Piyush Goyal encouraged CAIT to organise a grand Swadeshi Mela, promoting indigenous enterprise and strengthening India’s trade ecosystem.
New Delhi
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday urged the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) to hold the biggest-ever Swdeshi Mela in the national capital in partnership with the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). He said the proposed mega fair should act as a global platform that showcases the strength, innovation and diversity of Indian trade and industry, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting indigenous enterprise worldwide.
Speaking at CAIT’s national trade leaders conference, attended by more than 200 leading traders from 28 states, Goyal described India’s traders as the backbone of the economy and one of its strongest growth pillars. He praised CAIT for its consistent initiatives and stressed the need for robust skill development programmes, greater opportunities for women entrepreneurs, improved systems to curb cyber fraud and the creation of a technology-driven, globally competitive trade environment.
Goyal further encouraged CAIT to collaborate with organisations such as Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Laghu Udyog Bharti and major trade associations to organise Swadeshi Melas across the country, building a nationwide vocal for local movement. He also offered CAIT the chance to take over the Skill Development Centre in his North Mumbai constituency to strengthen ongoing training initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, Chandni Chowk MP and CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal praised the vital contribution of Indian traders. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Ease of Doing Business push has empowered traders through improved systems, modern technology and new growth opportunities.
CAIT national president B.C. Bhartia highlighted the need to fortify CAIT’s organisational structure across India and empower traders at the grassroots. He outlined a future roadmap focused on capacity building, policy advocacy, digital enablement and nationwide campaigns supporting comprehensive trade reforms.