Trade fair attractions: Techmart, handicrafts&good living

New Delhi: This November is special for Delhiites. Just when the sounds of crackers will be settling down, the 24th edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) will have taken off on November 14. With early winter setting in, it’s just the right occasion for the otherwise entertainment-starved city dwellers to make merry.
Preparations are underway on a war footing.For the 28 participating countries, a whopping 7,000 pavilions are being built this year as compared to 6,000 in 2003.This year the central theme is Agriculture and Information Technology. Authorities say that efforts have been made to project India as a traditionalist, but developed nation. Says Rajiv Yadav, executive director of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), "The contribution of the services sector, especially IT, to our GDP has increased tremendously. Indian IT industry is creating ripples abroad. What better than to project the field in which we are doing well."
However, the Chinese dragon seems set to leave its mark on the Indian market. China, which will be participating only for the third time this year, has now been given the status of ‘partner country’. The focus in the Fair will be the Latin American markets. "Brazil is the focus this time. We want to tap the unexplored Latin American markets." The fair also gives an occasion for a large number of trade deals. "We are expecting about 20 delegations that are likely to enter into real trade deals," said Safdar Khan, general manager, ITPO.
For the common man however the attractions will be Techmart, BuildTech and Saras, a handicraft show and Good Living. With strict traffic regulations being imposed, visitors are likely to get a better go at the fair, what with the rush and the push of the crowd missing. So what are you waiting for? Get set for the hustle-bustle of the trade fair.