5 International Business Travel Tips for Entrepreneurs

  Adm1n        November 13, 2016

Business travel, for the first time internationally, can be a stressful event.

Not only are you traveling into a new country, but you need to be prepared to conduct business when you arrive. Here are five things you should know before taking your first big business trip internationally.

1. Get a medical checkup.

It is important to get a medical checkup before you travel internationally. You do not want to be thousands of miles away from home and end up in a foreign hospital with a serious medical condition. Therefore, before you travel for business, you should make an appointment with your physician to get a physical. During this exam, you should talk to your doctor about your traveling plans and make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date.

2. Plan your business travel itinerary.

To take away some of the stress, you should plan as much as you can of your itinerary in advance. You need to write down all of your flight information, what airports you will be using, your hotel reservations, and the location with the time schedule for all of your business meetings.

With this information, you can do some research to plan ahead to know where you are going for each itinerary activity. If you are planning to drive yourself, be sure to study up the traffic laws in that country to make sure you are obeying the law.

3. Pack your business travel essentials.

Since this business trip will be thousands of miles away from your office, you need to make sure you have packed all of the business essentials you need for the meeting. Don’t forget your laptop along with a power cord and presentation materials.

If you have a smartphone, you should pack extra batteries and a universal charger. If you are not sure about Internet access, you should bring your own mobile Internet device such as the T-Mobile 4G Internet mobile hotspot.

4. Create an emergency contact list.

Whether you will be traveling alone or with peers, you need to create an emergency contact list in case someone needs to contact your family. This list should contain the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of your immediate family members such as your spouse, parents, or a significant other. You may want to include any type of medical issues you have and list of medications you may be taking on the list.

5. Learn the local language.

In order to communicate with locals in a foreign country, you need to learn to speak and understand the basic language if they do not speak English. You can purchase a computer software program that can help you learn another language. If you do not have time in your schedule to learn another language, you can purchase a foreign language dictionary or see if you can find a foreign language translation app for your smartphone.

By using these tips, you should be better prepared for your upcoming international business trip. After your business is over, be sure to take some time to enjoy yourself and do some sightseeing.

7 Tips To Improve Your International Business Travel Etiquette

  Adm1n        September 13, 2016

Back home, you’re the beacon of business etiquette. In fact, it was you who coined the phrase “If you’re not 10 minutes early, you’re 10 minutes late.”

But how does your punctuality, professional demeanour, and gravity-defying trouser socks translate when it’s time to take your show on the road?

International business travel has its own set of rules, which must be followed in order to make your next business trip a career-advancing success.

1. Keep meetings short in the airport

Keep your yammering to a minimum when conducting business in the airport. After all, everyone has a plane to catch!

If a big prospective client is willing to give you a few minutes before his red eye to Shanghai, keep your pitch short and to the point. (And don’t forget to recommend your favourite spot in Fuxing Park).

2. Be stealthy in the aisle seat

If you’re sitting in business class, chances are you’re surrounded by potential partners, investors, and future clients. Take a stealth gander at the laptop next to yours, or eavesdrop on a few of those last minute phone conversations.

Strike up a conversation with the most promising prospect, taking care to strategically leave your most recent project in plain view on your iPad.

3. Mind the time zone

It’s easy to get your time zones mixed up when you’re travelling, but it’s not easy to undue the annoyance you’ll incur should you ring a professional contact at 2am their time.

Make sure you understand the time difference at your destination and plan conference calls accordingly while you’re there.

4. Follow your boss’s lead

If travelling with your boss or other coworkers, pay particular attention to your professionalism. No matter how important the deal or how big the business meeting, travel has a way of bringing out the crazies – in everyone.

Check yourself when it comes to indulging in alcohol and other local, er, customs. Let your boss be your guide – if she drinks at dinner, you can indulge; just don’t end up naked on the streets of Taipei at four in the morning, wondering what the hell happened to your hotel room key.

5. Dress to (un)impress

Keep it professional, no matter how wild and crazy your destination may be. Vacationers headed for Miami or Rio can get away with string bikinis and Hawaiian print shirts. You, on the other hand, need to get down to business.

