SHILLONG: Every year for the last ten years or more, the International Trade Fair Association of Assam (ITFAA) has been organising trade fairs in Shillong and showcasing the best of products from different parts of India, different countries but mainly the neighbouring countries of Thailand, Myanmar, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt and even South Africa.
The traders come with a lot of hopes and aspirations not just to do business but also to see, learn and imbibe the culture of this distinct part of India, which many feel is so “unlike the rest of India.”
Amongst the regular visitors is the couple from Myanmar, Khin Maung Kyi and his wife Khin Than Khine of the famous Mogok Khine Mingalar Jade, Gems and Jewellery. Thiscouple bring with them the best and most authentic gemstones from the mines of Myanmar.
The gems ranging from rubies, emeralds, blue sapphire, diamonds and just about every birth stone are set in exquisitely designed filigreed 18 carat gold. There are rings, bracelets, earrings and what have you. On Thursday Khin Than Khine was explaining to one of her regular customers why a pearl necklace set in gold is so expensive. “In halting English she says this is South Sea Pearl and very special…will never lose colour..remain the same after many many years…
One learns from the couple that it is not easy to travel with such expensive wares such as the ones they are carrying from one place to another but they are doing it because they have established a rapport with people of the North East who they feel are like “us.”
Apart from the discussion on gems and jewellery, Khine also spoke hopefully about a better more peaceful and prosperous Myanmar under Aung Sang Syu Kyi.
On Thursday Khine’s husband Khin Maung celebrated his birthday by cutting a cake and sharing it with the other stall owners.
This time, apart from the melamine plates and kitchenware, Bangladesh also showcased bone china crockery which was quite a hit with the Shillong crowd.
The Kashmiri stall too did brisk business selling their handcrafted Pashminas, jamawars and embroidered salwar suits.
The Thailand stalls with their bling stuff attract the younger crowd. However, the stall selling herbal medicine also does brisk sales.
The Trade Fair is a place that suits all budgets and tastes, hence it continues to remain a popular destination for people not just from Shillong but from different corners of the state as well.
This is the closest we can get to understanding what the Look East Policy now called the Act East Policy can mean for us.
ITFAA could try and organise similar fairs in Myanmar, Bangladesh and Thailand and take people from this region to showcase their products too, particularly our Eri Silk, our turmeric, honey and other spices. This might trigger a more practical engagement with our South and South East Asian neighbours.
What stands out about the ITFAA organised trade fair is the philanthropic angle. In 2014 the organisers donated an ambulance to the Laitumkhrah Sports and Cultural Club. This year on Sunday March 6, a free medical camp was also held at the venue in the Laitumkhrah field.
