Thailand, Egypt, South Africa to attend Manipur industrial expo
Imphal, April 3 (IANS) Representatives from Thailand, Egypt, South Africa, Bangladesh and Myanmar and traders from 15 Indian states will showcase their products at the first Manipur Industrial Expo 2016 that begins near the state capital on MOnday.
Officials told IANS that the commerce and industries department shall organise the event along with the ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Indian Chamber of Commerce, International Chamber for Service Industry.
The industrial expo at Lamboikhongnangkhong near Imphal will conclude on April 10.
Besides, the North Eastern ASEAN Business Summit will be held at the City Convention Centre in Imphal from March 7 to 9, said chief secretary Oinam Nabakishore.
"The theme of the expo is 'Make in Manipur for Employment Generation' and there will be a good chance to showcase handloom and handicraft products," state Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam said.
Nabakishore said representatives from countries like Thailand, Egypt, South Africa, Bangladesh and Myanmar "shall be coming to showcase their products during the expo. Besides 15 states shall participate in it".
There will be 650 stalls, of which 90 will be for food items.
Nabakishore said the North Eastern ASEAN Business Summit "will go a long way in promoting industry".
The Jewel Queen fashion show will be held on the last day of the expo.
MANIDCO, an agency of the Manipur government, was looking into the infrastructure for the expo.
However, critics said Manipur was "ill-prepared" for hosting such an international event.
Reports in the media said preparations were slow, and much work remained to be completed after being hit by heavy downpour.
The weather forecast says there will be rain and hailstorms on the inaugural day of the expo.