International fairs of India seem to be a less profitable venture for Thailand and Bangladeshi traders but Pakistan, Turkey and Myanmar traders find it more profitable. The fact was expressed by representatives of these five countries participating in the ongoing India International Mega Trade Fair at the State capital.
Elaborating on the issue, a Thai Company’s representative Nenem said, “For past eight years we have been displaying our products in Indian International fairs. Unfortunately, Indian markets are costly wherein we fail to earn much. We just
participate to promote the exported products and handicrafts of our country. However, our items are sold like hot cakes in China.”
“Even the markets of Japan and Vietnam are better than India,” added Nenem. As many as five stalls of Thailand have been displayed here with stone jewellery, purses, cotton tops and accessories.
Among the foreign nations participating in this fair, Bangladesh has put up the maximum number of stalls. Infact, this country has got a separate pavilion from the organisers for this reason. Relating this advantage, Jimmi Ara Jeny from Bangladesh’s Sherpur district said, “Few months back we had participated in a similar fair in Kathmandu. The response of the Nepalese was far better than Indians. The basic
problem in India is that
customers do not bargain with us. Also, they are unable to understand the quality of our fabrics.”
Speaking about other hurdles, few of the Bangladeshi businessmen on the condition of anonymity said that they often have to undergo problems from the customs department of India and Bangladesh or middlemen in the border areas. “Everything is good in India except the troubles caused by concerned authorities at Howrah and Sealdah stations,” Mir Soieb Ali of Bangladesh’s Chittagong
district mentioned.
Meanwhile, Pakistan, Myanmar and Turkey traders who are showcasing their items in only one or two stalls expressed their fortune of being connected with Indian business market. “Our Rosy Work Sarees are always in demand by Indian clients. Moreover, quality wise our cotton dress materials are better than Indian cotton materials. Due to this popularity we had to set up our own office at New Delhi. The bond with India is helping us in expanding our business,” Pakistan’s trader Sameer said.
Turkey’s trader selling their special glass lamps compared Indian market with Brazil which gives them an opportunity to sustain the business link in the global platform. He said, “We have participated in the international fairs of Germany, Italy, France, Dubai, Oman and Vietnam. But, the sale is more in India and Brazil because the culture and attraction of denizens towards recognising our ceramic finishing glass is appreciable.”
“We are in business bond with India for past 20 years and New Delhi is the best selling hub of our stones and jewelleries,” Myanmar Businessman Neal said.
Notably, this India International Mega Trade Fair is being organised in eastern States of India since 2004 and Ranchi is hosting such fair for the second time after 2012.