Five-day Punjab International Trade Expo begins in Amritsar

Amritsar, Dec 9 (ANI): The five-day long Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) began here on Wednesday.

The PITEX 2010 is the third edition of this trade fair, and is aimed at facilitating the development of trade and industry in the region.

Countries like Pakistan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Kenya, Egypt, Myanamar, Poland, Vietnam, China, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Nepal have participated in the event.

"We started with around 100 participants. Last year we had 250 participants in PITEX 2009. This year we have over 400 participants who have come in. So the response of the local industry, response of the international partners who have shown interest here has been very, very encouraging," said Rajiv Bali, Chairman, Punjab Committee, PHD Chamber.

PITEX is expected to have business of at least Rs four billion this year.

The visitors said the biggest benefit of the fair was that they were getting a lot of variety under one roof.

"The biggest benefit of this expo is that we get a lot of variety at one place. People will not have to wander in the market, and they will get a lot of variety at one place," said Kanika, a visitor.

The trade fair will be held from December 8 to12, and is showcasing traditional handicrafts, embroideries, textiles and electronic equipment of different countries. (ANI)