President Mukherjee inaugurates the India International Trade Fair

Mega trade fair with 'Digital India' theme is being held between Nov 14-27

President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday inaugurated the India International Trade Fair which will see participation of over 150 companies from 27 countries.

This year's edition of the mega trade fair with 'Digital India' theme is being held between November 14-27.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, he observed that "digital technologies, e-commerce, e-enabled and mobile services are major components of e-governance and will over the time contribute significantly to GDP growth."

The President further said that government's recent initiatives in e-governance have started showing results in terms of delivery of public services in more efficient and effective ways.

As India strives to become a manufacturing hub in diverse sectors, the country needs to increase its energy resources without compromising on the environmental aspects, he noted.

"Factors such as demography, development and urbanisation exert tremendous pressure on availability of resources. Large-scale utilisation of resources impacts adversely on the environment. Industry, therefore, needs to adopt eco-friendly measures and technologies," the President said here.

He further said, the range of reforms being undertaken, including the GST, shall enable the states and union territories to compete with each other in attracting investments and business opportunities.

"Over the medium and long-term, these reforms shall also hopefully result in job creation. Thus, contributing to the growth impulses of the economy," Mukherjee said.

The President termed the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 'a mega projection of the new India', that is fast taking shape.

"I believe that IITF will reinforce Indian brands. Brands that will, in the first instance, compete and win against the dominant international players in the domestic market before venturing overseas," Mukherjee said.

The President further said that IITF showcases an unparallelled investment opportunity through the prism of Make in India and Digital India initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I am confident that the 36th edition of this fair will promote business convergence and cohesiveness amongst the investors, manufacturers and retailers," he said.

He also said, the recent BRICS and BIMSTEC Summits have created a great reservoir of goodwill which is vital for consolidating our economic and cultural linkages and societal bonds with countries across the world.

"India has always believed in the stability and growth of our neighbouring countries. Putting people first is the guiding philosophy of our development cooperation partnership.

"Focused on an agenda aimed at regional harmony, peace and prosperity, we look forward to working together in priority areas such as infrastructure, development connectivity, capacity building, education, healthcare and the setting-up of development projects," he said.

The President noted that India is working with like-minded countries in multilateral organisations including the United Nations to play an enhanced role in diverse fora - from the Arctic Council and the Pacific Alliance to the UN Security Council where the country "has made a legitimate claim for a permanent membership".

This year, IITF has South Korea as the partner country while the focus country is Belarus.