President Ram Nath Kovind has said that the focus of India's economic reforms and policies is to eliminate poverty and enhance the prosperity of millions of ordinary families.<br/> <br/>Inaugurating 37th India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi Tuesday morning, Mr Kovind said, trade must help common people and they are the ultimate stakeholders. He said, Government of India's key initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, Start-up India, Stand-up India, Skill India, Smart Cities and the resolve to double farmers' incomes are all an attempt to make economic reforms more meaningful to people at the grassroots. <br/><br/>The President said, this year's India International Trade Fair takes place at a point when India is recognised as one of the bright spots of the global economy. He said, the world has acknowledged the changed business environment in India and the strides made in ease of doing business. <br/>Mr Kovind said, the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax has been a milestone and it has broken down barriers between states. He said, it has provided a boost to the creation of a common market and a more formal economy as well as a stronger manufacturing sector. <br/><br/>The President said, there has been a sharp rise in FDI in the past three years from 36 billion dollars in 2013-14 60 billion in 2016-17. Mr Kovind said, India International Trade Fair is more than just a trade fair or exhibition. <br/><br/>He said, it is a showcase of India on the global stage and it is a symbol of India's ancient and enduring commitment to international trade. He said, instinctively India has been an open society free to trade winds and cultural exchanges. He said, India has valued a liberal, rules-based international trading order and it is the legacy that modern India and India International Trade Fair are building on.<br/><br/>In his address, Minister for Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu said, this year Vietnam is the partner country and Kyrgyz Republic is the focus country and it reflects Government of India's commitment to Act East Policy and focus to Central Asia.<br/><br/>This year the theme of the 14-day annual event is "Startup India Standup India". Jharkhand is participating as Partner State. As many as 7,000 participants from 22 countries will show case their products. <br/><br/>From States to Union territories, self-help groups to big business houses, small and medium manufacturing enterprises to digital start-ups will give a snapshot of the diversity and the sheer energy of India. <br/><br/>This year the number of business days have been reduced from five to four days to accommodate more visitors from general public during the fair. <br/>The fair will open for public from 18th to 27th of this month. Tickets will not be sold at IITF sale counters and will be available at all metro stations other than Pragati Maidan.