The shopping extravaganza for Delhiites is back as the India International Trade Fair (IITF) opened its doors on November 14. Regarded as India’s most extensive trade event, this fair brings together large, small, and medium traders, all organized by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).
The grand fair is set to run between November 14 and 27, estimating a turnout of about 40,000 individuals per day, potentially rising to around 100,000 during weekends.
The Theme
The theme of IITF 2023 is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: United by Trade”. India is one of the 20 countries represented in the G20, giving it a voice with its tagline “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. It means the world is one family.
Participants
Over the course of its 14 days, the international trade fair will guarantee a lively showcase of diversity and entrepreneurial skill, with a total of 3,500 exhibitors from 28 Indian states and UTs and several countries like UAE, Iran, and Thailand exhibiting their products.
As per reports, representatives from 13 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Oman, Egypt, Nepal, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, Tunisia, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Iran, and UAE, are actively involved in this event.
Additionally, various central government ministries, public sector units, and commodity boards, such as the Department of Income Tax, DGTS (Customs and Excise), Ministry of Ayush, Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India, RBI, LIC, and SBI, are also partaking in the fair.
Focus States
This year’s emphasis lies on Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh as the primary states of focus, with Bihar and Kerala joining as partner states. A specialized pavilion will highlight themes, ministries, and departments, with 46 central ministries, commodity boards, and PSUs actively involved in the event.
Cultural Events
Apart from its economic significance, IITF 2023 will host cultural events in two amphitheatres and musical fountain locations within the renovated complex. States have been given time slots to exhibit their regional art forms, contributing to a diverse cultural mosaic.
First 5 Days for Business
Minister of State Anupriya Patel will inaugurate the fair on November 14, with the first five days reserved for business-to-business exhibitors. The general public can also attend on business days, but officially, the fair will be open to the general public from November 19th.
Tickets and Timings
Tickets for the trade fair are priced at Rs 500 during business days, Rs 80 for general public days, and Rs 150 on weekends.
The DMRC said the entry tickets for the international trade fair will be available at 55 metro stations across the city. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) also said it will begin selling IITF tickets on November 14 for “business days” (November 14–18), and on November 19 for “general public days”.
The DMRC said the entry tickets will be available at only 55 selected metro stations including Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda), Dilshad Garden, Shahdara, Inderlok, Netaji Subhash Place, Rohini West, Rithala, Noida City Centre, Mandi House, Kashmere Gate and Barakhamba station among others. “IITF tickets will not be available for sale at Supreme Court metro station, which is the nearest station to the IITF venue, to prevent overcrowding and ensure seamless passenger movement during the trade fair period,” it said.
The fair will operate from 10 am to 7:30 pm, offering parking facilities in Basement 1 accessible via Bhairon Marg, except for the Supreme Court metro station.
Traffic Advisory
Traffic congestion is expected during the two weeks at Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg, Ring Road, Shershah Road, and Purana Quila Road. People not visiting the trade fair are requested to avoid these roads to ensure a hassle-free journey, the advisory said.
There would be no entry of visitors from gate number 5-A, 5-B, 7, 8, and 9, according to the advisory. Visitors will be allowed entry from gate number 1, 4, 6, and 10. Entry for exhibitors will be from gate number 1, 4, 5b, and 10. Entry for media persons will be from gate number 5-B, and entry for ITPO officials will be from gate number 9 and 1, it said.
How to Reach the Venue
If you are coming by Delhi Metro, you may get down at Supreme Court Metro Station and take entry to ITPO through Gate No. 10.
Visitors can also use shuttle service for entry through Gate No.’s 6 and 4. You can also get down at Mandi House Metro Station and walk.
Visitors who are using DTC buses for traveling from Delhi or NCR can alight at designated bus stops on Mathura Road and Bhairon Marg.