IMPHAL, March 10: Official opening function of 9th International Imphal trade fair with the motto “unity and self employment” organized by the North East Trade Fair Association (NETFA) was held today at Hapta Kangjeibung, Palace Compound.
Over 170 stalls are taking part in the trade fair which will be organized till March 27, 2013. The opening function was attended by T Mangibabu Singh, MLA Thanga A/C and Kshetrimayum Santa, Chairman NETFA as Chief guest and President respectively.
Ahongshangbam Mobi, President AMWJU; M Shivadutta Luwang, Editor of Hueiyen Lanpao Meetei Mayek Edition; Samurailakpam Naba Sharma, Artist and N Ibetombi Devi, Development Officer of the National Small Industries Corporation Ltd, Imphal Branch attended as guests of honor at the occasion.
Speaking at the occasion, T Mangibabu Singh said there is a need to encourage such kind of trade fairs and there are benefits in organizing them. “Such fairs give the opportunity to local entrepreneurs to show their hidden talents.
They only have to produce good standard of products which will be in demand in the market. The entreprenuers and manufacturers are facing difficulties as there are less customers however, the world has started liking our products, he said.
He urged the artists to produce international standard products and maintain quality.
In an interaction with IFP, Kshetrimayum Ratan (32) of Kakching who is opening a stall at the trade fair selling wooden products like flower pot, nungshuk, sadan, tengkot, table lamp, boat with dragon head, statues of Pakhangba, Sangai etc said he has been engaged in wood craft since the last 2 years.
“I used to make these things when people book order for the items, and to showcase in melas. It takes around 30 minutes to make a wooden flower pot by hand but when machines are used, it takes only 10 minutes”, he said.
He then appealed the government to lend aids to the craftsmen so that at least a little bit of unemployment and economy issues are solved.