New Delhi, Nov 14 Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday inaugurated the Delhi Pavilion at the 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF) at Bharat Mandapam here, featuring 62 stalls showcasing the capital’s heritage, development initiatives and entrepreneurial ventures.
Delhi has been accorded the status of ‘Focus State’ at this year’s trade fair, providing an opportunity to showcase its cultural identity, industrial growth and modern development on a national and international platform, according to an official statement.
Spread across 996 square metres, the pavilion has 62 stalls, including 10 exclusively allocated to women entrepreneurs, highlighting the government’s focus on encouraging women’s participation in business and entrepreneurship, it stated.
Of the total stalls, 14 have been allotted to government departments and institutions, 25 to private exhibitors, six to participants under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme and seven to One District One Product (ODOP) participants and exporters.
The inauguration was marked by a Kathak performance by children. Gupta later visited several stalls and interacted with participants to learn about their products, businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, it said.
The chief minister said Delhi was not just the national capital but also a symbol of India’s rich heritage, diverse culture, entrepreneurship and modern development.
She said the pavilion brought together the capital’s historical legacy and its journey of development while providing entrepreneurs, artisans, women business owners and local producers an opportunity to showcase their products to a wider audience.
Along with Delhi’s art, culture and historical identity, the pavilion showcases initiatives such as Namo Van, Swachh Yamuna and the promotion of electric vehicles, throwing limelight on the government’s efforts towards development and environmental conservation, the statement said.
Several government departments and institutions are participating in the pavilion, including the Education Department, Transport Department, Social Welfare Department, Delhi Tourism, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Prisons Department, State Urban Livelihood Mission, Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board and SOTTO Delhi.
The Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (DSIIDC) has been designated as the nodal agency for the pavilion.
Private exhibitors, MSMEs, artisans and local producers are also participating in the fair, providing them an opportunity to showcase their products, connect with potential buyers and explore wider markets, it said.
Participants under the PMFME scheme and the ODOP initiative are also displaying their products, with the government aiming to give local businesses greater visibility and recognition among visitors from India and abroad, it added.
Business visitors will be allowed entry from November 14 to 18 between 9.30 am and 7.30 pm through gates 3, 4, 6 and 10. Tickets will be available online and at metro stations, except the Supreme Court Metro station.
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for the fair, which will be held from November 14 to 27, warning commuters of congestion on several key roads around the venue and advising them to use public transport.
According to the advisory issued on X, traffic congestion is expected on Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg, Ring Road, Shershah Road, Purana Qila Road, Bhagwan Das Road and Tilak Marg during the fair.
Commuters not visiting the event have been advised to avoid these roads or take alternate routes.
(PTI News)
