New Delhi, Nov. 16 : Afghan stalls are proving a major draw at the ongoing 27th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2007 with visitors flocking to watch such a large variety of fascinating items displayed here.

About 36 Afghani traders have put up stalls at the Consumer Goods Pavillion at the IITF 2007 being held at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

These traders are cheerful on doing a good business with a range of commodities and eating products including textiles, gift items, fruits, dry fruits.

"Afghanistan is on the move and this is the proof of progress. This is perhaps the first time Afghanistan is having such a big stall in India. About 40 companies are participating in the field of handicrafts, dry fruits, fresh fruits, all kinds of Afghanistan products, " said Nazir Ahmed, an Afghani seller.

The Afghani participants view IITF 2007 as an opportunity to expose their products in the international market and a formative step showcasing Afghanistan marching towards progress.

Afghani participants said that the people in their country were trying hard to bring back economy on track.

"Of course, we still have some problems with tourism, we have some problem. But we have no problem in all of our country. We have problem with some part of our country but our farmers, our growers are striving to get its place back. We hope solution to our problems with neighbours’ and international help, " said Ghulam Nabi Rahimi, a vegetable value chain manager.

The fortnight-long trade fair that begins every year November 14 coinciding with first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday that is marked as Children's Day in the country.

Nearly 40 countries are participating in the fair, showcasing achievements over a broad canvas and the theme for this year's fair is "Processed Food and Agro Industries".

The fair organised by the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation, provides a platform for trade promotion and facilitates interaction between close to 7,500 national and international business persons, organisations.

This year the theme of the fair is "Processed Food and Agro-Industries". (ANI)