It’s also a good idea to consider local customs at your destination and plan your wardrobe accordingly. Armani suits in a developing country read a bit pompous, while no Armani suit in Paris reads a bit pauper.

6. Research local customs

Speaking of local customs, are you going to need to cover your head? Shake with your left hand? Avoid looking grown men in the eye?

In addition to your Google search of cultural faux pas in your destination, it’s a good idea to ask colleagues and co-workers who’ve been there what to expect.

If, with all of his advisors, President Obama still ended up chewing gum in Singapore, chances are good that you’ll offend someone too.

Find out what’s illegal, what’s immoral, and what’s unethical in a business situation. And work on a really good “Whoops! Silly me!” expression as a failsafe.

7. Know when it’s your turn to pay

In the business world, the person who initiated the meeting is on the hook when the check arrives. But that isn’t always the case in other countries.

In Taiwan, for instance, a pseudo-battle must ensue every time the check comes in a restaurant, with guest and host arguing furiously over who gets to pay the bill.

In Vietnam, it’s common for dinner guests to get up and leave the table before a meal is finished so they don’t’ have to pay, while birthday “parties” consist of the birthday boy or girl paying the way for each of their guests. (The latter happened to me – imagine my surprise when I thought I’d be treated on my birthday and ended up paying for 15 dinner guests!).

Needless to say, money is approached differently in different business settings, so do your homework or literally pay the consequences!

Business travel etiquette is constantly changing as our society becomes more and more globalised. Err on the side of caution when it comes to drinking, dressing, and aggressive selling. When in doubt, speak softly and carry a big credit card.

Tips for International Business Travel From a Multi-Million Miler

  Adm1n        August 13, 2016

In the past 14 years, I have walked onto airplanes over 1,000 times, landed in over 35 countries and amassed 2.1 million air miles between five airlines. Between commuting between my home in Toronto and office in Las Vegas, checking in on business interests in Asia and prospecting new clients in South America or Europe, I’ve experience a lot up here.

In fact, as I write this, I’m on a 13-hour flight from Detroit to Tokyo. So I figured it’d be the perfect time to put together a few tips in four steps that will make the journey more enjoyable for any business traveler.
1. Before you fly

Passports and visa: Take the time to learn the rules of entry in the country you are traveling too. Back in 2004, I made my first trip to Jakarta, Indonesia. I was in Tokyo, and a business partner told me that we were having troubles with our subsidiary in Jakarta. Without a second thought, I changed my plans and hoped on a flight the next day, bound for my first arrival at Soekarno-Hatto International Airport.

On arrival, I was ushered into the immigration hall, where I handed my passport to the agent. After 30 seconds of turning the pages, the frustrated customs officer said, “Visa?” Nervously, I yanked my wallet out of my pocket and handed him my CIBC Aerogold Visa Card. The now-angered officer told me in broken English that I needed an entry visa and should have obtained it before I left Ottawa. Exhausted and scared, I begged his help and told him I would leave the next day and didn’t know anyone in the country. Luckily, I said the right thing. He issued a short-term visa on arrival and let me in. I thanked him, entered and left 36 hours later without even calling our Jakarta office.

If you’re traveling abroad, make sure you check for entry rules before you leave, and remember — most foreign countries will not let you enter with a passport that expires in the next six months. Some countries require that you apply for your entry visa on arrival. They may require that you arrive with pictures, birth certificate, cash for applications invitation letters, etc. If you do not have what they want, they will not think twice about refusing you access.

There are very stringent rules about entry depending on what passport you have, why you are going and how long you’ll be. Know what the rules are before you travel.

Preparing for the time change: I have come to realize that there is little that can be done to completely avoid jet lag, but a few simple techniques that I’ve used to combat the time change affects could help. Take note of the time change and what time you will arrive. Once you know, try reverse engineering your sleep patterns slightly.

