Bhubaneswar, Jan. 4: The Exhibition Ground has become a hotspot for entrepreneurs and shoppers of the city. The ongoing Odisha MSME International Trade Fair is not only exhibiting products, but also demonstrating how they are processed and manufactured. The fair that began on January 1 will conclude on Saturday.

Keeping in mind the importance of MSME (Micro Small Medium Enterprises) for the overall economic development, the newly created MSME department of government of Odisha took the initiative to organise the fair. The event houses 250 kiosks and about 300 participants from every nook and corner of the state and the country. Even participants from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are making their presence felt. Big institutions such as Nalco, Sail, HAL, HDFC Bank, IDBI Bank, Indian Oil and others have also turned up.

From a simple juice grinder of Rs 6,500 to an offset printing machine worth Rs 5 lakh, the fair exhibits products that will help young businessmen wanting to begin medium and small enterprises to estimate their initial investment. The variety of the products is impressive. The kiosks are showcasing coir production and products, biometric doors, corrosion free rooftops, herbal cosmetic products by self-help groups, pipes, car care products, tiles and varieties of handicraft and handlooms.

Along with the usual items available at all exhibitions, some new entrants are hogging the limelight. A kiosk from Sonepur district is displaying themed-based cotton furnishing fabrics that used the designs of a NIFT graduate along with traditional artisans of the district to create some eye-catching designs.

“We are using the opportunity as a trial run. The feedback that we collect here will help us to materialise our marketing plans,” said P.K. Mohapatra, the exhibitor.

A particular kiosk from Assam is selling fascinating and colourful handbags made of water hyacinth weed. Several food kiosk including major players such as Parle and Britannia is also selling spices, dairy products and others.

Seminars are being conducted by the government and private enterprises on daily basis on the topics of credit facility, technological know how and marketing strategy.

“Corporate social responsibility is often seen as the prerogative of big companies. Thus, the seminars are also deliberating on how small and cottage industries can lend a helping hand in the their periphery,” said a member of the organising team. Musical and comedy programmes have also being arranged to catch the attention of the visitors.

The event is organised by directorate of industries, directorate of export promotion and marketing, Odisha Small Industries Corporation Limited and National Small Industries Corporation Limited.