Dilip Guha, New Delhi: The 42nd edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2023 the capital’s annual event returns at the renovated Pragati Maidan complex was opened on Tuesday. The theme of IITF 2023 is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: United by Trade” which draws inspiration from ancient Indian philosophy, emphasizing the significance of interconnectedness and cooperation in trade for achieving sustainable growth and well-being.
Organized by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) is scheduled from November 14-27, 2023 in the newly built halls of the International Exhibition cum Convention Centre (IECC) as well as in the existing halls at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. IITF with B2B and B2C components is one of the largest integrated trade fairs. With nearly 3,500 exhibitors from India and abroad, IITF 2023 occupies an expansive space of 1,10,000 square meters. The IITF offers an ideal platform to showcase Indian products and infuse renewed confidence and vigor into the Indian economy.
The India International Trade Fair (IITF) is a prestigious annual event held in New Delhi, India. It serves as a platform to showcase a diverse range of products and services from various industries, both domestic and international. The fair aims to promote trade, business, and investment opportunities, as well as foster cultural exchange. Several Government Organisations use this platform to spread awareness about their programs and policies among the public. As such, almost all States and Union Territories of India participate in this mega event. IITF 2023 will feature the country’s latest export potential in diverse fields especially when we are celebrating India’s presidency of the G20.
Bengal’s multi-hued ethnicity, cultural diversity, colorful weaves, and traditional crafts have come under one roof at the West Bengal Pavilion at IITF depicting the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” was inaugurated by Dr. Shashi Panja, Hon’ble MIC, Dept. of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare; Industry, Commerce & Enterprises, Government of West Bengal, Smt Sumita Bagchi, Spl Secretary and additional Secy Sonali Dutta Ray of Govt of west Bengal were also present.
Based on the theme, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, the state’s pavilion attempts to project its growth story of buoyant Bengal aided by the power of traditional knowledge, indigenous skills, and creative genius wedded to a resurgent spirit of positivity and aspiration of an industrial culture in the state, are highlights of the West Bengal Pavilion at the annual India International Trade Fair2023.
Speaking at the 42nd India International Trade Fair, Panja mentioned the Bengal Pavilion as a platform to showcase the state’s rich art, literature, and traditions to a global audience. She said that the stalls at the pavilion aim to highlight the work done under the chief ministership of Smt. Mamata Banerjee. She commended the development in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in Bengal, emphasizing the significance of trade corridors like Dankuni-Kalyani-Raghunathpur and Dankuni-Haldia for industrial expansion. She also mentioned West Bengal’s remarkable progress in various sectors, including industries, commerce, entrepreneurship, women and child development, health, and social welfare. She asserted that the state is actively playing a leading role as a hub for commerce and industry across the country.
She mentioned the upcoming Bengal Global Business Summit to be held in Kolkata and commended favorable conditions West Bengal currently offers for industrial investment, citing ample electricity, water resources, and advanced infrastructure, especially in the fields of art and industry. She also highlighted the importance of a well-developed transportation system for industrial growth, noting that West Bengal boasts the third-largest road infrastructure in the country.
The artistic and cultural heritage of the state has been highlighted at the pavilion. The exhibits include Bengal’s great artistic and cultural heritage, its superb handicrafts and handloom products, its prowess in Information Technology, Power Generation, Industry, Agriculture, Education, and Tourism, and its present achievements and future opportunities. Most of the Items that are heritage and famous, of Bengal like Textile, rice, Tea, sweets, and sarees, find a place in the pavilion and are on display as well as for sale.
There are Seventeen stalls in the West Bengal pavilion this year. Nine participating departments include Information and Cultural Affairs, Commerce and Enterprises, MSME dept, SHG & SE dept, Panchayat RD, Agricultural and Mktg, Animal Resource & Dev, Tribal Dept, and Tourism Department. Eight stalls are under the MSME department working for the promotion of textile, Handicrafts, Handlooms, and village industries. Biswa Bangla, Banglar saree, Tantuja, Manjusha, Khadi & Village industry, Bangashree, and Resham Shilpi.
One stall of “Banglar saree” a newly introduced brand having outlay opened in New Delhi recently. The façade has highlighted the advancement of the State in various fields such as art, culture, science, education, and industry through terracotta motifs. Replicas of Jora shako Thakur Bari and the British colonial era are projected in the gates of the pavilion. The magnificent Mahishasuramardini form presents Goddess Durga in her overwhelming glory can be seen.
“Biswa Bangla” an initiative, through which all aspects of Bengal’s crafts, culture, and creativity are projected under a single umbrella to build a “Brand Bengal” in the international market is being showcased through tourism options, baluchori, and tant sarees, nokshi kantha, tulaipanji rice, varieties of sweets, clay dolls, candles, and several other handicrafts.