The fortnight-long “India International Trade Fair-2012” finally drew to a close with presentation of awards for excellence to Indian and foreign participants at Shakuntalam Convention Centre of Pragati Maidan here on Tuesday.
In her address, Union Minister of State of Commerce and Industry D. Purandeswari said IITF has been a highly productive forum for promotion of goods made by rural industries, artisans and other micro enterprises wanting to enter a pan-Indian market and export their products abroad.
“Apart from generating meaningful business in different pavilions, the theme ‘Skilling India’ received attention from various stakeholders.”
She expressed her happiness over India Trade Promotion Organisation’s decision of “Inclusive Growth” as the theme for next edition of IITF.
Later, the Minister presented awards to winners in different categories.
In the foreign pavilion category, the Republic of Belarus bagged the gold medal, while South Africa received the silver. Turkey won the commendation award.
In the State category, Assam won the gold medal, while Kerala won the silver. Punjab and Rajasthan jointly received commendation award.
Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh bagged the gold medal and commendation awards respectively
The Ministry of Agriculture was presented the gold medal, while the Ministry of Power and its constituents won the silver. The Income Tax Department bagged the commendation award in the Ministries and Departments category.
For the first time in the history of IITF, the organisers introduced the “Cuisine of the State” awards.
Maharashtra bagged the gold medal, while Kerala won the silver. Uttarakhand received the commendation and special appraisal certificates were given to Karnataka and West Bengal.
Earlier welcoming the guests, ITPO Chairperson Rita Menon said IITF has been gradually transforming itself from an event exclusively for entertainment and retail sale to an event of serious business. “Over 8,000 business visitors registered during the first five days of the fair. The figure is about 22 per cent more than last year.”
