President calls IITF as celebration of India's intrinsic strength

President Pranab Mukherjee has described the India International Trade Fair (IITF) as a celebration of India's intrinsic strength, and also praised this fair for providing an excellent platform for small and micro enterprises to display their products.

Speaking on the occasion while inaugurating the 34th India International Trade Fair here on Friday, the President said, "As India moves into the next phase of growth, there is palpable excitement and energy all around. The IITF is a celebration of India's intrinsic strength, especially when the country is striving to become a manufacturing hub of the world. Since inception, this event has been showcasing India's socio-economic progress. It has also played a significant role in catalysing commercial convergence of technology with social and economic issues of the South-Asian region."

"Trade Fairs of the type and scale of IITF, over three decades, has been a successful launching pad for a large number of consumer products such as - cars, electronics and electrical appliances. More important, however, is that the fair has been an excellent platform for small and micro enterprises to display their products and to get the best from traders in India or importers from abroad," he added.

The President complimented the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) for selecting 'Women Entrepreneurs' as the theme of this fair and earmarking an exclusive area at concessional rates for highlighting the achievements of women entrepreneurs.

President Mukherjee welcomed all participants from India and overseas, especially the partner country "South Africa", focus country 'Thailand' and focus state "Delhi" and hoped that this edition of the Fair will inform and connect buyers and investors. He also hoped that it would expand understanding of India and provide fresh impetus to the 'Make in India' campaign.