The 22nd Edition of India International Mega Trade Fair (IIMTF) 2023 is the largest Trade Fair in Eastern India and one of the two largest such fairs in India started on 16th December and will continue till 01st January 2024 at the Science City Ground. The 18 days long Trade Fair was inaugurated by Dr Shashi Panja, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Industry, Commerce and Enterprises, Government of West Bengal along with Shri Sujit Bose, Hon’ble Minster of State, Department of Fire and Emergency Services (Independent Charge), Government of West Bengal and Mr. Gautam Ray, President, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC&I).
The main objective of organizing this Mega Trade Fair is to showcase Kolkata as the preferred destination for Trade and Commerce and as a most preferred Retail hub.
Afghanistan & Bangladesh are the “Partner Countries”, with Thailand & Iran being the “Focus Countries”; Delhi & Tamil Nadu are the “Partner States”, with Karnataka & J&K being the “Focus States” for this year Trade Fair. IIMTF is featuring more than 1000 stalls across segments like Food, Clothing, Furniture, Interior, Electronic appliances, HealthCare, Cosmetics & Lifestyle, Handicrafts & Consumer Durables wares from across the world and expecting footfall throughout with a total footfall of 50000 to 55000 visitors per day.
Apart from India, there are 20 Foreign Countries along with 23 Indian States are participating in the Fair apart from several Departments of the Central Government like the Jute Board, Textiles and Handlooms have participated in IIMTF.
Mr. Gautam Ray, President, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry said “The unique feature of our India International Mega Trade Fair is getting such a wide range of products from different Countries and States. B2B Meetings are also being organized in the sidelines.”
“Infrastructure and export both are focused by Government of West Bengal. Towards fire and safety, fire license and fire safety procedures are available online. The Committee Meetings of the Department are also organized in various districts now except only in Kolkata.”, said Mr. Sujit Bose, Minister of State Department of Fire and Emergency Services (Independent Charge), Govt of West Bengal.
Dr. Shashi Panja, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Industry Commerce and Enterprises, Government of West Bengal said, “This is one of the most successful fairs with huge footfall. Not only 20 countries have joined, rest of India is also participating in the fair. Bengal is the proud host. Government has paid major focus on export policies which will guide the trade relationship with the other countries.”
Janab Andalib Elias, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Kolkata; Mr. Tin Moe, Counsul General of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in Kolkata were also present.
“Bangladesh Pavilion has thirty-two stalls. Through this kind of engagement, the relationship between Bangladesh and India, especially with West Bengal, will become stronger.” said, Janab Andalib Elias, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Kolkata.
“India has emerged as a significant trading partner of Myanmar. This fair does not only help in economic relationship but also builds cultural connect.” said by Mr. Tin Moe, Consul General, Consulate-General of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
Others present were Mr. Ajay Kumar, Zonal Manager, Life Insurance Corporation of India; Mr. OP Prahladkar, Convenor, Eastern India, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, Govt of India; Mr. T Ayyappan, Marketing Head, National Jute Board; Mr. Mrigyanka Sarkar, Branch Head, National Small Industries Corporation; Mrs. Suparna D Gupta, CEO, GS Marketing Associates; Mr. Chidrup Shah, Director, G S Marketing Associates among other eminent personalities.