Karachi suits,Turkish jewellery,Iranian carpets draw crowds to Trade Fair

While Armenia and Azerbaijan are participating under the EuroAsia group for the first time,China,Pakistan,Thailand,Iran and Turkey are the regular participants.

Pakistan has the maximum number of stalls at 80,the Karachi suits are already pulling the business crowds. Pervez Ahmad from Karachi,who has a stall at the fair,said,“I visit every year and get a wonderful response.”

The visa allows them to stay in India only as long as the fair lasts but most participants said they “try to make the most of it” while they are here to maximise profit in the Indian markets.

Thailand has the second highest number of stalls at 67,and is attracting consumers with chocolates,jewellery and their tourist destinations. Iranian carpets remain a favourite,but Bangladesh’s wooden furniture and Turkey’s ‘evil eye’ jewellery are also gaining popularity.

Other overseas participants include Afghanistan,Belarus,Canada,Kazakhstan,Kyrgyz Republic,South Africa,Uzbekistan and Venezuela.

The 31st edition of the fair was kicked off on November 14 and is open till November 27. The area is a no-polythene and no-smoking zone and a foreign exchange counter has also been set up within Pragati Maidan.

According to general manager of IITF Naseem Ishaq,15 to 20 lakh visitors are expected at the fair this year. Indo-Tibetan Border Police,civil defence agencies and National Cadet Corps are also assisting Delhi Police in handling the security at the fair.

This year,for the first time the entry to the fair is barcoded. “This is done to regulate the crowd and also for security reasons,” said Ishaq.

Tickets and passes are available at Metro stations and gates 1 and 2 of Pragati Maidan.