New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS): The 33rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) is all set to begin Thursday at the Pragati Maidan with Japan as partner country.

This year, Bihar is the partner state and Odisha is the focus state, while South Africa is the focus country.

President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the exhibition.

Overall, there are about 6,000 exhibitors from India and abroad participating in the fair, showcasing a wide range of items ranging from electronics, decorative, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and accessories.

This year there will be around 260 foreign exhibitors from 21 countries.

The participant countries include Japan, Thailand, Pakistan, Canada, Italy and the UAE.

“As a partnering nation to the Olympics in 2020, we hope to present before India Japan as a great destination for tourism, arts, culture, and design,” Prashant Godghate, secretary general, Japan-India Industry Promotion Association, said.

A Japan Wave Pavilion at IITF will introduce India to the best of Japan.

Apart from business-to-business sessions, the other attractions of the fair would be to meet and greet animated characters like Shin-chan, Doraemon and Ninja Hattori.

There will be live stage performances by Japanese artists. Tea corners, tatami house, blending Japanese green tea Ocha are being prepared to add flavour to the fair.

During the 14-day fair, the first five days would be reserved for business and trade visitors.

The annual IITF will be open for the general public from November 19 to 27.