation such as MSME, CAPART, Ministry of Social Justice, Ministry of Minority Affairs, KVIC, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, National Jute Board and TRIFED are located in Hall 7 and adjacent open area. Cosmetics, Health sector, Electronics, Kitchen Equipments, Computer peripherals, mobile phones, Food Products, Leather and textiles and multiproduct in Hall 11 while State and UT pavilions are located in hall 12 and 12A.

This year, the visitors will be facilitated only through Gate no. 1, Gate no. 8 and Gate no. 10. Entry to the fairground will be allowed from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

ITPO has earmarked initial four days (November 14-17, 2018)business visitors. Entry rates for business days per person will be Rs. 500 and season ticket Rs. 1800. For all the visitors during public days (November 18-27, 2018), ticket charges on Saturday/Sunday/Public Holiday per adult will be Rs 120 and child Rs 60, while for working days, ticket charges will be Rs 60 and child Rs 40. Tickets can be booked online as well at 66 select metro stations except for Pragati Maidan metro station. The fair will open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, daily.

Several initiatives are being taken to ensure hassle-free entry of the visitors.