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Visa issues keep Pakistan traders away from Punjab International Trade Expo
Being held since 2005, the Punjab International Trade Expo is organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and hosted by the Punjab government; this year, it will be held at Ranjit Avenue in Amritsar from December 2 to 6
The five-day Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX), starting here on Thursday, will once again see no Pakistani traders and exhibitors, amid tense ties between India and Pakistan, despite strenuous efforts by the organisers and Punjab government.
Being held since 2005, the expo is organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) and hosted by the Punjab government, with an aim to strengthen industrial relations with nations within and beyond Asia.
Given a miss last year amid the Covid-19 pandemic, this year, it’s scheduled from December 2 to 6.
“Efforts were made from both sides of the border to get Pakistani traders here. But the visas could not be arranged,” said RS Sachdeva, chair, Punjab state chapter, PHDCCI.
Traders from other countries like Egypt, Turkey and Thailand will participate in the expo, with special emphasis on tourism, which is also this year’s theme, he said, adding that PITEX will be inaugurated by deputy chief minister OP Soni and state industries and commerce minister Gurkirat Singh will be the special guest.
Amritsar deputy commissioner Gurpreet Singh Khaira said PITEX will provide a new dimension to the holy city and its vicinity in terms of trade and commerce.
Safety protocols in place
“We have ensured all safety arrangements, especially in the wake of emergence of another Covid-19 variant in South Africa. We have mobile testing vans at our disposal and Covid-appropriate behaviour will be encouraged throughout the event,” the DC added.
The official also appealed to locals to participate enthusiastically in the event, while taking special care of the safety protocols.
Apart from international and national participation, including traders from Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand, the expo will also see presence of various departments of Punjab government, including Markfed, tourism department, Punjab Agro Industry Corporation, Punjab State Cooperative Milk Federation, PEDA, Amritsar Development Authority, Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation, Punjab Cooperative Bank, PUNSUP, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation and Mandi Board.
A number of central government departments, such as ministry of MSME, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, NSIC and National Jute Board will also be participating.
Karan Gilhotra, co-chair, Punjab state chapter, PHDCCI, said the event will also lay focus on rural entrepreneurship and farm tourism.
Naveen Seth, assistant secretary general, PHDCCI, said 400 stalls had been set up, while taking care of safety and surveillance. “The expo has seen tremendous growth over the years, with steady rise in traders and visitors’ participation. This year, over 3,50,000 visitors are expected.”
