Participation in Int. fair can bridge trade gap between India-Ch
Saurabh Gupta | 15 Mar, 2010
Indian trade deficit in favor to China is increasing over the years and participation by Indian companies in international exhibitions like Canton Fair could play an important role in increasing exports from India and reducing the trade gap, says A Sakthivel, President, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) recently.
FIEO Chief stated this during a meet with high level delegation from China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC), Guangzhou, and the organizer of China Import & Export Fair (Canton Fair) called on FIEO at New Delhi.
The delegation was led by Ren Xiangdong, Dy. Director General, CFTC, accompanied by Chen Shaowei, Section Chief, CFTC, Zhang Jiaqing, Director, CFTC and officials from Embassy of China.
FIEO Chief, while welcoming the Chinese Delegation said that trade deficit has been heavily in favour of China and there has been a steady increase in the trade deficit over the years. In 2008-09, there was a negative trade deficit of USD 23.14 billion. He felt that concerted efforts need to be made to reduce this trade deficit.
He said, "The participation by Indian companies in important international exhibitions can play an important role in increasing exports from India and reducing the trade gap."
Referring to the Canton Fair, he informed that India is the largest participating country in Canton Fair after China. For the April 2010 edition, around 70 Indian companies will be participating with 900 sq. mtrs. of space for the India Pavilion.
He felt that more importance needs to be given to the publicity aspects of the International Pavilion to make it more popular.
Sakthivel suggested that phase II and phase III of this fair which cater to Gifts, Home Decorations, Textile and Garments should also be opened at the earliest for the international participation as India is very strong in these product categories and Indian handicrafts, textiles and garments are known world over for their quality and designs.
Ren Xiangdong, Dy. Director General, CFTC, was on his visit to India for the promotion of the Canton Fair. The FIEO delegation was led by A Sakthivel, President, G P Upadhyaya, Secretary General and Ajay Sahai, Director General, and other FIEO officials.
Ren appreciated FIEO's efforts for mobilizing Indian exhibitors for Canton Fair and felt that it will further help increase the bilateral trade. He complemented President FIEO for the suggestions for the improvement of Canton Fair for trade promotion.He assured full support and help of CFTC to FIEO for participation in Canton Fair.
