More trade fairs needed in Bengal: Hakim

Kolkata: State Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister Firhad Hakim stressed the need for holding more and more trade fairs across the state, for developing the spirit of entrepreneurship among people.

"Earlier, there was not much interest in doing business in the state, but people like Chandra Shekhar Ghosh of Bandhan Bank have been great initiators in starting micro industries in the state. If we have more and more such trade fairs, there will be a rise in people-to-people interaction and the spirit of entrepreneurship will develop," Hakim said at the inaugural ceremony of India International Kolkata Trade Fair (IIKTF) at Karunamoyee Ground in Central Park, Salt Lake.

The minister, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, maintained that such platforms are great for initiating link between buyer and seller.

"I request Bengal Chamber to initiate classes in entrepreneurship, where young people can come and learn not just about manufacturing products, but also learn how and where to sell them. Our Chief Minister is very supportive of economic activity and we need to develop entrepreneur skills so that the per capita income of Bengal rises with economic growth," Hakim added.

It may be mentioned that this is the first edition of IIKTF. The total number of stalls is 305 and the fair is on from June 1 to 11.

"The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry is the oldest and one of the most respected institutions of its kind in India. It is a powerful enabler, lobbying for the development of the economy and Infrastructure in India. The fair was jointly organised by The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry and G S Marketing Associates. The purpose of the trade fair is to promote business and trade around the region. The partner country of IIKTF is Bangladesh and the focus country is Thailand and Sri Lanka this year. The other countries which are participating are Turkey, Egypt, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar and Netherlands", stated Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, president, Bengal Chamber and chairman and MD, Bandhan Bank.

The industry segments whose products are on display and sale include international companies, government departments, furniture and interiors, processed food, lifestyle, health and fitness, electronics, children's products, auto show etc.