Thaindian News

New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) Come Monday, the capital will host around 6,000 exhibitors displaying everything from regional handicrafts to international products, which will vie for buyers’ attention alongside lip-smacking delicacies at the 31st edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF).

The 14-day event is being organised by the commerce ministry and the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) at the sprawling Pragati Maidan exhibition grounds in the heart of the city.

According to ITPO chairman and managing director Rajeev Kher, this year the organisation has not partnered with any country but with four Indian states — West Bengal and Jharkhand as partner states and Bihar and Orissa as focus states.

“There is a huge participation from various states and abroad. This year even the number of outlets have been increased,” Kher said.

The theme for this year’s event is ‘Indian handicrafts - The magic of the gifted hands’.

The first five days of the event will be reserved for business visitors, which traditionally see hectic sessions of buying and selling, followed by non-business days which are open to general public from Nov 19-27.

The fair will host products from 230 exhibitors from 26 countries, in addition to 27 Indian states, 31 central government ministries and around 260 private companies.

The visitors can also expect a wide-variety of Indian and international cuisines.

International participants too seem excited about the event and business prospects, with South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry setting up about 19 stalls.

The IITF is one of the largest trade fairs in the world in terms of exhibitors and visitor participation.