International Guwahati Trade Fair
Source: Mithu Choudhury *

Imphal, February 01 2013: The International Guwahati Trade Fair has grown bigger and better each each and one of the main reason behind it can be attributed to attracting a number of foreign participants , the list of which has appreciated with every passing year.

One of the biggest draws amongst the participating foreign countries over the years has been Thailand with its array of decorative items , flowers, jewellery, cosmetic products amonst many other things.

Top Thai companies has had solicited their participation year after year and this year too in the 20th edition of the IGTF it is no different.

The importance that Thailand attaches to the IGTF can be marked by the presence of the thailand Ambassador,Pisan Manawpat , himself at the inaugural function of IGTF'13 .

Thailand Ambassador, Pisan Manawpat

After the inauguration, the Ambassador took it on himself to personally oversee the Thailand stalls .

He also took time off to visit the colourful stalls of the Dima Hasao district and evinced keen interest on what he saw and got briefed .

The Ambassador was so impressed that he even gifted special Thai items to the Dima Hasao participants as a token of his love and appreciation.

This is the first time that the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (North Cachar Hills) has been deemed as the Focus District to showcase its rich socio- cultural and economic development in an exclusive pavilion in the 20 the IGTF 2013 .

Speaking exclusively, the Thai Ambassador said that he was very happy that Thai traders and companies always feel very welcome at the IGTF as also they do wonderful business.

" We have a cultural affinity with India's North East and so strike an instant friendliness and rapport .

The recent NE India -ASEAN car rally is a great example of how your NE region is extending its hand to SE Asia.

It has been a great move and gesture from your Govt.We want to respond and reciprocate befittingly." , commented the Ambassador.

He also stressed on the need to put more efforts to develop road communication between India's NE and SE Asia.

" This is my third visit to Guwahati.

I have met a number of people here .

Moreover I get feedback from our Commercial Minister and the businessmen and traders who participate.

I have developed the understanding that people from both sides want to communicate and meet each other .

Better avenues should come up to facilitate it.", opined Manawpat.

The Ambassador was accompanied by Tharadol Thongruang , the very efficient Thai Commercial Minister , who has been the moving force in making Thailand and its participation in IGTF a great success story.

Debojit Thawsan (Dima hasao)

This the first time that Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (North Cachar Hills) has been deemed as the Focus District to showcase its rich socio- cultural and economic development in an exclusive pavilion in the 20 the IGTF 2013.The CEM of the Autonomous Council was himself present at the inaugural function of the IGTF'2013.After the inauguration he personally met all the members and stall owners of the Dima Hasao pavilion.

Needless to say that they were more than overwhelmed to find their own CEM amidst them.

Speaking Media after visiting the Dima hasao pavilion , Debojit Thousen said that it is now time for change and development in the Dima Hasao region , fresh after the signing of the MOS with the two factions of the DHD.

" We are now in a transition period .

You can say that now we have come to zero point from negative index.

From here on we have to only get better and better and get back to positive side of things.

Haflong is the only hill station in Assam.

Our district is the only place where snow falls in the state .

We have mountains , valleys and springs of heavenly beauty.

Then there is Jatinga.

The people and climate are both so nice .

The district should have been the most happening place and tourist hotspot in Assam .

But sadly it has had been in the news for all the wrong reasons.

But things are and will change now.

We are thankful to the IGTF for this wonderful exposure.

Dima Hasao , from now on , needs to be projected in right time , in the right place , in the right way and for right reasons.

" , said Thousen.

* Sender of this news can be contacted at sivaassam(at)gmail(dot)com .