Guwahati to host IITF

Guwahati, Mar 9 (UNI): Putting an end to all speculations, the Union Commerce Ministry has decided to hold the India International Tea Festival (IITF) here in November after the Asom government assured proper security cover and quality hotel accommodation for participants.

Union Minister of Commerce Jairam Ramesh today informed this capping all speculations about the venue being shifted to Kolkata.

" It has been finally decided that the IITF will be held in Guwahati. Though initially there was apprehension about security and accommodation facilities in Guwahati, but now the Asom government has committed to providing adequate security and hotel accommodation to participants," Mr Ramesh said.

He informed that majority of delegates for the IITF would be coming from tea consuming states of the country including Delhi, Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra etc besides delegates from Iran, Egypt, UAE and the UK.

The minister informed that 80 per cent tea produced in India is consumed within the country. Hence consumers and buyers within the country will have a major role to play in the IITF.

UNI