New Delhi: “A business conducive infrastructure such as the world class International Exhibition- cum- Convention Centre (IECC) at Pragati Maidan is crucial for the growth and export promotion of MSME sector in India . There is a need to have at least 30 to 40 such exhibition and convention centers in the country. These centres can be established through PPP model “as pointed out by the Hon’ble Minister of MSME, Road Transport and Highways, Govt. of India, Shri Nitin Gadkari while inaugurating the 39th edition of the India International Trade Fair at Hamsadhwani Theatre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, today. After opening the fair, the Minister took round of the MSME as well as Khadi pavilions and evinced his keen interest in a wide range products and services.
Present on the occasion were the Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Shri Som Parkash, H.E. Tahir Qadiry, Charge d’ Affaires, Embassy of Afghanistan in India, Shri L.C. Goyal, CMD, ITPO, Executive Director, Shri Rajesh Agrawal, ED ,ITPO, Shri Narmadeshwar Lal, Secretary. Industry, Govt. of Bihar, Shri Aboobackar Siddiquep, Senior Representative from Jharkhan.
Complimenting ITPO for holding the IITF with its theme “ Ease of Doing Business’’ for the 39th edition of the fair, Shri Nitin Gadkari informed that limit for MSME is being increased by the Government and the MSME Ministry is taking initiatives to create an online dedicated marketing portal for the sale of MSME products just like Amazon and Aliexpress. He said that India, the fastest growing economy in the world, there is around 49 per cent contribution of economic growth in the country, and India has to achieve the target of 60 per cent contribution in exports. He said that abundant raw material is available in different States such as Jharkhand and Bihar, the Focus States in the fair. He pointed out that in view to beat the global competition as well as challenges , there is need to focus on quality at par with the global standards which could be achieved through skilled and trained manpower, therefore, each industry should invest at least 2 to 3 per cent of its profit on research and development for the up-gradation.
While highlighting current economic problem in China, Shri Gadkari said that Industry should take benefits of the present scenario, the government is ready to support the MSME sector in terms of providing special attention for the welfare of labor belonging to economically backward section of society. He informed that the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India has identified 150 districts which are economically backward and as envisioned by the Father of Nation, especially when country is celebrating 150th year of his birth anniversary, emphasis should be given on his approach i.e. maximum involvement of people to maximize the production for alleviation of poverty. The target of MSME is 60% of Indian export, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Som Parkash , the Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce and Industry said that the IITF has carved a niche for itself in the global calendar besides occupying a position of eminence in the Asian continent. He said that the fair has been organized especially when when India is emerging as a global power under the dynamic leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. He elaborated that due to unprecedented reforms and policy initiatives in diverse fields, the country has made a commendable improvement in its “Ease of Doing Business” global rating, which is significant to make it a favorite destination for investment, exports and MSME sector which is considered as the backbone of Indian economy. Emphasizing need to empower economically and socially backward section of the society, the Minister said that events such as IITF are crucial to meet the target of doubling farmers income by 2022 and to transform India into a US$ 5 trillion economy by the year 2024 and MSME sector has to play a responsible role in exports, sustainable, inclusive job-led growth and development. He appealed the l the stakeholders of global exhibition and convention industry to extend their support to ITPO in its mega initiative of redevelopment of Pragati Maidan into a world class international Exhibition and Convention Centre (IECC) as well as in its “Brand India” promotion activities globally.
In his key note address, Shri L.C. Goyal, CMD, ITPO indicated that the next edition of the fair would be organized with enhanced size by accommodating around five times more participants next year. The fair has been organized at 25,000 sq.mtr. space and the next edition would be expected to achieve 1.25 sq.mtrs. lakhs space in the next edition. He assured that every interested participant would be accommodated in the fair. He expressed his happiness over the considerable participation of MSME in IITF 2019 and said that as MSME has a major state in India’s export and employment generation as a policy initiative ITPO provides substantial space for MSME in each IITF, he added.
Senior representatives from the ‘Partner State’ Bihar, Shri Narmadeshwar Lal and the’ Focus State’ Jharkhand, Shri Aboobackar Siddiquep also presented details on achievement of the respective States, the policy initiatives towards “Ease of Doing Business”, reforms and export potential.
In his welcome address , Shri Rajesh Agrawal, ED, ITPO highlighted the salient features of the fair.
