40th edition of International Trade Fair a big draw with huge turnout

New Delhi: The 40th edition of India International Trade Fair here in New Delhi has scored big with visitors as the first such mass exhibition is taking place at Pragati Maidan, post the outbreak of pandemic in 2020.

Speaking to Bizz Buzz, Krishan Kumar, Senior Manager, IITF, said that the current participation of merchants has been overwhelming inspite of organising the event on a short notice. According to the organisers, over 550 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and 568 self-help groups led by women entrepreneurs have partaken at the exhibition.

"Once we received safety guidelines on B2B, B2C fair from Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), we began preparation for the trade fair from September 15. Usually, it takes us close to 6 to 7 months to prepare, but this time we had less than 2 months in our hand to put together everything. It was indeed an uphill task," Kumar explained.

According to the organisers, participation of both merchants, manufacturers, and visitors has been overwhelming, while keeping intact Covid safety protocols. Provisions such as windowless ticket sales, automated sanitiser dispensers have been introduced at the venue.

Kumar said that in spite of last-minute efforts, State participation, this year, has been welcoming. However, States of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa could not set up their own pavilions due to logistical challenges. Apart from MSMEs and Self-Help Groups, stalls have been set up at the fair by National Ministry of Social Justice, Ministry of Minority, National Small Industries Corporation, Department for the Welfare of SC, ST, OBC and Minorities, Delhi, Coir Board of India, and many more government bodies have participated on a large scale.

The post-pandemic fair is being held at the newly constructed venue at Pragati Maidan wherein multi-storeyed buildings have replaced the traditional pavilions. According to the senior manager, the gross area of the venue stands at 5000 square meters wherein more open spaces are being offered for the general public. A capacity of 30,000 visitors per day is allowed at the venue. Kumar also added that post pandemic, the focus (of the fair) is on the promotion of artisans and small entrepreneurs.

Speaking to vendors, 29 years old Tashi Nareoo from Ladakh says that their woollen products have been selling at the fair like hot cakes and visitors are coming in not just for window shopping but to buy.

"We've been coming to the fair for 5 years now. This is our fifth year and we've seen surge of customers on a daily basis. Some of our products are already sold out. So, there is a chance that we might sell all the items before the completion of the fair by November 27th," Tashi told Bizz Buzz.