IITF 2025 Highlights: Next-Gen GST & GeM Empower Sellers

Indian International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025, an exhibition for the 44th time, is open at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, crowning India’s dynamic resilience in trading, innovation, and digital public services. This year’s fair theme, “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, accentuates the economic vitality of the country along with cultural unity, offering a common platform for government entities, global exhibitors, MSMEs, and millions of visitors. 

This year’s two big attractions, trying to put India on the map for digital transformation, transparent governance, and inclusive economic reforms-are the CBIC’s “GST & Customs Pavilion” and the “Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Pavilion”.

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CBIC Chairman Inaugurates ‘GST & Customs Pavilion’-

On November 14, 2025, Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), inaugurated the “GST & Customs Pavilion” at IITF 2025. Also present during the launch at Pragati Maidan were eminent members and officers of CBIC.

Theme: “Next-Gen GST: सरल कर, खुशहाल राष्ट्र”-

This theme reflects:

• A simplified tax system
• Citizen-friendly reforms
• Digital, transparent, tech-driven administration
• Promotion of ease of doing business
• Alignment with “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”
  

The Chairman emphasised that GST reforms now stand on three pillars:

• Structural Reforms
• Rate Rationalisation
• Ease of Living & Ease of Doing Business

He stated that the new GST ecosystem helps reduce tax burden on essential items, speeds up compliance, and improves affordability for citizens and businesses alike.

What’s Inside the GST & Customs Pavilion?

The pavilion serves as a learning centre for knowledge, awareness, and experience for the taxpayers, students, industry participants, and the general public. It conveys the advantages of the GST Bachat Utsav and new initiatives under CBIC.

Onsite Assistance Helpdesks:

Eight specialised helpdesks staffed by experts from:

• GST
• Customs
• GST Network (GSTN)
• ICEGATE
• CPGRAMS

Visitors receive real-time support for:

• Registration guidance
• Refund assistance
• Return filing
• Export–import queries
• Grievance redressal

Multilingual Educational Content:

• Videos simplifying GST and Customs processes
• Tutorials available in 10 regional languages, plus Hindi & English
• Clear, easy-to-understand demonstrations for taxpayers

Digital & Interactive Displays:

Large LED panels showcase:

• Policy milestones
• Technology reforms
• Trade facilitation
• Achievements under GST and Customs

Public Engagement Activities:

To make tax awareness more enjoyable, the pavilion includes:

• Magic shows
• Puppet shows
• Live quizzes
• Caricature sketching
• Virtual reality (VR) games
• Selfie corners
• Brochures, leaflets, and giveaways

Youth & Career Orientation:

Students can explore:

• CBIC career paths
• Roles in Customs & GST
• Training and skill development opportunities
• Nation-building contributions of revenue departments

The pavilion will remain open throughout the 14-day fair.

GeM Pavilion at IITF 2025: Empowering Sellers Nationwide-

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is also participating with a full-service pavilion aimed at inclusive, transparent, digital procurement.

Key Focus Areas:

Strengthening access for One District One Product (ODOP) sellers:

This enables local artisans and traditional producers to market their products to a much wider national audience.

It ensures that the special regional crafts and specialities get the platform they deserve.

Supporting women entrepreneurs, SC/ST-owned MSMEs, SHGs, FPOs, and Divyangjan-led enterprises:

Such efforts promote inclusive economic growth and empower communities at the grassroots. Besides, it also bridges the digital divide by providing equal opportunities in government procurement.

Enhancing visibility for small and emerging manufacturers:

That visibility will attract buyers; more buyers translate into partnerships and a pathway to long-term business growth.

This means they can confidently compete with larger players in a digital-first marketplace.

Highlights of the GeM Pavilion:

• On-the-spot onboarding for sellers
• Dedicated ODOP display zone
• Catalogue-shoot station for professional product photos
• Live buyer experience area
• Query-resolution desk
• Networking sessions for sellers on:
  digital procurement
  GeM features
  cataloging
  scaling business

GeM CEO Shri Mihir Kumar said the goal is to create a fair, efficient, and inclusive procurement ecosystem aligned with national objectives.

Delhi Trade Fair 2025: What Visitors Need to Know-

The fair runs from 14–27 November 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

States Participating:

• Focus State: Jharkhand
• Partner States: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Bihar
  

Countries Participating:

A total of 12 nations, including:

• UAE
• China
• Iran
• South Korea
• Egypt
  

Ticket Prices for IITF 2025:

Business Days (14–18 Nov):

• Adults: ₹500
• Children: ₹150 (weekdays), ₹200 (weekend)

General Public Days (From 19 Nov):

• Children: ₹40 (weekday), ₹60 (weekend)
• Adults: ₹80 (weekday), ₹150 (weekend)
  

Free Entry:

• Senior citizens
• Persons with disabilities
  

Entry Timing:

• Open: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
• Entry closes: 5:30 PM
  

Where to Buy Tickets:

• ITPO website: indiatradefair.com
• 55 selected Delhi Metro stations
• DMRC Saarthi app
  

Traffic Advisory by Delhi Police:

Heavy traffic expected around:

• Mathura Road
• Bhairon Marg
• Ring Road
• Sher Shah Road
• Purana Qila Road
  

Commuters not visiting the fair should avoid these routes:

Nearest metro station: Supreme Court Metro Station (Blue Line)

Conclusion-

The fair will feature the Next-Gen GST & Customs Pavilion and the GeM marketplace hub to showcase India’s rapid advancement towards a digital, transparent, and citizen-centric future. With business opportunities, interactive exhibits, and the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, on offer, the visitors will soon have a delightful experience.

FAQs-