By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, JAN 28, 2015: MINISTRY of Commerce and Industry is organising the Global Exhibition on Services(GES)  from April 23-25, 2015 at ITPO, New Delhi in association with Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Briefing the media persons in the Capital yesterday, Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that this would be the first of its kind integrated exhibition to showcase India's strength in the Services sector. She informed that more than 40 countries are expected to participate in the fair and GES will discuss ways for the Services sector to become more competitive globally to generate more wealth and employment.

Commerce Minister inaugurated the website www.GESDELHI.in that contains the information about the GES.  Ms. Sitharaman informed that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Global Exhibition on Services.

Later responding to media queries on different subjects, the Commerce Minister highlighted the great progress made in India-US relations on account of the US President Barrack Obama's visit to India.  Referring to her meeting with US Secretary of Commerce, Ms. Penny Pritzker, the Commerce Minister said that she had discussed with Ms. Pritzker on skill development and high-end technology transfer from US to India in addition to other issues of interest to the bilateral trade.  Responding to the question about the need for creating standards, Commerce Minister said that Government should not directly involve itself in setting  standards in areas such as yoga but should play the role of a facilitator in setting standards. The Commerce Minister exuded confidence that with the pace of reforms that is taking place, there are several areas where India can become leader in Services.

Earlier, the Commerce Secretary Rajiv Kher said that 57% of GDP was contributed by the Services sector and GES will provide the platform for giving further thrust to the Services sector.

Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Mr J.S.Deepak gave a presentation on the GES.  Key highlights of GES  are as below:-

Objective

Global Exhibition on Services shall create a global platform for increased trade in services.  GES will enhance strategic cooperation and develop synergies to strengthen multilateral relationships between all stakeholders, tap the potential for services' exports and to increase FDI flow in the services sector.

There will be deliberation on issues of concern and on ways to take global services trade to a higher level.  The Exhibition would be a meeting place for countries, for global service sector players to forge new business relationships and enhance international trade in services.

Highlights of GES

++ Participation in this Exhibition is expected from foreign governments, foreign corporates, service providers, business leaders, corporates, PSUs and Indian State Governments.

++ International services sector players with common goals will interact and showcase their strengths.

++ Day long Seminars on various focus sectors.

++ Dedicated B2B meetings for all sectors to strike useful partnerships.

++ Facilitate deliberations on barriers to services trade .

++ Promote international cooperation in services.

The Focus Sectors of GES are IT & Telecom, tourism, media & entertainment, healthcare, logistics, professional services, education, R&D, space and SME in Services.