Comparing the state-sponsored Global Trade Show 2013 which began on Tuesday as 'Kumbh Mela' of development, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi said that six-day mega-trade fare would benefit the future generation of entrepreneurs.
The trade show, which is part of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor Summit (VGGIS) 2013, is spread across an area of more than 1, 00,000 square meters and has participation from more than 1000 companies from 16 countries and various Governments. More than 1.5 million people are expected to visit the Global Trade Show, which is double than its previous edition held in 2011.
Speaking after inaugurating the trade show, Modi said that Gujarat has become a trend setter in organising trade shows as more and more states are starting their own trade shows.
"When a thought is institutionalised its credibility is built. From 2003 we have evolved the concept of this summit. Our effort have become a trend setter in this regard," Modi said.
"There was a time when the trade fairs were restricted only to Delhi. Now slowly they are shifting to states also. The initiatives of Gujarat is not restricted to this state. Many states are going to attract investment, business from this trade show," he added.
He also talked about how state's initiative of agriculture fair have yield good results. Many farmers from the state have benefited from the fair as they have been able to learn about new technologies in the agriculture sector, Modi said.
"It is also our effort that this trade fair does not remain restricted to trade only. Its effect should be on future generations of entrepreneurs," the chief minister said comparing the fair with the 'kumbh mela' on the banks of holy Ganga river. "On one hand there is a 'Kumbh Mela' on on the banks of Ganga, and here on the banks of Sabarmati (river) we are having a 'Kumbh Mela' of development," Modi said.
He was sure that large number of people, not only from the business world, will attend the fair. "Earlier when we inaugurated trade fairs barely 300 odd people came. Now there are many people with no place to sit in the big auditorium. This has become a big event," Modi said.
This time there is also a special stall for women entrepreneurs.
According to the state government the trade show offers a unique opportunity to corporate houses, institutions and industrial giants not only to showcase their innovations, products and services to a large gathering of Indian and global summit delegates.
During the six-day event exhibitors will be showcasing their products and service innovations from key sectors such as Engineering and Automobiles, Oil & Gas, Energy & Power, Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Financial Services, IT & ITeS, Mining & Minerals, Automobiles, Plastics, Textiles and Tourism. Many players from emerging sectors such as Environmental Technology, Green & Renewable Energy and SME sectors are also showcasing their strength at the Global Trade Show.
Unique and interesting displays from various companies at the Global Trade Show include a unique Solar Aircraft model from Solvay Group, Craft Village by Industrial Extension Cottage, Solar Village by Gujarat Energy Development Agency and Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd.
