Date:28/11/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/11/28/stories/2005112813360400.htm

New Delhi

Gujarat gets best pavilion award

Staff Reporter

Russia stood first in foreign pavilion category

THE BEST OF THE LOT: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi going around the State pavilion during the India International Trade Fair, 2005. — Photo: Shanker Chakraverty

NEW DELHI: At the annual India International Trade Fair that concluded here on Sunday, Gujarat bagged the best State pavilion award while Kerala and Chhattisgarh were jointly ranked number two. In the foreign pavilion category, Russia stood first followed by Thailand.

Giving away the trade fair awards at the concluding function, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry E.V.K.S. Elangovan lauded Indian as well as the foreign participants from 33 countries at the 14-day show that drew over 30-lakh visitors, including 89 overseas trade delegations from 53 countries.

Asserting that all this signified the growing importance of IITF as a global business destination, Mr. Elangovan said his Ministry acted as a facilitator of trade and development in the country, imparting new dynamism to the Government's export promotion efforts. The Minster asked all States and Union Territories to become effective partners of the Centre in the trade promotion process.

In other categories, Uttaranchal won the partner State special trophy, while the focus State special trophy was given to West Bengal. In the upcoming communications section, India Post bagged the first prize followed by the National Highway Authority of India. In the North East pavilion section, Meghalaya stood first and Tripura second. In the Union Territory pavilion category, Lakshadweep was ranked number one and Andaman and Nicobar Islands number two.

In the Central Government category, Defence Exhibition Organisation was adjudged the best pavilion, while the special commendation was given to the Department of Ocean Development. In the public sector category the gold went to North East Development Finance Corporation and the silver to Khadi Gram Udyog Bhavan. In the power section, National Hydro Power Corporation and Rural Electrification Corporation stood first and second respectively.

Reliance Industries Ltd got the gold in the technology innovation category, SPG Ltd the silver, and Gas Lab Asia the bronze. Under the "good living" category, Maharaja Appliance were adjudged the best kitchenware and home appliance followed by Ion Exchange India Ltd. Ayur Herbal was the best in the commercial and health product category, while Panasonic Pvt Ltd bagged the gold under the entertainment consumer electronic category.