New Delhi : Hon’ble President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee, while inaugurating the 35th edition of India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. fair, an annual celebration of trade and industry, aims to strengthen our bilateral relations with the rest of the world. In the realm of external relations, the Government has intensified India’s engagement with the neighbours and all friendly countries across the globe for better trade and cultural relations, stated the Among the high dignitaries present on the occasion were: Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry (I/C), Smt. Yashodhara Raje Scindia, Department of Commerce, Industry and Employment, Government of Madhya Pradesh (Focus State), Shri Neelkanth Singh Munda, Minister of Rural Development, Government of Jharkhand (Partner State), H E Mr Syed Muazeem Ali, High Commissioner, Bangladesh (Focus Country), H E Mr Shaida Mohammad Abdali, Ambassador of Afghanistan (Partner Country), Smt. Rita Teaotia, Commerce Secretary, Government of India, Shri L.C. Goyal, Chairman and Managing Director, ITPO, members of the Diplomatic Corps, delegates, technocrats and officials, participants from India and overseas.
Complimenting ITPO, the President underlined the contribution of the organisation in providing an ideal platform for the SMEs. He pointed out that the fair manifests the vision of a glorious tomorrow, the spirit of excellence and achievement, the quality products and huge investment opportunities with a new mantra ‘Make in India’.
He underscored the contribution of IITF and said that the fair is an archetype of the modern trade show, is a brand name in itself, enjoying recognition worldwide. This edition of the fair has a tremendous significance, especially when a unique transformation is taking place in the country. This is a time of great opportunities in India. The country is on the threshold of a new era of rapid economic development. Several recent initiatives of the Government have already shown results and a positive impact has been created in key sectors. The ‘Make in India’ initiative to mark India
In her key note address, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State expressed that IITF is a meaningful convergence of delegates of the Apex Trade Promotion Organisations from Indian and overseas. Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, India is emerging as a preferred investment destination with its special focus on business-friendly policies and pro-active administration. The reforms, initiated under the PM’s stewardship, have spanned different aspects of the economy – industry mainly micro, small and medium enterprises, monetary and fiscal policy, social security, skill development, and employment generation.
Speaking on the occasion, H E Mr Shaida Mohammad Abdali, Ambassador of Afghanistan, the partner country for the fair, expressed his happiness over the participation of his country as a Partner Country and stated that India is a strategic partner of Afghanistan.His Excellency Mr Syed Muazeem Ali, High Commissioner of Bangladesh, the focus country for the fair, appreciated the India’s Look East policy which represents its efforts to cultivate extensive economic and cultural relations with the nations of Southeast Asia.The Partner State of the fair, informed that Jharkhand has been ranked the third by the World Bank for Ease of Doing Business in India. On the same lines ‘Make in India’, the State is on the drive of Made in Jharkhand, promoting single window clearance.
Smt.Yashodhara Raje Scindia, Department of Commerce, Industry and Employment, Government of Madhya Pradesh, the Focus State of the fair, also emphasised that Madhya Pradesh, ranked fifth for Ease of Doing Business in India by World Bank is also laying emphasis on infrastructure development and IT. The Minister also stated that Madhya Pradesh has moved from rural and agri based economy to an industrial state. Speaking on the occasion Smt. Rita Teaotia, Commerce Secretary, Government of India, expressed happiness that the IITF has become significant event in the global calendar. In his welcome speech, Shri L.C. Goyal, Chairman and Managing Director, ITPO, expressed his gratitude to the Hon’ble President of India for sparing his gracious time and highlighted the salient features of the fair. He informed that IITF 2015 has participation of over 7000 exhibitors as against 6800 exhibitors last year. He stated that IITF is a 14-day grand festival to celebrate and stimulate Indian trade and commerce, not only within the country but across the globe as well.
Aligning with the Government of India policy of Start- Up, ITPO has earmarked Hall No. 26 for start-up enterpreneurs who have been provided a discounted tariff on rentals. ITPO has dedicated itself to Swachh Bharat Mission, by introducing a separate award category for the best State Pavilion dedicated to Swachh Bharat initiative within their state pavilion.
