Nitin Gadkari to inaugurate IITF 2019

The 39th edition of India International Trade Fair 2019 will be inaugurated by the Minister of Micro, Small & Midium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India Nitin Gadkari at 11.00 am on November 14, 2019. Som Parkash, the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Government of India will grace the event as the Guest of Honour at Hamsadhwani Theatre Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

The theme for the 2019 edition, which will be held from November 14 – 27, is 'Ease of Doing Business', which is inspired by the unique achievement of India of rising up to the 63rd rank on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index from 142nd rank in year 2014.

The history of IITF is closely interwoven with India's struggle for socio-economic empowerment and industrialisation and its emergence as one of the most rapidly growing and dominant global economies. The Fair has been a unique platform for displaying the entrepreneurial skills and ingenuity of the people of India. It has become a part of the collective conscious of the people of the country and is one of the most eagerly awaited annual events.

A remarkable feature of this multi-product exhibition is that it offers an equal opportunity for large corporations, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), non-government agencies, artisans, self-help groups (SHGs), etc to promote their products and services to a very large sample of potential customers.

IITF is an important platform for various central and state government departments and agencies for dissemination of information on progressive reforms, new schemes and initiatives. In other words, the fair will serve as a convergence point for government agencies, private sector enterprises, and non-government institutions which have aligned their activities with the country's development objectives.

The States of 'Bihar' and 'Jharkhand' will be the focus States this year. Significantly, the pavilions of States / Union Territories will promote the regional art and culture, local crafts and showcase their immense potential for exports. State Day celebrations will also be held during the fair which are very popular with the visitors. ITPO will present IITF Awards for 'Excellence in Display' to exhibitors in several categories.

The fair has considerable participation from many foreign countries, including Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Egypt, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Tibet, the UK and Vietnam. This year, the status of 'Partner Country' has been accorded to 'the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan' while 'the Republic of Korea' will be the 'Focus Country'. The overwhelming participation from abroad is an indication of the strengthening foreign relations and the growing integration of India with the global economy.

ITPO has made extensive efforts to improve the overall experience of participation for the exhibitors and visitors alike. For instance, ITPO has introduced transparent online system for booking of stalls and other services, online registration for dignitaries during first five days, mobile application for the fair and LED screens for display of information. Apart from dedicated post office, banks and ATMs, other facilities include: Media Centre, Protocol, International Business Centre at Lounge 'A' (Gate – 1), Helpage Counter for 'Divyang' persons with wheelchairs, registration for business days (first five days only) at Gate 1 and 10. Paid parking will be available at Bhairon Road for exhibitors and visitors.

The timings of the fair will be from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm. Entry of the visitors will be facilitated through Gate-1 (on Bhairon Road) and Gate-10 (Pragati Maidan Metro Station). Entry to the fair ground will be allowed from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.

ITPO has earmarked initial five days for business visitors. Entry tickets for business days per person will be available for Rs 500/- and season ticket for Rs 1800/-. For all visitors during public days, ticket charges will be Rs 60/- (adult) and Rs 40/- (child) on working days and on Saturday / Sunday / Public Holiday the tickets will be Rs 120/- (adult) and Rs 60/- (child). Entry tickets are only available online on bookmyshow.com and at 66 metro stations. Tickets will not be available at Pragati Maidan Metro Station and entry gates. A seamless system for online ticket sale, crowd management, real-time ticket/passes authentication and gate management will make the fair more convenient for the visitors.

The visitor profile covers prominent members of the Indian cabinet, Chief Ministers of Indian States, Members of Parliament and State legislative bodies, senior bureaucrats, industry leaders, overseas trade delegations, business persons, media persons, students and lakhs of discerning consumers.

During IITF and other events, ITPO encourages proactive steps to make the fair and the venue plastic-free and replacing the same with environment friendly substitutes.