Dibrugarh, Feb. 6: Thailand, one of the major exporters among the ASEAN countries and one of the fastest-growing economies of the world, will be the "focus country" at the first Assam International Trade and Industrial Fair, 2015, to be held in Jorhat from February 19 to 25.
Sources said the event is an initiative of Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi and the department of industries and commerce in association with the Federation of Industry and Commerce of North Eastern Region (Finer).
It is the first of its kind mega fair, which will showcase over 300 exhibitors from 10 countries. Neighbouring countries like Myanmar, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Laos, Sri Lanka and Thailand have already confirmed participation.
More than 25,000 people are expected to visit the fair every day.
The source said the event, aimed at promoting business, value addition and entrepreneurship, will provide a comprehensive buyer-seller platform to promote international trade and enterprise building with both national and international markets.
It shall also expose the region to the latest technologies adopted by the industry and service sector nationally and internationally besides helping exhibit indigenous products and technology that would add value to the region's growth potential.
"Assam, being the gateway to the Northeast, is an important business centre for Southeast Asia. This fair will usher in hope for entrepreneurs of the region, by connecting potential virgin markets and propelling a new wave of consumerism," said R.S. Joshi, the chairman of Finer.
The major areas of focus will be in two clusters.
The open cluster (outdoor display) category will showcase building materials and construction technology, automobiles, oil, gas and plastics, and green technology and Innovation.
The focus cluster category will highlight education, IT and electronics, tea, agri-horticulture and floriculture, food processing, animal husbandry, dairy and livestock, health and personal care, furniture and home furnishing, handloom, textiles and handicrafts, hosiery, apparel and footwear.
The fair will provide free stalls exclusively for different self-help groups. The fair will also provide speaking opportunities in technical sessions, training programmes for youth and women, and create brand awareness.
There will be three major pavilions at the fair - international pavilion, lifestyle pavilion and good-living pavilion.
