CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues, Monday visited International Trade Exposition- ITEX 2007 organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry in association with the Government of Punjab at Parade Ground, Sector 17.

About 100 impressive stalls, by industry and business houses of India, Pakistan and Myanmar, have been put up in this grand event, featuring industrial and technological advancements and showcasing products ranging from crafts, textiles, spinning and weaving, agriculture, farm machinery, solar power, knitwear, automobiles, real estate, banking and finance.

Accompanied by  Jean Rodrigues, the Administrator went round the Exhibition and took a keen interest in the exhibits.  Appreciationg the effort of PHD Chamber of Commerce and industry, General Rodrigues said that such events offer a great opportunity for sharing technology and expertise by the Industrial giants and to expand and explore markets for potential investors. He emphasized the need of institutionalizing such events to create solid foundations for the future. He said that the people of the region will be able to know the state-of-art technologies, products and services in different business and trade ventures through this fair.

During an interaction with the Embassy officials of Pakistan, General Rodrigues emphasized the need of improving trade & business relations through such international exhibitions, benefiting both countries in this gloablsied economy.  He said that economic ties with Pakistan have already started improving and stressed for more cooperation in the field of agriculture, medicine and education, eliminating bottlenecks coming in the way.

General Rodrigues also interacted with the members of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and impressed upon them the need to strengthen their partnership, in different fields of endeavour to give a boost to trade, industry and social services sectors.  He told them that there is a need of upgrading the professional skills of our people as there are vast opportunities of employment for skilled and un-skilled people in Rajiv Gandhi Technology Park, Theme Park and various other projects undertaken by the Chandigarh Administration.  He said that with the upcoming Modern Terminal Market in Chandigarh, there will be major scope for export of agriculture produce and processed goods to other countries.  He asked the members of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry to actively participate in various programmes for the growth and development of the northern region.