PITEX-2024 ends, witnesses record footfall of over 4 lakh visitors

The 18th edition of PITEX being organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Amritsar, concluded on Monday with a surge in number of visitors that surpassed previous editions. The five day business expo is an annual winter shopping destination for Amritsar residents as large number of people from adjoining districts of Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Jalandhar also reached here over the weekend.

Karan Gillhotra, Chair of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Punjab Chapter), said Amritsar is a tourist destination of international importance and due to this, a lot of tourist footfall was also observed through the five days. “This year, we had visitor footfall of about 4 lakh people during the five day period. It was our best yet and we also had several first time businesses that did well among the buyers. People, who came here on Sunday thoroughly enjoyed the various stalls set up in the food court. Most of the people had come here with their families amidst the bright sunshine in the winter season,” he said.

Bharti Sood, regional director of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that about 1 lakh 28 thousand tourists came here on Sunday alone. “This is a record in itself,” she said.

The expo also saw popular actor Jinny Shergill attending a cultural event in the evening on Sunday. He attended a fashion event showcasing heritage wedding wear of Punjab by local designers.

APEDA stalls big draw

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, first time participated in PITEX, to promote Indian agricultural and processed food products. During the trade expo, APEDA spokesperson said that APEDA provided a platform to three Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), two cooperatives, and two startups to showcase their products and connect with potential buyers.

The products displayed under the APEDA umbrella were highly appreciated by the visitors.

This initiative is in line with APEDA's efforts to promote Indian agricultural and processed food products globally, thereby increasing exports and providing business opportunities for Indian producers.

Gujarat, J&K remained fav among buyers

As many as 20 stalls of handloom and handicrafts from Gujarat were participating this year in PITEX and remained favourite among the buyers. The finest Ikkat, Patola silk sarees and dupattas made famous recently by Nita Ambani were priced between Rs 3,000 to Rs 2 lakh. But that did not deter some of the buyers from getting their hands on them. Pashmina and handloom from Jammu and Kashmir were also a hit like every year, as buyers picked up winter wear in Yak wool, dori marodi work and Kashmiri thread work.