Editor’s Note
The 44th India International Trade Fair concluded today in New Delhi, drawing over 1.8 million visitors during its two-week run. This report details the final day’s activities and the event’s overall success.
The 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF), held at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, concluded today. On the final day, over 72,000 visitors attended the fair, with many stalls offering special discounts. Neeraj Kharewal, Managing Director of ITPO (India Trade Promotion Organisation), announced that the fair attracted more than 1.8 million visitors over its 14-day run, which began on November 14. A grand award distribution ceremony was held to mark the conclusion.
At the award ceremony, the Focus State, Jharkhand, received a Gold Medal. In the State and Union Territory category, Odisha was awarded the Gold Medal, while the national capital Delhi had to settle for a consolation prize. Madhya Pradesh received the Silver and Puducherry the Bronze in this category. Besides Delhi, Goa and Karnataka also received consolation prizes.
In the ‘Clean Pavilion’ category, Haryana won Gold, Punjab Silver, and Assam Bronze. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu received consolation prizes in the cleanliness category.
Among Partner States, Rajasthan won Gold, Bihar Silver, and Uttar Pradesh Bronze, with Maharashtra receiving a consolation prize.
Among government ministries, the Ministry of Defence won Gold, the Ministry of Mines Silver, and the Ministry of Railways Bronze.
This year, the Focus State Jharkhand left a deep impression on visitors with its distinctive theme, diverse products, innovative decor, and engaging live demonstrations.
The final day saw massive crowds at pavilions including Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, and foreign pavilions. Visitors enjoyed the vibrant confluence of art, culture, industry, and technology and shopped enthusiastically for local products. Stall operators at the Jharkhand Pavilion provided a special experience with their excellent products and services. Stalls featuring products like Khariatpur brassware, Jharcraft items, Tasar products, handicrafts, bamboo crafts, fusion jewelry, and tribal handmade goods reported excellent sales throughout the fair.
Attractive discounts and offers on the last day led to long queues of buyers. Visitors gathered detailed information from stalls of various Jharkhand departments. The widespread use of UPI-based digital payments made shopping more convenient. The successful event this year has established a new identity for Jharkhand in terms of enterprise development, tourism potential, art, culture, and innovation. The Jharkhand Pavilion not only attracted visitors’ attention but also presented new opportunities for traders and investors.
The 44th IITF saw participation from traders from 30 states and union territories and 12 countries. However, many exhibitors reported a significant drop in sales compared to expectations, with declines of up to 40-50% attributed to the recent blast in Delhi and high pollution levels.
