By Salman Siddiqui/Staff Reporter

The World Trade Festival 2014, which was launched yesterday inside a large marquee at the Al Waab-Mahergh area, will continue until January 13.
Mohamed bin Tawar Kuwari, vice-chairman of the Qatar Chamber, inaugurated the festival.
More than 200 companies from around 20 countries are displaying their quality products at the festival, which is open to the public.
Adil Yousuf Bhatt at Stall A36 is selling a large collection of ladies garments from Kashmir.
He said that people in the Middle East, especially Qatar, are aware of the unique products from Kashmir.
“Our Kashmiri clothes, such as the gown-like Bisht and Gatra, are quite popular here along with our shawls,” he said.
The price of the items ranged between QR100 and QR1,000.
Harpeet Singh at Stall A38 has on display his “one-of-a-kind” Electric Tandoor, which he said was the easiest way to cook biscuits, tandoori roti, cakes, naan, tikkas and even pizza.
“We built this product ourselves. No other company in the world have a product like ours,” he said.
Baseer at Stall B30 is selling beautiful decoration pieces and crockery from Iran and Turkey.
The salesperson said that they also own a shop at the Irani Souq in Doha and participate in the festival every year.
However, this time around he was nervous whether people would show up in large numbers like they did last year.
“This festival used to be held in Dafna area in Doha, but this year they changed the venue. I hope I’m able to make enough money to recover my costs,” he said.
According to Baseer, each participant had to pay around QR25,000 to set up a stall, the cost of which they must recover within the 10 days of the festival.
“Last year when the festival was held in Dafna, I had made QR15,000 on opening day. Let’s see how it goes for us here,” he added.
A 54-year-old artist from Iran, Ismail Askari, also has his own stall, “Askari Gallery”, featuring his artwork for sale.
“My 3D pieces are most popular among people here,” the man from Tehran said.
There is a wide variety of items at the festival, including furniture from Egypt, dates from Saudi Arabia, and chocolate coffee beans from Turkey.
Visitors will also be delighted to find Morrocan tea stall owner Rasheed at D28, who claims to be selling the oldest tea brand from his part of the world, which was established in 1936.
People will also be able to find fancy colourful wigs from Thailand.
Also, a children’s play area has also been set up at the festival, where many rides have been installed.
According to the organisers, acrobatic, magic, and music shows will be organised daily at the festival from 3pm until 10pm.