5-day Punjab International Trade Expo kicks off today

The five-day Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX), organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry with support from the Punjab Government, will begin here tomorrow (Thursday). The formal inauguration, to be carried out by former President of India Ram Nath Kovind, is scheduled for December 5. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema will attend the ceremony as a special guest.

The details were shared by Karan Gilhotra, Chair of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Punjab chapter), during a press interaction at the PITEX grounds on Wednesday.

MC Commissioner Vikramjeet Singh Shergill said special arrangements for electricity, water and sanitation have been made at the venue. Teams of officials and staff have been deployed to ensure smooth management of the event.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Rohit Gupta, who was also present, said PITEX has given a new identity to the city. Over the next five days, traders from various states and neighbouring countries will display their products.

“The expo will help strengthen brotherhood and bring economic benefits to Punjab,” he said. Various departments of the Punjab Government are also participating, and instructions have been issued to district departments to extend full support, he added.

Sharing the schedule, Gilhotra said that on December 4, a seminar titled Strength, Wellness and Enterprise: Women Shaping the Future will be held, with National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar as the chief guest.

On December 5, Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian will attend the morning session on Agri, Nutrition and Wellness Synergy Summit. In the evening, former President Kovind will formally inaugurate the 19th edition of PITEX.

Giving details of the December 6 events, Himani Arora, Chair of the PHDCCI Fashion Tex-Tech Forum, said a Punjab Heritage Show will be organised at Hotel Taj, with Bollywood actor Rajat Bedi as the special guest. The main attraction will be legendary actress Helen, who will attend as the chief guest. Later that night, the second Punjab Tourism Awards will be presented by Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Sond.

On December 7, Haryana Governor Prof Aseem Ghosh will be the chief guest at a session on Inclusive Growth and Equal Opportunity. Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur and BJP national spokesperson Shahzad Poonawalla will also attend. Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Bhullar is scheduled to visit the expo the same day.

The expo will conclude on December 8, with Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Education Minister Harjot Bains present at the closing ceremony.