Punjab trade expo to kick off from Dec 5

Exhibits at about 600 stalls will be showcased during the five-day 18th edition of Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) slated to kick off here from December 5.

Karan Gilhotra, Chair, Punjab chapter of the PHDCCI, while welcoming the guests, said exhibitors from four neighbouring countries, Afghanistan, Egypt, Pakistan and Thailand, are participating this time. Besides, eight states and Union Territories of India will be attending the event. For the first time, 20 exhibitors from Gujarat, including Gujarat State Handloom, will also participate in the event. National bodies like the Handicraft Development Corporation Limited, National Jute Board, J&K Trade Promotional Organization (J&KTPO), KVIC, NABARD, Textile Manufacturers Association of India, Shawl Club, Ministry of MSME and Directorate of Industries and Commerce, UT Ladakh, also will be a part of this event. Gilhotra said tourism awards will be given during PITEX with the aim of promoting tourism in Punjab. Apart from this, a heritage show will be organised, showcasing the ancient culture of Punjab. Bollywood star Jimmy Shergill will specially participate in it. He said that exhibitors from Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi and the Union Territory of Leh-Ladakh will also take part. He was of the view that this year, the number of visitors was likely to surpass last year’s figure of over three lakh.

Bharti Sood, Regional Director, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that PITEX that began in 2005 with the participation of 50 exhibitors, will witness the participation of over 600 in an area of around 25,000 square meters this time around. Around 10 exhibitors from Leh-Ladakh will bring their products to showcase in the trade expo.

Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney said that PITEX had become the most prestigious and eagerly awaited event in Punjab as the trade expo provides an opportunity to exhibitors from various states of the country to showcase their products which can strengthen local business relations with neighbouring states.

Various public sector units (PSUs) from Punjab like Markfed, Milkfed, PEDA, APEDA, Amritsar Development Authority, Punjab Khadi and Village Industries Corporation, Punjab Tourism, Punjab Agro Industry Corporation, Punjab Small Industry and Export Corporation, PIDB, GMADA, Punjab InfoTech, Punsup, PSWC and Punjab Mandi Board are also participating in the expo. Additionally, around 50 women’s self-help groups which are being run with the support of Punjab government, will also be a part of PITEX this year.

NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said the Punjab industry would get an international platform through PITEX.

Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said every year, lakhs of visitors participate in this event. He said that special arrangements have been made to keep the traffic system smooth and to ensure the safety of visitors.