GUWAHATI, Feb 6 � Thailand, one of the major exporters among the ASEAN countries and one of the fastest growing economies of the world, will be the �focus� country at the first- ever 7-day Assam International Trade and Industrial Fair 2015.
The event, an initiative of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi along with the State Department of Industries & Commerce in association with the Federation of Industry & Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER) will be held in Jorhat from February 19 to 25.
According to the organisers, this mega fair will showcase more than 300 exhibitors, 25,000-plus expected daily visitors and delegates and over 10 participant countries from SAARC, ASEAN and BCIM. Neighbouring countries like Myanmar, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Laos, Sri Lanka and Thailand have already confirmed their participation.
The mega event, aimed at promoting business, value-addition and entrepreneurship, will provide a comprehensive buyer-seller platform to promote international trade and enterprise building with both national and international markets. The international fair shall also expose the region to the latest technologies adopted by industry and service sector nationally and internationally, besides helping exhibit indigenous products and technology that would add value to the region�s growth potential.
�Assam being the Gateway to the North-East, is an important business centre to South-East Asia. This fair will usher in new hope for businesses and entrepreneurs of the region by connecting potential virgin markets and propelling a new wave of consumerism,� said RS Joshi, chairman of FINER.
The major areas of focus will be in two clusters. They are open cluster and focus sector. In the open cluster (outdoor display) category, there is building materials and construction technology (BMCT), automobiles, oil, gas and plastics, and green technology and innovation.
In the focus sector (inside hangers) category, there is education, IT & electronics, tea, agri-horti and floriculture, food processing, animal husbandry, dairy and livestock, health and personal care, furniture and home furnishing, handloom, textiles and handicrafts, hosiery, apparel and footwear.
The fair will provide free stalls exclusively for different self-help groups (SHGs). Concurrent to exhibitions, the fair will provide speaking opportunities in technical sessions, training programmes for youth and women, and create brand awareness and support the initiatives through �Partner Options� and stalls/pavilion.
There will be three major pavilions in the fair � International Pavilion, Lifestyle Pavilion and Good Living Pavilion. The venue comprises of 4 lakh square feet with indoor pavilions of 48,000 square feet. It is a mega event in the true sense of the term.
