Food stall from Lahore gets special commendation award at IITF

Notwithstanding cold vibes between India and Pakistan in Kathmandu, a food stall from Lahore today received a special commendation award in the international trade fair here.
At the last day of the 34th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2014, 'Lizza Food Lahore' has got a special commendation award by Culture and Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma.
The minister has also distributed several other awards to participants from different countries, including South Africa and states such as Kerala and Bihar in separate categories.
When asked about the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and giving award to a Pakistani food stall, Sharma said India always take first step towards friendship with the neighbouring country.

"We always extend our hand of friendship. Be it Atal Ji or Modi Ji, we have always extended our hands first. But to clap you need both the hands," he told reporters.
In Kathmandu, Pakistan's intransigence yesterday led to the failure of the SAARC Summit to reach agreements on greater connectivity among the eight member nations on its opening day which was marked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly asking the members to fulfill their commitment to combat terrorism.

Further, Sharma said that such international fairs help in promoting tourism sector in the country.
"The tourism sector help in boosting economy and generate employment," he said, adding such fairs also provide global exposure to domestic artisans and weavers.

He also said that this time the number of footfalls in the fair have increased manifold as compare to previous years and "financial transactions have also increased".
The theme of this year's fair was 'women entrepreneurs'. , The 14-day fair (November 14 - 27) was ended today.
IITF, an annual affair, is a major tourist attraction and lakhs of people visit this fair every year. The fair provides a big platform to manufacturers, exporters, domestic artisans and weavers to showcase their products.
It was organised by the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), the nodal trade promotion agency under the Commerce and Industry Ministry.

Over 6,000 exhibitors from across the globe participated in the fair along with 31 central government ministries, departments and state-owned units.