Foreign traders at the India International Trade Fair on Tuesday complained their business was hit as customers didn't have enough cash in small denominations or new currency to buy their wares.
Businessmen from countries like Afghanistan, China, Thailand and South Korea were not happy as customers were offering them old currency, which the government demonetised on November 8.
The traders urged the organisers to allow them to accept old notes as their business was suffering.
Ishaq Timor Zada, who owns a carpet manufacturing firm in Kabul, said his business in India had suffered for the first time in 10 years as visitors were ready to pay only in the now illegal currency.
"It is a big worry for us. We are not allowed to accept 500 and 1,000 rupee notes which most customers are dishing out... They are out of 100 rupee notes and most ATMs at the trade fair are not functional," Timor Zada told IANS.
"I am sure this year business is not going to go so well. If they (organisers) install more ATMs or provide us some other way of accepting payment through cards, it might improve our business," he said.
An exhibitor from Thailand said: "It is very difficult this year as almost all the customers are facing a cash crunch. Obviously, our business was much better on the inaugural day itself last year.
"For the last two days, we have not recorded any sale," 26-year-old Lisa told IANS.
At the China pavilion inside the Pragati Maidan, although a few stalls were seen accepting the old currency of Rs 500 and 1,000, many refused to accept the notes.
"I bought a bag. I am happy they accepted my 500 rupee note. But not all are accepting the old currency. I wanted to shop more with the money left so as to avoid rush and inconvenience at the banks," shopper Meera told IANS.
An upset Chinese trader told IANS: "I urge the trade fair organisers to provide us with alternatives. Either allow us to accept the old notes or provide card swiping machines."
The trade fair witnesses 7,000 participants and representation from 24 nations as well as Indian states and union territories, public and private enterprises. Some 800 rural artisans and craftsmen are also taking part.
--IANS
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