For example, if I am flying for 10 hours, land at 8 a.m. and realize that I have to be ready for a full day, I will make sure that I am sleeping for the last seven hours of the flight. That means that regardless of what time I leave, I will ensure that I am awake for the first three hours of the flight and the seven hours prior to boarding the plane, even if it means an early start to the day before.
2. While in the sky

Avoid the booze: Alcohol is free on most international flights, regardless of your class of service. On my very first long haul, I left armed with advice from a friend on dealing with jet lag. He suggested that I drink the equivalent of a bottle of wine within the first couple hours of the flight and sleep for the last six to seven hours, arriving refreshed and ready to take on the day. But the result of that advice was coping with a terrible headache, as I was trying to get use to the foreign land.

Keep the alcohol consumption to a minimum. I know this seems obvious, but the flight attendants are more then happy to share the sauce, in the air. If you think you will have some trouble sleeping, then try to restrict your sleep before the flight, speak to a qualified practitioner about a safe natural sleep supplement and a get a good neck support.

Keep the blood flowing: In spite of the fact that I like to sleep on the planes, I still make it a point to get up and walk around at least once an hour while I am awake. The stories of blood clots and issues with circulation amongst frequent flyers are true. Get up and walk the length of the plane, stretch, do some squats, flex and get that blood flowing.
3. After you arrive

Double check before you de-plane: In 2008, I landed in Los Angeles from a trip to Australia. It had been a very successful journey, and I was looking forward to getting home. It wasn’t until I was back in the air, en route to Toronto, that I realized that my laptop was in still in the magazine holder of seat 16A bound for who-knows-where. What a sickening feeling! Luckily, the airline found the computer and was waiting for my call. Get in the habit of doing one last check before you de-plane.

Lots of sleep and water before doing business: If you were traveling for business and need to be on your game, you would be well advised to schedule some recovery time for yourself when you land. I try to arrive in the evening when I travel, so I can head straight to the hotel, get some more sleep and prepare for the next full day. I feel like I have tried every remedy known to man, but the only thing that seems to work is lots of sleep and lots of water. The confined climate in the plane will dehydrate you, so drink lots of water before, during and after your flight.
4. For future flights

Loyalty pays: I didn’t realize until my fifth year of regular travel that I should be more strategic with my travel. In the early days, I let price alone dictate which airline I would use. I regularly used four different airlines. I had amassed 1.4 million air miles between four carriers before I realized my mistake. The airlines give significant benefits to their most loyal travelers.

Domestically, my current airline partner gives me free upgrades to business class on 95 percent of the flights I’m on. Internationally, they give me an ample supply of certificates to upgrade. But during my first five years, I had not amassed enough points with any one carrier to hit a significant status level and left all those benefits on the table.

In my sixth year, I decided to consolidate my travel to one air carrier and have since accumulated over 700,000 miles. Now, living in Canada means my current carrier is not the most convenient, however, consolidating has meant that I am qualified at the airlines top status for the next three years already. I have taken my family on three free vacations in the past year, and I travel in business class for free on 85 percent of my flights.

There is no perfect airline to be your primary carrier, however, they all have incredible perks for loyalty. If you travel on a weekly basis, give your business to one main carrier and don’t worry, if they frustrate you, just call the concierge at another carrier and request to transfer your status. All of the North American carriers are more than happy to transfer your mileage, status and perks.

Top 10 Tips on International Business Customs

  Adm1n        July 13, 2016

There are many business customs those living in the United States might not even notice: shaking hands when meeting someone new, trading business cards, and doing business lunches are just a few examples. When doing business abroad, however, the rules may change. Knowing and observing international business customs is important to develop successful business relationships and avoid embarrassment. Learn this list of the most important business customs abroad to ensure a positive international business experience.

1. Don’t Mind Personal Space

In many countries, such as Brazil, being in close proximity to the person who is speaking is a sign of trust. This is important in establishing long-term relationships, which is integral for most businesses. Stepping away can be a sign of disrespect, so make sure not to instinctively step back.

2. Use Business Cards Properly

Many countries have specific rules about the proper distribution and receiving of business cards.

