Question : PARTICIPATION OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES IN I.I.T.F.



(a) Whether the Government propose to take some more steps to ensure participation by more and more foreign countries in I.I.T.F. 2001; and

(b) if so, the details thereof ?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI OMAR ABDULLAH)

(a) & (b) : The India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) organises 17 fairs, including India International Trade Fair (IITF), annually at Pragati Maidan. IITF is a general nature fair encompassing all types of products i.e, from heavy machinery to small industries and from IT to handicrafts. As the trend now is to go to specific product oriented fairs, emphasis is being given to inviting greater foreign participation for such fairs namely, Leather & Leather Products Fairs, Tex Style Fair, Printing Technology Fair etc. In IITF the main focus is on inviting business delegations which can come and see what India can offer. Participants from 22 countries and business delegations from 49 countries visited IITF, 2000.

With a view to mobilising greater participation in fairs held in India, interalia, following steps are taken :


(i) To send invitations for participation in the fair to Foreign Missions in India, Indian Missions abroad, Trade Promotion Organizations, Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Trade and Industry Associations abroad.

(ii) Distribution of mobilization folders at various trade fairs and exhibitions abroad where ITPO organizes participation.

(iii) Extend 50% discount to the least developed SAARC countries on the rentals for exhibition space.

(iv) Extend the facility of free space to Trade Promotion Organizations of various countries in lieu of similar facility for ITPO in their respective countries.