President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates India International Trade Fair

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday inaugurated the India International Trade Fair which will see participation of over 150 companies from 27 countries.

This year's edition of the mega trade fair with 'Digital India' theme is being held between November 14-27.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, he observed that "digital technologies, e-commerce, e-enabled and mobile services are major components of e-governance and will over the time contribute significantly to GDP growth."

The President further said that government's recent initiatives in e-governance have started showing results in terms of delivery of public services in more efficient and effective ways.

As India strives to become a manufacturing hub in diverse sectors, the country needs to increase its energy resources without compromising on the environmental aspects, he noted.

"Factors such as demography, development and urbanisation exert tremendous pressure on availability of resources. Large-scale utilisation of resources impacts adversely on the environment. Industry, therefore, needs to adopt eco-friendly measures and technologies," the President said here.

He further said, the range of reforms being undertaken, including the GST, shall enable the states and union territories to compete with each other in attracting investments and business opportunities.

"Over the medium and long-term, these reforms shall also hopefully result in job creation. Thus, contributing to the growth impulses of the economy," Mukherjee said.

The President termed the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 'a mega projection of the new India', that is fast taking shape.

"I believe that IITF will reinforce Indian brands. Brands that will, in the first instance, compete and win against the dominant international players in the domestic market before venturing overseas," Mukherjee said.