The Hindu : New Delhi News : Visitors throng trade fair

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Visitors throng trade fair

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, NOV. 16. The 24th edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) now under way at the sprawling Pragati Maidan here is attracting thousands of visitors from in and around Delhi. With traffic regulations, pedestrian walkways and parking spaces well in place, over 30 lakh people from the Capital as well as neighbouring towns and States are likely to visit the grand annual fair over the next fortnight to catch a glimpse of the progress made by the Indian industry and economy as well as of 30 other countries that are taking part in this year's show.

The first two days of the 14-day trade fair -- which happened to be holidays -- saw huge crowds thronging the venue. "On the second day on Monday when offices were closed on account of Id, there was a good rush in the evening and over one lakh people visited the fair. Given this scenario, we expect unprecedented crowd particularly during weekends," said an ITPO spokesperson.

The focus of this year's trade fair is on the twin theme of "Agriculture and Information Technology". This year's "Focus Country" is Brazil while neighbouring China with a strong contingent of 85 companies is the partner country at the fair. Apart from these, about 30 countries including Pakistan, Vietnam, Iran, Syria, Myanmar, Uganda, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are also participating in the event. Besides, 80 foreign business delegations from 35 countries and over 2.5 lakh domestic business visitors are also expected to visit the show.

"This year's show has anything and everything for all age groups. A total of 7,000 exhibitors showcasing a range of products and services covering an array of sectors including capital goods, telecommunications, infrastructural facilities, services sector, consumer durables, food products, textiles and clothing, giftware and kitchenware, toys, sports goods and equipments, building material, medical and herbal products, leather goods, engineering goods and electronic entertainment products are there at the show. We hope this satisfies every visitor," the spokesperson added.

Going by the trends of the first three days, stalls of consumer items and electronic goods along with the Chinese pavilion is drawing huge crowds. Items like LPG geyser and electronic "tandoors" besides home décor products have already become instant hits among visitors. Similarly, cheap Chinese electronic and electrical items are attracting people. Unlike last year, companies have announced attractive discounts and free gifts on purchase of items from the very beginning thus making the fair a must-visit affair.

Another focus of attention among visitors is the tastefully decorated pavilions of 29 States and six Union Territories besides pavilions of big government institutions and public-sector undertakings. For instance, the Defence Pavilion is once again a must-see where military bands are playing interesting tunes to entertain visitors. Similarly, cultural evenings of different States being held everyday are drawing huge crowds. This year's Delhi Pavilion is showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage and history and its modern technological landmarks.

Security and traffic scenario so far has been a win-win affair as smooth movement of vehicles and more parking spaces have made available this year. A large number of Delhi police cops along with volunteers and private security guards are regulating traffic and pedestrian movement. Special Delhi Transport Corporation bus services have also been introduced between Pragati Maidan and the neighbouring towns of Noida, Faridabad, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad for convenience of visitors.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi