Trade Fair from November 14

The fair,themed ‘Exports of Services’ this year,will run from November 14 to 27. Thailand is the partner country this year,and China the focus country. Delhi will be the partner state,while Uttrakhand will be the focus state.

The first five days of the IITF will be open only to business and trade visitors. The fair will be thrown open to other visitors from November 19 to 27.

More than 6,000 small stalls are expected to be set up at IITF this year,taking the total number of exhibitors to 7,500,spread across 28 countries. Cuba,Iraq,Nigeria and Papua New Guinea will be first-time participants.

Unlike previous years,when stalls were put up only for half a day,IITF this year will have open stalls throughout the day — from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm.

Subas Pani,chairman and managing director of the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation,which organises the IITF,said footfall at the fair is expected to go up to 25 lakh,up from 18 lakh last year. It has tied up with the Delhi Metro to operate more trains to the Pragati Maidan station. Fair tickets bought from Metro stations,DTC depots,Mother Dairy booths,select petrol pumps and retail outlets will be cheaper by Rs 10.

Last year,around 70 per cent of IITF visitors had used the Metro.

Pani said security at the fair will be beefed up after the Mumbai attacks last November. Around 150 CCTV cameras will be installed at the venue,in addition to 81 door-frame metal detectors. Thirteen ambulances will be on stand-by at the venue.

Tickets will be on sale from Friday.