For example, when doing business in China, both hands must be used in receiving and giving a business card. When living in Japan, it is customary to receive someone’s business card with a bow. As a general rule, treat a business card as a gift and with respect. You should also have business cards printed in both English and the language of the host country.

3. Take a Name in the Country’s Native Language

4. Don’t Lose Face

The concept of “face” is very important in many cultures, such as those found in Japan, Italy, China, and Brazil. This means you should try to not to embarrass someone or cause them to “lose face.”

Thus, instead of approaching a problem directly (such as delays in deadlines), you should take a softer approach. Show respect and focus on adding to the ideas of the other rather than attempting to correct or discipline. Avoid pointing out mistakes in front of peers or strangers.

5. Be Punctual

Always be on time even if it is customary for locals to be a few minutes late. It is always better to be on time than late.

This is especially true in places like Russia where Americans are often “tested” to see if they will show up on time even if their Russian counterparts are frequently late to meetings.

6. Embrace Business Relaxation

In places such as Finland, being asked to spend time in a sauna is a sign the business relationship is progressing well. This is similar to golfing in the United States. Instead of declining the invitation or feeling uncomfortable, make an effort to participate in a local cultural tradition and be enriched.

7. Give Gifts

In China, it’s important to bring a gift to business meetings. However, do not expect the gift to be immediately received. It is customary for a gift to be declined up to three times before it is accepted. When a gift is finally accepted, it is proper for the giver to show gratitude to the receiver.

8. Be Aware of Local Dietary Restrictions & Religious Beliefs

Spend some time researching country guides before arriving to be prepared for local dietary customs. For example, never order or eat beef in India as it is considered sacred by many people living there. It is also important to follow local customs for eating food. In India and some places in the Middle East, eating with the left hand is considered unclean, so only take and eat food with the right hand. Chinese business banquets include many rounds of toasts, meaning those drinking alcohol should pace themselves.

9. Don’t Break the Silence

Silence during a conversation can seem unbearable to many Americans. However, this is not universal. In Finland, for instance, long periods of silence are common during meetings and provide an opportunity to reflect on the meeting before rushing to take action. Resist the temptation to make an unnecessary interjection just to break silence.

10. Be Aware of Body Language

The right or wrong body language can significantly affect one’s ability to do business abroad. Keep hands out of pockets – a sign of disrespect in many places, including Russia and Ireland. The “okay” hand signal is not widely accepted in many parts of the world, such as Brazil, where it is considered rude. Also note that hugs and cheek kisses are quite common in many countries, such as Brazil or Belgium.

10 Smart (and Cheap) International Business Tips

  Adm1n        June 13, 2016

When we moved over to Germany 11 years ago, we had already started several businesses (being the crafty entrepreneurs that we are) and didn’t have any thoughts of closing them down just because we were moving. Thankfully, we had family back in the US who could help us with order processing since shipping things to and from Germany gets expensive FAST.

Although these practices are great for our international businesses, many of them are a good idea for local businesses as well. And with the ease and availability of so many services via the internet, you’re only harming your own success by not utilizing them.

