By: Pallab Ghosh
Radiance News Service

The 40th International International Trade Fair (IITF) 2021 was inaugurated by  Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textile, Piyush Goyal at Pragati Maidan. The theme of 40th IITF is 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister complimented the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) for managing the preparation for the IITF successfully in spite of the COVID challenges. He said this year will be more significant as there was no fair last year due to COVID.

The chief officer of the ITPO, LC Goyal in his opening address said, "Last year we could not hold the IITF  due to COVID but this year we are having the fair on a bigger platform and I am confident you all will enjoy the new look." He informed that the 40th IITF was able to host a total of more than 3000 exhibitors in 70000 sq meters.

Goyal said, "I feel elated to inform you that the MSME has been doing remarkable work during the past years and we have stalls here that exhibit the work of artisans across the country. It was a very nice initiative to offer women entrepreneurs stalls free of cost as they will be able to showcase their products on a bigger platform and get business." The minister expressed happiness over the completion of the state-of-the-art convention hall that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "Next year we all shall be holding the IITF on a bigger platform at the new Pragati Maidan. There will be a huge parking space and visitors will have no problems over parking their cars. I do understand the problem of visitors who come to IITF and are compelled to park their cars far away places."  

The minister said, "In the first four months, India received the most FDI ever. It is 62 percent greater than the FDI we had earned in the previous year."

The first five days have been kept for business and trade purposes. The IITF be open to the general public from November 19th.