Pak, Thai pavilions draw huge crowds

The India International Trade Fair (IITF), which was opened for the public on Friday, saw a great response with more than 70,000 people visiting the Pragati Maidan pavilions on Friday.

The India International Trade Fair (IITF), which was opened for the public on Friday, saw a great response with more than 70,000 people visiting the Pragati Maidan pavilions on Friday.

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The fair will continue till November 27.This year, the biggest participation was seen from Thailand, while Pakistan's contingent is also among the biggest.

“We have seen a positive response from the public on the first day itself. Pakistani spices and textiles are most popular among shoppers. Even on business days, we had good sales," said Ali Noor, a Karachi-based trader.

Other countries such as Turkey and Thailand and Hong Kong saw good business on Friday with items such as the evil eye, good luck chillies and good luck coins, 1which debuted at the fair, selling like hot cakes.

“Good luck chillies are our specialty item and we have sold the majority of stock that we brought. People love to buy them as they look good and bring prosperity,” said

Carolina of the Hersons International Stall at the Hong Kong pavilion.

The Pragati Maidan Metro station recorded a footfall of more than 75,000 on Friday. For the past five days, the footfall was 47,000 whereas before the trade fair began the footfall at the station was a mere 2,700.

As many as 33,000 trade fair tickets were also sold at the Metro stations.

“Selling tickets at all the stations it is a great idea as it saves us from the trouble of walking all the way to Gate No 1 and 2 to buy them,” said Manish Verma, a college student.

This year Cuba and Switzerland have also set up stalls at Pragati Maidan.

Both countries have returned after a long gap with Cuba making a comeback after a decade.