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(a) whether ITPO has decided to set up more Trade Promotion Centres in various parts of the country;
(b) if so, the cities identified for the purpose;
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(c) the criteria adopted for the identification of the cities; and
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(d) the present location of Trade Promotion Centres established so far, State-wise?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( SHRI DIGVIJAY SINGH )
(a) to (d) : In order to strengthen the export promotion infrastructure in selected regional centres of the country, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) is setting up Regional Trade promotion Centres (RTPCs) in some States with the approval and funding support from the Government. Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) have been signed between ITPO and the State Governments of Tamilnadu, Karnataka and West Bengal for setting up of RTPCs at Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata. As per the MOU`s, joint venture companies with equity contributions from the nominated agency of the respective State Governments and ITPO will be set up and registered under Section 25 of Companies Act to look after the affairs of RTPCs. Chennai Trade Centre has already been commissioned on 31st January, 2001. The works relating to RTPC, Bangalore are in progress. The work at Kolkata has not commenced as yet. The centres were selected on the consideration that a vast country like India, with industrial centers located at different regions/states, cannot concentrate this activity only at one center i.e. Delhi. The broad criteria for selecting the location for RTPCs are as under :-
(i) Metropolitan town with large population and good industrial base.
(ii) Proven experience in periodically organizing important trade shows.
(iii) Support of State Governments in providing developed land with supporting infrastructure.