INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR 2023: DELHI 

The International Trade Fair 2023 (IITF 2023) is a large trade event with B2B and B2C components that is being held from November 14 to November 27 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi123.

The theme of the IITF 2023 is “Atmanirbhar Bharat: Self-Reliant India” and it showcases the achievements and initiatives of various sectors and industries in the country4.

The IITF 2023 has over 7850 exhibitors from 28 states and union territories, 15 central ministries and departments, and 10 foreign countries, including Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Iran, Nepal, South Africa, and Turkey45.

The IITF 2023 features a wide range of products and services, such as cosmetics, furniture, beverages, textiles, body care, processed food, kitchen appliances, home furnishings, household appliances, and more.

The IITF 2023 also offers various cultural and entertainment programs, such as folk dances, musical concerts, puppet shows, magic shows, and quiz competitions, for visitors.

The IITF 2023 expects to attract around 275000 visitors, including business delegates, buyers, traders, and the general public.

The Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory with diversions and restrictions around Pragati Maidan to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians during the IITF 2023123.

The tickets for the IITF 2023 are available online and at selected metro stations. The entry fee for business days (November 14-18) is Rs 500 per person and for general days (November 19-27) is Rs 60 per person on weekdays and Rs 120 per person on weekends and holidays

WHICH COUNTRIES ARE PARTICIPATING IN IITF 2023?

The countries that are participating in IITF 2023 are:

• Bangladesh
• China
• Egypt
• Iran
• Nepal
• South Africa
• Turkey
• UAE
• Afghanistan
• Bahrain
• Kyrgyzstan
• Sri Lanka
• Tunisia

What is the History of IITF?

IITF stands for India International Trade Fair, which is a major event for the business community in India. It is organized by the India Trade Promotion Organization, the nodal trade promotion agency of the Government of India. The event is held every year in November at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The fair showcases a wide range of products and services from various sectors and regions of India, as well as from some foreign countries. The fair attracts millions of visitors, including business delegates, buyers, sellers, and the general public. The fair also has a theme every year, reflecting the current trends and issues in the Indian economy and society

The first edition of IITF was held in 1980, and since then it has evolved as a premier platform for trade and commerce in India. The fair has witnessed the participation of many eminent personalities, such as Prime Ministers, Presidents, Ministers, Diplomats, and other dignitaries from India and abroad. The fair has also been a venue for launching new products, signing agreements, and announcing policies and initiatives by the government and the private sector. The fair has also been a source of inspiration and innovation for the entrepreneurs, artisans, and craftsmen of India

Some of the notable features and achievements of IITF over the years are:

In 1982, the fair introduced the concept of Partner State, where one state of India is given a special focus and prominence in the fair. The first Partner State was Karnataka2

In 1985, the fair introduced the concept of a Partner Country, where one foreign country is invited as a guest of honor and given a special pavilion and facilities in the fair. The first Partner Country was France

In 1991, the fair witnessed the signing of the historic Indo-Soviet Joint Venture Agreement for setting up a car plant in India by Maruti Udyog Ltd. and Russia’s Volga Automobile Works

In 1997, the fair celebrated the Golden Jubilee of India’s Independence with the theme “India: 50 Years of Independence - Achievements and Challenges”

In 2001, the fair hosted the first-ever India-Africa Forum Summit, where leaders of 14 African countries and India discussed ways to enhance cooperation and partnership between the two regions

In 2006, the fair recorded the highest number of exhibitors (7500) and visitors (3.5 million) in its history

In 2013, the fair had the theme “Inclusive Growth” with Bihar as the Partner State and Japan as the Partner country

In 2016, the fair had the theme “Digital India” with Haryana as the Partner State and South Korea as the Partner Country

In 2020, the fair was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the theme “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India)

In 2021, the fair was held in a hybrid mode, with both physical and virtual platforms, with the theme “Vocal for Local”

In 2023, the fair will be held in the newly built halls of the International Exhibition-cum Convention Centre (IECC) as well as in the existing halls at Pragati Maidan, with the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: United by Trade” (The World is One Family: United by Trade). The event features the country’s latest export potential in diverse fields, especially when India is celebrating its presidency of the G20. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Tunisia are among the international participants.