Hyderabad: Global Organisation of Persons of Indian Origin (GOPIO), Malaysia, through its Hyderabad-based authorised agent, SKAB Impex, plans to organise the International Indian Trade Fair 2003 in Kuala Lumpur from 5 to 27 July 2003. The fair is supported by the Indian High Commission in Malaysia and Tourism Malaysia.

GOPIO, with presence in over 22 countries and several years of experience in organising similar trade fairs, had created a revolution for Indian products internationally. The purpose of the expo, according to Anil Bhardwaj of SKAB Impex, is to take Indian products within the reach of people of Indian origin living abroad.

Also it aims to provide a platform and an exposure to Indian products like handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, spices and condiments, sarees, Punjabi suits, ladies accessories, leather items, packed foods and Indian savouries which are very unique to India. Also it serves as a one-stop shopping-cum-entertainment experience to Indian and international traders.

Evidence of Indians in the Malay Archipelago dates as far back as the 5^th century. Traders had gone for barter trade to the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian islands. Fourteen per cent of the 22-million Malaysian population is Indians. Indians are the third-largest ethnic group in Malaysia after the Chinese and the Malays. Tamils (South Indians) constitute about 80 per cent of the total Indian community in Malaysia.

It is estimated that in 1870 there were some 30,000 Indians in Malaya. In 1891 the figure rose to 75,000 and in 1931 to 625,000. Today, Malaysia''s Indian diaspora is put at 16 lakh. Given these numbers, the expo would immensely benefit Indian settlers in Malaysia. Despite the recent unpleasant treatment to Indian IT professionals, Indians in Malaysia are very integral part of their nation.

The expo is the first in series of trade fairs planned for the international Indian business community. More than 100 Indian products are expected to be showcased in the three-week expo (carnival). It is expected to attract over 3 lakh Indian, Malaysian and international businessmen as well as non-resident Indian customers.

The organisers have designed a very unique package for the exhibitors. The package is priced at Rs 1 lakh. This includes stall rent, visa processing, fee, airfare, airport transfers, shared apartment accommodation and Indian food for the entire stay of the exhibition. Booking for the trade fair has already been commenced.

Those entrepreneurs and exporters interested in participating in the expo may please get in touch with SKAB Impex. Tel: (040) 56301960 or 098480 45002. Email: