The China Import and Export Fair, also called Canton Fair, will see entrepreneurs from the Uttar Pradesh small-scale industry test their mettle against Chinese products. The fair is expected to give an international trade platform to the sector in these troubled times.
The fair will be held in three phases: Phase-1 from April 15 to 19, Phase-11 from April 24 to 28 and Phase 3 from May 3 to 7.
“The Canton Fair is arguably the biggest such event in this part of the world and spans all major industries, especially in the small and medium enterprises (SME) space,” said DS Verma, executive director, Indian Industries Association (IIA).
The fair is held twice every year in spring and autumn and was first held in 1957. It is China’s largest trade fair and commands huge attendance and business turnover. The event is a comprehensive and a multi-functional event of international importance.
“Almost 65 entrepreneurs have already registered for participation and we hope the number will go up to 75 very soon,” Verma added. There are over 100,000 small scale and medium units in UP and the state ranks fourth in India in this regard.
The SME sector accounts for 60 per cent of UP’s total industrial output and employs millions of people. The financial crisis has adversely affected SME units, especially engaged in export to the US and European markets. The first batch of UP entrepreneurs will leave for China on April 14, while the second and third batches would leave on April 23 and May 2, respectively.
The Canton Fair is held in phases, each dedicated to different industries and segments.
