Chinese desert trade fair en masse on Day 5

Chinese businessmen at IITF did not even wait for the fair to open to the general public. On the fifth day of the 14-day-long fair, all of them were seen wrapping up their stalls to leave for home.

Chinese businessmen at IITF did not even wait for the fair to open to the general public. On the fifth day of the 14-day-long fair, all of them were seen wrapping up their stalls to leave for home.

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By the end of the day, the pavilion had been emptied out. "The Chinese delegation was not here for retailing, they were here for long-term business partnership," said a senior ITPO official. Only 31 Chinese companies participated in the trade fair this year.

And this is not the first time that Chinese businessmen have left the fair in between. "This time, they had given it in writing that they'll stay here for all 14 days. But they have dishonoured their commitment yet again," said Neeraj K Gupta, executive director, ITPO.

Moreover, they left the venue without giving any prior notice, leaving the organisers in the lurch. "We requested them to stay here for all 14 days but nothing can be done," said PC Sharma, General Manager Publicity, ITPO.

Well known for selling electronic gadgets and toys at reasonable prices, the Chinese pavilion is the most sought-after at the fair trade fair.

"They have ruined the show. People were looking forward to the Chinese stalls," the official added. "The fair will be thrown open to general public on Saturday and I am sure that deserted Chinese stalls will disappoint many visitors," he said.

"We came here for long-time business deals and much to our disappointment, we couldn't cling any big business partnership. From Saturday, the fair will be open to general public. I don't see any point in staying here during the general public days," said a Chinese exhibitor.