President inaugurates global trade fair

President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday inaugurated the 36th India International Trade Fair (IITF) and called it a mega projection of the new India that is fast taking shape.

"It showcases the vision of a glorious tomorrow, a spirit of excellence and achievement and unparalleled investment opportunity through the prism of the 'Make in India' and 'Digital India' initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the President said in his inaugural address.

"The fair symbolises India's commitment towards bringing the benefits of economic reform to its people from all walks of life, especially the under-privileged."

IITF is organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) of Ministry of Commerce and Industry and will continue till November 27 at Pragati Maidan here.

Praising ITPO for the theme of 'Digital India' for this year, the President said "digital technologies, e-commerce, e-enabled and mobile services are major components of e-governance and will, over time, contribute significantly to GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth".

He said the country must "make use of our abundant renewable sources to create a society that is self-sustaining and mindful of its responsibilities towards the present and future generations".

Welcoming the global business community, the President recalled his association with ITPO and IITF in different capacities and said: "I am pleased to see it grew into a larger and more inclusive platform now. I take this opportunity to welcome the global business community who have converged here to further trade and business relations.

"I am heartened to see the considerable presence of foreign companies at the fair. I would like to make a special mention of India's continued endeavour of empowering and bringing together all constructive forces for a better world."

This year's fair is seeing 7,000 participants including representation from 24 nations, Indian states and union territories, public and private enterprises with around 800 rural artisans and craftspersons.

The President wished all the participants, especially the Partner Country South Korea and the Focus Country Belarus.

The Partner States are Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand while Haryana is the Focus State. "I hope all three of them will make full use of the opportunities that this fair presents," the President added.

--IANS

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