The state government has decided to draw up a policy for participation of industry bodies in trade fairs in the country and abroad after the Anuga embarrassment.

Earlier this month, the industries department had issued a letter stating that industrialists accompanying the state delegation to Cologne, Germany, would have to foot their own bills in the European country. Anuga, the five-day trade fair for retail trade, food service and catering, is scheduled for October 5.

As the “pay for yourself” diktat cast a cloud on the industrialists’ participation in the fair, the industries department decided to formulate the policy that would ensure it is not left red-faced again.

Sources said a meeting was convened last week where the industrialists were assured that a policy would be put in place to streamline the state’s participation in trade fairs in India and abroad.

Industries minister Renu Kumari chaired the meeting. Issues regarding the role of delegates and the expense-sharing mechanism were discussed. The policy would not be in place before Anuga though. It is expected to be ready by April next year.

A Patna-based industrialist said: “Members of industry bodies, including Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Confederation of Indian Industry, were against bearing the expenses of the trip to Cologne because they would have gone there as state delegates. The industries minister had chaired the meeting. Not much time is left for Anuga. So, the chances of participation of the state’s industrialists in it are remote.”

Another industrialist said: “Several trade fairs are organised and the department has to judge the advantages of the state sending its delegates. The policy would focus on the number of delegates and the percentage of expenses to be borne by the state government and the delegates. It would ensure a fiasco such as Anuga is not repeated.”

The policy could be ready before the second round of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou next year.

The industrialist added: “The China Import and Export Fair, also called the Canton Fair, is held in Guangzhou in two rounds — in October and April. The first round is from October 15 to November 4 and the second one from April 15 to May 5. While the government cannot participate in October, instructions have been issued to the department officials and industry bodies to get ready for the Canton Fair in April.”

upcoming

Anuga, October 5-9

A leading food fair organised for retail trade, food service and catering market in Cologne, Germany

Canton Fair, Oct 15-Nov 4

Event focuses on home appliances, consumer goods, machinery etc.