November 14, 2019
MSMEs, which currently contribute 29 per cent of India’s total annual exports, are expected to generate employment of over 10 million
MSMEs have a key role in accomplishing the twin targets of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and making India a US$5 trillion economy
Countries including Australia, Iran, UK, Vietnam, Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Hong Kong and Indonesia, participated in the fair
Commemorating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Khadi Pavilion showcased a wide range of products
The Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and MSME, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated the 39th India International Trade Fair (IITF) in Delhi on November 14. He was accompanied by the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Som Parkash. In its latest edition, the 14-day long fair is being attended by several countries, including Australia, Iran, UK, Vietnam, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Egypt, Hong Kong and Indonesia. This year, Afghanistan is the partner country while Bihar and Jharkhand were focus states.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Gadkari said that MSMEs currently contribute 29 per cent of India’s total exports. The sector is also expected to generate employment of over 10 million people. He described the MSME sector as the growth engine for India’s development. The minister called upon entrepreneurs to come forward with fresh ideas to improve designs, reduce costs, and harness businesses. He called out India’s efforts to set up technology training centres for quality production at international standards.
In his address, Shri Parkash underlined the importance of IITF’s theme, ‘Ease of Doing Business’, and said that the MSME sector has an important role to play in accomplishing the twin targets of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and making India a US$5 trillion economy.
IITF is an important platform for various central and state government departments and agencies for dissemination of information on progressive reforms, new schemes and initiatives. It serves as a convergence point for government agencies, private sector enterprises, and non-government institutions which have aligned their activities with the country’s development objectives.
At the event, Shri Gadkari also inaugurated the Khadi Pavilion. He was accompanied by Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, and Secretary, MSME, Arun Kumar Panda. Shri Saxena underlined the success of khadi, saying that it epitomises the spirit of Indianness. He added that khadi brings to mind Mahatma Gandhi and his vision.
Commemorating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Khadi Pavilion at the IITF showcased a wide range of products including food, handicrafts, leather, textiles and hosiery, readymade garments, wooden toys, cosmetics and herbal products.