The International Trade Fair of India began here today with great enthusiasm and fan-fare. Sh. Pranab Mukharjee, President of India inaugurated the fair and Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry presided over the function. This famous trade fair is held every year from 14^th Novembner to 27^th November at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

 Sh. A.P. Singh, Resident Commissioner of Himachal Pradesh inaugurated the Himachal Pavilion in which 25 sales stalls of different Self Help Groups, 20 display windows and 15 sales counters have been established by different entrepreneurs of the State.

 While appreciating the efforts of Self Help Groups for active participation in International Trade Fair, said that the beautiful items displayed in the pavilion really depicts the true spirit of incredible Himachal on International level. He said that the India Trade Promotion Organization, the main body involved in the organization of this International Event, has projected the Theme- ‘Women Entrepreneurship’ this year. ‘The Himachal Pavilion truly reflects the theme as most of the Self Help Groups participating in this trade fair are being managed by women themselves’, he added.

 Sh. R.R. Patial, Deputy Director, Industry who is also the Incharge of Himachal Pavilion briefed about the activities and informed that 0n 22^nd November, Himachal Day would be observed by organizing various activities including cultural programme on the occasion. Sh. Vivek Mahajan, Deputy Resident commissioner welcomed the guests and hoped that the Kullu shawls, Nurpuri Silk and H.P.M.C. products would remained main attraction for visitors this year also.