New Delhi: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal inaugurated the 43rd edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on November 14, 2024. During his inaugural speech, the Minister noted that the Government is planning to expand the India Trade Promotion Organisation into a world-class agency that reflects the entire industry and value chain in a single space, positioning India as a top MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) destination. Locations under consideration for expansion include Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Noida. Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on Viksit Bharat, Goyal expressed satisfaction that this year’s IITF theme aligns with the vision for a developed India by 2047.
The Minister also encouraged increased use of digital transactions at trade fairs and announced plans to set up kiosks at fairgrounds for faster transactions. Additionally, the Government is exploring revenue-sharing models with industries seeking markets at the IITF and similar events. Highlighting the importance of global exposure, Goyal advocated for exhibitions that facilitate buyer-seller convergence and bring international exhibitors to India. He also urged ITPO to consider virtual fairs, particularly for product displays where physical presence is not essential.
Goyal expressed hopes for India to organise trade fairs globally, inviting foreign buyers and extending outreach to developed countries. He also outlined plans to feature innovation prominently in future fairs, with dedicated pavilions showcasing startups, advancements in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, green technologies, and cyber technology.
Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), the flagship IITF event, scheduled from November 14 to 27, 2024, celebrates India’s vibrant culture, trade, and innovation, providing a platform for businesses and individuals to explore opportunities and foster collaboration.
This year’s theme, "Viksit Bharat @2047," captures India’s aspiration to become a self-reliant, prosperous, and resilient nation by 2047. The fair underscores innovation, sustainability, inclusivity, and good governance as essential drivers of economic growth and social development. IITF 2024 offers a prime platform to showcase India’s export potential and encourage meaningful dialogue among stakeholders committed to this ambitious vision.
Spanning a gross area of approximately 1,07,000 square metres, with participation from over 3,500 exhibitors from India and abroad, the event serves as a hub for domestic and international trade, supporting both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) interactions. Nearly one lakh visitors are expected daily, reinforcing the fair’s status as one of South Asia’s largest trade events.
Visitors can attend during business days from November 14 to 18, and general public access is available from November 19 to 27. Tickets are available at 55 designated DMRC metro stations (excluding Supreme Court Metro Station), the Bharat Mandapam Mobile App, DMRC App Momentum 2.0, Delhi Sarthi, ITPO’s official website (www.indiatradefair.com), and the DMRC website (www.itpo.autope.in). Ticket prices remain unchanged from last year, with senior citizens and persons with disabilities receiving free entry with valid ID.
The Bharat Mandapam mobile app provides a detailed route map, stall locations, and navigation features for a seamless visitor experience. Entry points are located at Gates 3 and 5 on Bhairon Road, and Gates 6 and 10 on Mathura Road. The fair is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are participating as Partner States, while Jharkhand is the Focus State for this year. A total of 33 states and union territories, 49 central ministries, commodity boards, public sector undertakings (PSUs), public sector banks (PSBs), and private companies such as Titan, Jindal Steel & Power, JSW Steel, Relaxo, Hawkins, and Woodland are exhibiting their products and services. International exhibitors from countries including China, Egypt, Iran, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand, Türkiye, Tunisia, Lebanon, Kyrgyzstan, and the UAE add to the fair's global appeal.
IITF 2024 showcases India’s industrial strength and entrepreneurial spirit, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage in productive exchanges and explore strategies to contribute to a prosperous and resilient India.
BI Bureau
