President Pranab Mukherjee has called for integrating skill development and vocational training into the economic growth process to capitalise on the demographic dividend. Inaugurating the 33rd India International Trade Fair, IITF, in New Delhi today, Mr Mukherjee said, there is a need to consistently fine tune skills of the workforce to keep pace with rapid global changes. Referring to this year's theme of the fair, he said, empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalised groups is essential and there must be a clear vision to pursue a development process for them, which is environmentally sustainable. The President said, the theme has brought together several entrepreneurs from various states to display their products.

Mr Mukherjee termed the fair as a reflection of India's entrepreneurship. He said, the Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises sector can only prosper if concerted efforts are made at widening markets for their products.

Speaking on the occasion, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said, the trade fair has been showcasing the best of India's manufacturing, technologies, handlooms, handicrafts and also the potential of the MSME sector. He said, the government is focusing on manufacturing sector and has set a target to raise its share in GDP from the present 16 per cent to 26 per cent in next ten years and create 100 million new jobs.

The Minister mentioned the contribution of Japan to India in building world class infrastructure. Japan is a partner country in this edition of the fair.