an exhibition of stones and stone products to be held in Rajasthan in February, is expected to draw about 100 global participants, more than in its previous editions.

Preparations for the fair are underway. Bookings and visitor registrations indicate the fourth edition of Stonemart will be bigger and better than the immensely successful previous editions, said N K Modi, vice chairman of the Centre for Development of Stones (CDoS).

The four-day fair will be held at the Export Promotional Industrial Park (EPIP), Sitapura, Feb 1-4.

The response from exhibitors has been overwhelming. In order to accommodate this demand one more hall has been added to the previous layout. The exhibition will now be spread over an area of 15,000 square metres, Modi said.

Stonemart will have over 250 exhibitors, including most major stone companies from India. Among international participants, China will have a country pavilion where 30 companies will display their products.

Exhibitors from Turkey, Egypt, Russia, France, Italy, Germany, Britain, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan are also expected.

CDoS CEO R K Gupta told media, Stonemart will provide an international exposure for the stone industry of Rajasthan. The local industry will get to see many new technologies and tools, which will help in improving productivity and lowering the production cost for the Indian stone industry.