Guwahati: The 15th East Himalayan Trade Fair (EHTF), alongside the 2nd East Himalayan Agri Expo (EHAE), was inaugurated on Thursday at the Assam Engineering Institute Playground in Chandmari, Guwahati. The week-long fair, organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, will be open to visitors daily from 12 noon to 8 pm until January 28.
The event was inaugurated by J. B. Ekka, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Industry and Commerce Department, Government of Assam, in the presence of ITPO Executive Director Shri Premjit Lal, ITS, and Lt. Col. Harsh Kondilya, OSD and GM of the Fair Division of ITPO.
The trade fair features participation from several Indian states, including Haryana, along with government organisations and private companies, showcasing traditional crafts, cultural heritage, and region-specific products. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is presenting a range of rice varieties from across the country, highlighting regional diversity and food security initiatives, while the Coconut Development Board (CDB) is displaying coconut-based products from southern India, emphasising value addition and agri-entrepreneurship.
Adding an international dimension, this year’s fair sees participants from Thailand and Afghanistan. Thai consumer and lifestyle goods, along with Afghan dry fruits, are expected to draw significant public interest and promote cross-border trade engagement.
The Government of Assam has also facilitated participation from exclusive MSME manufacturing units and women entrepreneurs from across the northeastern 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 arranged by the Central Bureau of Communications under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are also part of the festivities, featuring traditional art and dance forms of the Northeast. Visitors can also enjoy a multi-cuisine food court, including traditional North Eastern dishes served by Assam SRLM, alongside interactive activities for families and the general public.