JEDDAH – The four-day Jeddah International Trade Fair (JITF) 2013 which concluded Wednesday is unique in many ways. Organized by Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions under the patronage of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JCCI), the event was its 25th edition. It is considered one of the most important trade exhibitions in the entire Middle East. The multi-sectoral trade expo provided a multitude of business opportunities in the region. India, with unprecedented participation this year, is the guest country at JITF 2013. For the first time, more than 80 Indian companies are participating in JITF 2013 with their multifarious products. They have come here under various Indian trade bodies such as Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry (ASSOCHAM), Synthetic Rayon & Textile Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC), Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI), Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts (EPCH) and Indo-Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IACCI). By virtue of this very large participation, India has been provided with a separate pavilion by the organizers. The companies that participated in the Fair under the banner of the above mentioned bodies represent some of the key areas of Indian business and commercial activities including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, tourism, health, education, engineering, textiles and information technology. The Saudi Indian Business Network (SIBN) hosted a luncheon reception in the honor of the participating Indian companies. Speaking on the occasion, the Consul General of India Faiz Ahmad Kidwai welcomed the Indian companies and praised their interest in the Saudi market. He urged them to tap the immense potential of the Saudi Arabian business market. On the other hand, he invited the attention of the Saudi business community to the unique feature of Indian market of low production cost with less complex technology. He also thanked the organizers for their very positive response and the JCCI for its patronage. A large number of Saudi businessmen, entrepreneurs and stakeholders visited the Fair. The participating Indian companies were overwhelmed by the positive response of the Saudi business community. — SG
