IITF opens its doors for visitors

A business conducive infrastructure such as the world class International Exhibition- cum- Convention Centre (IECC) at Pragati Maidan is crucial for the growth and export promotion of MSME sector in India. There is a need to have at least 30 to 40 such exhibition and convention centers in the country. "These centres can be established through PPP model," pointed out the Minister of MSME, Road Transport and Highways, Govt of India, Nitin Gadkari while inaugurating the 39th edition of the India International Trade Fair at Hamsadhwani Theatre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on November 14.

After opening the fair, the Minister took round of the MSME as well as Khadi pavilions and evinced his keen interest in a wide range products and services.

Present on the occasion were Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Som Parkash, Tahir Qadiry, Charge d' Affaires, Embassy of Afghanistan in India, LC Goyal, CMD, ITPO, Executive Director, Rajesh Agrawal, ED, ITPO, Narmadeshwar Lal, Secretary. Industry, Govt of Bihar, Aboobackar Siddiquep, Senior Representative from Jharkhan.

Complimenting ITPO for holding the IITF with its theme 'Ease of Doing Business'' for the 39th edition of the fair, Nitin Gadkari informed that limit for MSME is being increased by the Government and MSME Ministry is taking initiatives to create an online dedicated marketing portal for the sale of MSME products just like Amazon and Aliexpress.

He said that abundant raw material is available in different States such as Jharkhand and Bihar, the Focus States in the fair.

He also pointed out that in view to beat the global competition as well as challenges, there is need to focus on quality at par with the global standards which could be achieved through skilled and trained manpower, therefore, each industry should invest at least 2 to 3 per cent of its profit on research and development for the up-gradation.

Speaking on the occasion, Som Parkash said that the IITF has carved a niche for itself in the global calendar besides occupying a position of eminence in the Asian continent.

He said that the fair has been organised especially when India is emerging as a global power.

He elaborated that due to unprecedented reforms and policy initiatives in diverse fields, the country has made a commendable improvement in its 'Ease of Doing Business' global rating, which is significant to make it a favourite destination for investment, exports and MSME sector which is considered as the backbone of Indian economy.

In his key note address, Shri LC Goyal, CMD, ITPO indicated that the next edition of the fair would be organized with enhanced size by accommodating around five times more participants next year.

He expressed his happiness over the considerable participation of MSME in IITF 2019 and said that as MSME has a major state in India's export and employment generation as a policy initiative ITPO provides substantial space for MSME in each IITF, he added.