Guwahati: The 15th East Himalayan Trade Fair (EHTF) and the 2nd East Himalayan Agri Expo (EHAE) were inaugurated on Thursday at the Assam Engineering Institute Playground in Chandmari, Guwahati. Organized by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, this week-long fair will be open to visitors daily from 12 PM to 8 PM until January 28th.
The event was inaugurated by J. B. Ekka, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Industry and Commerce, Government of Assam, in the presence of Shri Premjit Lal, ITS, Executive Director of ITPO, and Lieutenant Colonel Harsh Kondilya, OSD and GM of the Fair Division, ITPO.
The trade fair features participation from several Indian states, including Haryana, as well as government organizations and private companies showcasing traditional crafts, cultural heritage, and unique products from the region. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is displaying various varieties of rice from across the country, highlighting the region’s diverse produce and food security initiatives, while the Coconut Development Board (CDB) is showcasing coconut-based products from South India, emphasizing value addition and agri-entrepreneurship.
Adding an international dimension to this year’s fair, participants from Thailand and Afghanistan are also present. Thai consumer and lifestyle products, along with Afghan dry fruits, are expected to attract considerable attention and promote cross-border trade.
The Government of Assam has also facilitated the participation of special MSME manufacturing units and women entrepreneurs from the North-Eastern states, supported by the Ministry of MSME through its DFO-Guwahati office. The fair provides a platform to showcase a wide range of products from these small and medium enterprises. Cultural performances organized by the Central Bureau of Communications under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are also part of this festival, showcasing traditional art and dance forms from the Northeast. Visitors can also enjoy a multi-cuisine food court featuring traditional Northeastern dishes from Assam SRLM, along with interactive activities for families and the general public.
