The trade fair has been organised as part of the 'Grand Kerala Shopping festival', underway here.
In his inaugural address, Chandy said Kerala should effectively utilise all opportunties coming its way and all sectors must work in tandem.
Minister of state for Consumer Affairs K V Thomas, who was the chief guest, said the Centre has sanctioned Rs 25 lakh for the sixth edition of the festival. "This is the first time that the Centre has made such an allocation for the festival," he said.
Thomas said Kerala was emerging as a major centre for convention tourism and needs several convention centres of international quality to meet the demand.
State Tourism minister A P Anil Kumar said the festival stands apart as the entire state has become a shopping festival venue.
"Last year, 50 lakh coupons were distributed and this season we expect to touch one crore," he said.
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The stalls have six thematic pavilions, including international, national and Kerala, besides a Food pavilion.
The global village will represent trade and cultural traditions of various states and countries and would be oepn from 3 PM to 10 PM on all days.
The National pavilion will exhibit unique crafts and products from other states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat while the International pavilion will have Thailand as the partner country with stalls selling the country's unique products.
A space to stage cultural shows, besides special Thai cuisine prepared by the country's best chefs would cater to the taste buds of visitors.
The Kerala pavilion will have 100 stalls featuring various products, including handicrafts, cashew, coconut carvings and tribal treatment systems.
A special stall on Responsbile Tourism initiatives of Kerala tourism has also been set up.