The President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 32nd edition of the India International Trade Fair today (14.11.2012) at Pragati Maidan. Addressing the function, the President said the fair has been an excellent platform for micro, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their products and penetrate both domestic and international markets at attractive prices. President stressed that MSMEs are a source of rural empowerment, which is one of the key objectives of Government's agenda of inclusive growth.

The President was happy to note that the theme of the IITF this year is "Skilling India". He stated that skill building is an integral part of a nation's economic progress. He said ITPO has done commendable work in bringing all stakeholders together to share their experience at this important event.

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Shri Mikhail V Myasnikovich, Prime Minister of Belarus, Shri Anand Sharma, Union Minister of Commerce, Smt. D. Purandeswari, Union Minister of State for Commerce, Ms. Elizabeth Thabethe, Dy. Minister, Trade & Industry, South Africa, Lt Gen (Retd.) Bhopinder Singh, Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Shri Vijay Bahuguna, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and Smt. Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of NCT of Delhi

At the 32nd IITF, the focus state and country are Andaman Nicobar Islands and South Africa respectively. The partner state and the country are Uttarakhand and the Republic of Belarus respectively. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Belarus, China, Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Thailand have set up their "National Pavilion" at this Trade Fair; and about 480 overseas exhibitors from 22 countries are participating in the event.

This release issued at 1615 hrs