Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 851/07

27TH INDIA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR 2007 INAUGURATED

The President of India, Smti. Pratibha Devisingh Patil today, the November 14, 2007, inaugurated the 27th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2007 at the Hamsadhwani Theatre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi amidst the presence of the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri. Kamal Nath, Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. D D Lapang, officers of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and representatives from participating States and foreign Countries.

Dr. Lapang was accompanied by Mrs. D C Marak, Minister of Health, etc, Mr. Manas Choudhury, MLA, Mr. K K Dkhar, MLA, Mr. S S Gupta, Principal Resident Commissioner, Meghalaya House, New Delhi, Mr. A Som, Commissioner and Secretary, Information and Public Relations, Mr. P S Dkhar, Director of Information and Public Relations and Mr. H M Shangpliang, OSD, Information and Public Relations were also present on the occasion.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Smti. Patil stated that the IITF has proven to be an effective showcase for Indian trade and industry. As one of the largest exposition of its kind in Asia, the IITF continues to play a crucial role in facilitating business ties in different areas of trade and commerce. In keeping with the theme of the IITF 2007 “Processed Foods and Agro based Industries”, Smti. Patil informed that inspite of India being the largest food producer in the world, only 2p.c of its produce is processed. Therefore, she hoped that the IITF will help catalyze investments in this sector.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Lapang, keeping in mind Meghalaya’s vision to become self-sustained and at par with other progressive States of the country, said that relentless efforts have been made and today the State can boast of significant achievements in the field of agriculture, horticulture, tourism, power generation and overall industrial development. He further informed that Meghalaya occupies the first position in attracting investment for the development of all types of Industries and this has been made possible because of the State’s investment friendly policy and overall support of the Government of India. Highlighting the vast potential that the State possesses in terms of tourism, horticulture, food processing, medium and large scale industries, mineral resources, information technology and power generation, Dr. Lapang hoped that Meghalaya’s rich resources will be reflected in this year’s IITF particularly as the State has been given the status of “Focus State”. Drawing focus to the peaceful environment that is prevailing in the State, Dr. Lapang welcomed investors to maximize on the potential of Meghalaya adding that in doing so they will have no room for regrets.

Later, Dr. Lapang also inaugurated the Meghalaya Pavilion at Hall No. 16. Before inspecting the various stalls, Dr. Lapang spoke a few words of inspiration to the participants urging them to give their best efforts and approach their work with a positive attitude. Dr. Lapang also paid a visit to the Manipur, Tripura and Mizoram pavilion.

The participants in this year’s Fair include Tourism, Forest, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Soil and Water Conservation, Agriculture and Horticulture, Sericulture and Weaving, Industries and 15 entrepreneurs. On display are cane and bamboo works, processed foods, aromatic spices, traditional attires and musical instruments, agricultural and horticultural products.

It may be mentioned that over 7500 companies and 44 foreign countries are participating in this year’s IITF organized by the India Trade Promotion Organisation which is under the Ministry of Commerce. While Himachal Pradesh is the partner State, Meghalaya has been given the honour of being the “Focus State” of the Fair which will last till November 27, 2007. As part of the IITF ’07, Meghalaya will be organizing seminars, cultural programmes and a rock show at Pragati Maidan.