The 28th India International Trade Fair (IITF)-2008 was inaugurated by Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari at Pragati Maidan today. In his inaugural speech, the Vice President said that the trade fair is being held at a time when the world is going through an unprecedented, ‘once-in-a-generation’ crisis, which has not left India untouched. 

 

However, the global financial meltdown did not seem to dampen the enthusiasm of the visitors who were present at the opening ceremony. The India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), which organizes the trade fair, expects more than 3 million people to visit Pragati Maidan in the next 10 days. 

 

IITF 2008 is focusing attention on two important topics: Infrastructural Development in India and Women Empowerment. 

 

Pakistan is the partner country at the trade fair this year. More than 100 Pakistani companies are displaying and selling products like handicrafts, food stuffs, and textiles at the fair. These items from Pakistan are expected to be the main attraction at IITF 2008. 

 

While the ASEAN countries are the focus region at the trade fair this year, Orissa is the partner state, and Kerala is the focus state. About 7,000 large and small companies from India and 38 countries will be showcasing their products at the fair.