Former President Ram Nath Kovind Inaugurates 19th edition of PITEX: Former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind on Friday formally inaugurated the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar and asserted that state of Punjab is now emerging as a power hub in MSMEs, technology and ease of doing business.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former President said, “Once known mainly as the “bread basket of India,” Punjab is now changing rapidly and holds a place of pride in India, as the state is mentioned first in the National Anthem”
“The state is becoming a power hub in MSMEs, technology and ease of doing business”, he added.
He added that this growth is the result of the hard work and global outlook of the people of Punjab. “Punjab is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise. The spiritual light of Shri Harmandir Sahib inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring,” Kovind said.
The former President congratulated PHDCCI for hosting the 19th Edition of PITEX and suggested that the Chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab. He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi to give the Expo more international reach.
Kovind said that along with agriculture, Punjab has now emerged as a centre for trade, manufacturing, MSME growth and global entrepreneurship. He emphasised that the hardworking nature of Punjabis and their ability to adapt to changing economic trends makes the state a natural hub for business and innovation.
He also hailed the PITEX for becoming a historic platform that connects domestic and international businesses, promotes cross-border partnerships and strengthens economic ties. “This Expo is not just a business exhibition,” he added.
The former President said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world. With digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse, he added.
Kovind expressed happiness to see strong participation from MSMEs, start-ups, women entrepreneurs and artisans at the Expo. He said they represent the inclusive and democratic spirit of India’s economic development.
Welcoming the former President, PHDCCI Punjab Chair Karan Gilhotra said that many states and countries are participating in PITEX, and the main aim is to promote trade between states and neighbouring nations.
Welcoming Kovind on behalf of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the CM is currently on a foreign tour to bring investment for industrial growth. Cheema informed that Punjab has received investment worth ₹1 lakh crore since 2022.
On this occasion PHDCCI Deputy Secretary General Naveen Seth presented a detailed report and said that the Chamber currently has 1.5 lakh members, of which nearly 75 percent are from the MSME sector.
During the event, the former President Kovind Ji honoured former PHDCCI president Dr Ashok Khanna, Ashish Bagrodia and Fashion tex tech Forum Regional Chair Himani Arora for their services. Senior Regional Director Bharti Sood, regional coordinator Jaideep Singh and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
