Recession takes toll on Indians going to European trade fairs

Exhibitions and trade fairs in Europe are attracting less Indian visitors who are looking for newer markets beyond the European Union, which is facing demand recession and job losses.      

"Not many Indian companies were interested in participating in fairs in Europe," ITPO Executive Director Rajiv Yadav told PTI.      

The country's leading exhibitor, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), organised only six fairs in Europe during 2008-09 compared to 10 in the previous fiscal as Indian exporters began looking for alternative market beyond the 27-nation bloc.     

While, the number of business fairs and exhibitions organised by ITPO in the US during 2008-09 was four, the same as in the previous year, it had cut down on the total number of overseas expositions.      

"In 2008-09, 33 overseas fairs were held compared to 37 in the previous fiscal," he said.      

The EU accounts for about 21 per cent of India's exports which totalled $168 billion last fiscal.      

Yadav said ITPO plans to organise about 35 overseas fairs and exhibitions with focus on newer areas, which are less affected by recession.