The CONFEDERATION OF WEST BENGAL TRADE ASSOCIATIONS (CWBTA) officially announced the GI Connect Trade Fair-cum-Buyer Seller Meet 2026 through a high-profile launch seminar, setting the stage for a major national platform dedicated to India’s Geographical Indication (GI) products. The three-day event will be held on May 28, 29, and 30, 2026, aiming to strengthen the domestic and global market presence of India’s GI-certified goods.
Strong Push for Geographical Indication Products
The seminar marked a significant step toward building nationwide momentum for promoting India’s traditional and region-specific products. With a focus on branding, structured trade linkages, and export growth, GI Connect 2026 is expected to bring together producers, exporters, buyers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders under one roof.
The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with more than 800 attendees, including students, trade representatives, exporters, business leaders, and institutional stakeholders. The strong participation highlighted the rising interest in India’s GI sector and its growing trade potential in both domestic and international markets.
Spiritual Opening and Formal Inauguration
The programme commenced on an auspicious note with Ganesh Vandana and Hanuman Vandana, creating a dignified and culturally rich beginning to the proceedings.
The seminar was formally inaugurated through the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest Shri Sunil Singhi, Chairman of the National Traders Welfare Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
In his keynote address, Shri Singhi emphasised the need to strengthen market access, enhance branding strategies, and build stronger export linkages for India’s traditional and GI-certified products. He appreciated the initiative taken by CWBTA in establishing a structured national platform that supports trade development and wider market outreach for GI products.
Presence of Industry Leaders and Institutional Representatives
The seminar was attended by several distinguished dignitaries and industry leaders, including:
- CWBTA President Shri Sushil Poddar
- Dr Smita Shah
- GI Connect Convenor Shri N.K. Kapadia
- Co-Convenor Shri Pradeep Luhariwala
- Shri B.K. Sancheti
- Shri Vibhor Tandon
- Shri Arun Garodia
- Shri Arvind Pandey from Adamas University
- Shri Sumit Das
Representatives from trade bodies, academia, and industry further enriched the discussions, underlining the collaborative approach needed to elevate India’s GI ecosystem.
GI Connect 2026: A Strategic Trade Platform
GI Connect Trade Fair-cum-Buyer Seller Meet 2026 is expected to serve as a dynamic interface between producers and buyers, enabling networking, partnerships, and new export opportunities. By bringing national focus to Geographical Indication products, CWBTA aims to position India’s heritage goods more competitively in global markets.
With strong institutional backing and enthusiastic stakeholder participation, GI Connect 2026 is poised to become a landmark event for India’s GI trade promotion and economic empowerment initiatives.
