Date:28/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/28/stories/2008112856540400.htm

New Delhi

International Trade Fair ends with awards presentation

Staff Reporter

‘There is tremendous trade potential among ASEAN and SAFTA countries’

- Photo: Sandeep Saxena

Huge rush: Visitors throng India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on its last day on Thursday.

NEW DELHI: After showcasing the diverse culture and heritage of various countries as well as States and Union Territories of the country over the past two weeks, the India International Trade Fair drew to a close at Pragati Maidan here on Thursday with an award presentation.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Power Jairam Ramesh pointed out that there was tremendous trade potential among all member-countries of ASEAN and SAFTA.

Referring to the status of Pakistan as the partner country at the 13-day trade extravaganza, Mr. Ramesh felt a commercial alliance of Pakistan, Afghanistan and India would lead to a faster growth in the region.

The Minister expressed optimism that issues such as developing the necessary infrastructure for speedy intra-regional trade and commerce among these three countries would soon be resolved amicably.

Mr. Ramesh presented the awards in different categories. In the foreign pavilions category, Pakistan received the gold medal, while the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan won the silver medal. South Africa won the Special Jury Award.

In the State and Union Territories pavilions, Gujarat received the gold, Kerala and West Bengal got silver medals, while Lakshadweep received the Special Jury Award. Nagaland bagged the gold medal among the North-Eastern States pavilions.

In the Central Government pavilions and public sector undertaking categories, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Small Industries Corporation were recipients of the gold medal.

The Minister also awarded Central Indian Security Force and Central Reserve Police Force bands with special awards. Earlier, India Trade Promotion Organisation Chairperson and Managing Director Sheela Bhide described the IITF as a happy hunting ground for consumers. She said despite the worrisome global meltdown and security concerns, the trade fair at Pragati Maidan went about peacefully attracting overwhelming participation from India and overseas. “As many as 460 companies from 38 countries took part in the fair. On November 26, 1,652 overseas delegates from various countries visited the fair,” added Dr. Bhide. Reiterating the Government’s commitment to promote eco-friendly lifestyle, Dr. Bhide said the ITPO would take up drastic measures to minimise use of plastics during “IITF-2009”.