President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 33rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Mukherjee said that the IITF 2013 which is focusing on different aspects of inclusive socio-economic development along with highlighting achievements in service sectors has tremendous potential to contribute to creation of employment opportunities, advancement of technology and circumvention of global communication barriers.
He said that this year, the theme of IITF -"Inclusive Growth" has brought together several hundreds of entrepreneurs from all parts of the country to display their products at the fair.
The president said that it was heartening to know that a special new feature of IITF 2013 is the creation of an "Innovation Pavilion"' showcasing some innovative ideas developed by students and entrepreneurs.
He said in this decade of innovation we need to work collectively to ensure that all potential ideas of grassroots innovators are encouraged in the larger national interest.
Mukherjee extended warm greetings and felicitations to all the countries participating in IITF and hoped that their collective efforts would be rewarded by the best elements of international co-operation in various fields.
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Anand Sharma, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy.
