The recently concluded two-week long India International Trade Fair (IITF) enjoyed a considerable increase in foreign exhibitors as well as business visitors.

The number of business visitors jumped by 22 per cent from the previous year, while a total of 437 foreign exhibitors from twenty-three countries participated in the fourteen-day fair. During the first five days of the even, around 8,000 business visitors hit the spot.

Overall, the trade fair at Pragati Maidan attracted an estimated of fifteen lakh people.

Rita Menon, chairperson & managing director of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) pointed out the increase in the number of visitors to the fair, at the award presentation ceremony on the closing day of the IITF 2012 on Tuesday.

Speaking on the topic, Menon added, "Inclusive growth is likely to be the theme of India International Trade Fair, 2013."

The next year's trade fair is expected to attract as many as 290 delegations from around 44 countries and nearly 15 lakh visitors.

D Purandeswari, union minister of state of commerce & industry, gave away awards, and said that IITF provides small, medium and large enterprises with a platform to promote their businesses. She added that the trade fair has helped rural artisans and industries in promoting their goods.