• Establish business and marketing plans to crystallize the direction your company is going to take —  One of the most common mistakes that businesses make is not thinking about what the big plan is for their company and then mapping out how they are going to achieve those goals. Business and marketing plans help you to analyze all the angles of your business, establish exactly who your target market is, what you are going to provide them with, how you’ll get to them and so forth. There are great tools and services to help you create these plans, but without one, your business will soon lose focus and direction. And if you have any ideas about obtaining outside funding, you must have a business plan written.
• Use cloud computing to share files and ideas — There are multiple services out there now, from Dropbox to Amazon Web Services to the Google Cloud, that allow you to collaborate on projects from anywhere in the world. Depending on your internet connection and the service you’re using, you can sometimes even work in real time.
• Utilize VoIP and online phone services — Although there are services like RingCentral which can provide you with a local or 1-800 number which can be forwarded to any phone in the world, there are also great, lower cost alternatives like Skype and Vonage which are great alternatives if you have a fast and reliable internet connection. Within the US, services like Google Voice are also worthwhile to research, as they can provide you with free voicemail, call forwarding and more for free. With tools like Skype, you can also conduct meetings online with voice or even video conferencing.
• Start new corporations in Nevada (or another state where operating officers do not have to be sitting within the US) – Running a corporation from Nevada recently got nearly 3x as expensive as it used to be…and if you still have a residency in the US and know someone living in the same state who can serve as your registered agent, you will save yourself a bundle. But if you don’t and you want to incorporate in the US (and you should definitely form a corporation somewhere to protect your assets), Nevada is still a pretty good place to do it.
• Get yourself an international bank account that supports multiple currencies — If you intend to accept payments from people on two or more continents, you probably want a bank account that can accept at least two different currencies (like USD and EUR). An international bank account creates more flexibility while also allowing you to save a bundle on exchange and transaction fees.
• Buy yourself a US mailing address with forwarding service — If you have friends and family who don’t mind sending your mail to you on a regular basis, then you can save yourself this expense. But it’s also nice to have a designated address for your business(es) which won’t later be associated with someone else. Some of the services will even scan your mail for you and filter out junk mail to save shipping costs.
• Rent a meeting room or virtual office as needed — There are many locations across the globe specifically created to be utilized for meetings. These may be in an airport, a hotel or a building that  caters to start-ups or mobile businesses. The latter will often even allow you to use that location as a virtual office to serve as a mailing address or a place to have packages sent while you’re traveling.
• Run your business from home — Now only is this a low cost solution, but it also gives you the freedom and flexibility to conduct meetings with other time zones from a more comfortable setting. Working from home can have its challenges, especially with family around, but it can also have some great tax benefits too.
• Hire a virtual assistant and freelancers to further your business — As an entrepreneur, we’re often inclined to do as many jobs as possible within our own businesses — but that doesn’t mean you should be doing it all yourself. One person is usually not capable of running every element of a successful business. So find those tasks that you don’t enjoy or that could otherwise be done better by someone else and outsource them. It was always hard for me to relinquish control of things within my companies, but I found that once I hired a great virtual assistant that I could rely on, I had much more time to focus on the more important things in my businesses and become more successful.
• Network and market online — There are plenty of platforms where you can promote yourself and your company online, from social media to forums to blogs. As part of your marketing plan, you can develop multiple strategies which utilize various services and if/when those don’t achieve the goals you set out, you go on to the next option. Some of this can also be outsourced — but in the case of most social media platforms, people like to get to know the faces behind the scenes, not just be pitched to all the time.

13 Tips for International Business Travel

  Adm1n        May 13, 2016

International business travel is more complicated than domestic travel. It requires you to spend more time planning before the trip and there are additional factors to take into account while you’re on the road. You don’t want to end up on the other side of the world in a bad situation due to poor planning. Here are my top tips for international business travel.

Know Before You Go

Double-Check Your Passport

You won’t get very far without it. When planning your trip, always make sure you have at least six months until your passport expires and that there are 2-4 blank pages—some countries won’t let you in otherwise. Also, make sure that your spouse, family and administrative assistant all have a photocopy of your passport in case something should go wrong. You should also keep your important identification information in your secure TripIt profile so you can easily access this information should you ever need it.

And, by all means, make sure you bring your passport with you to the airport. This seems like common sense, but it can be an easy thing to forget.

Share Your Itinerary

You should also share a copy of your travel itinerary with your family and co-workers. This is simple if you have them in your network on TripIt. It’s always good for people to know where you are.

Get Necessary Visas Early

In some countries, you can get visas on arrival, but for others (such as Brazil, China and Russia), you’ll need a visa for admission to the country. Some countries have special requirements to obtain a visa, such as a letter from a sponsor. Make sure you have this sorted out as soon as possible before your trip.

Learn the Local Culture

Spend a little time brushing up on the culture and customs, as well as reading a little news from the country. Inevitably, you’ll have to make some small talk with someone—a colleague, a customer or even a taxi driver—and it’s helpful to know something about local events.

Research Electrical Adapters

Being able to charge devices while on a business trip is critical. Because electrical outlets and currents vary, it’s important to have the appropriate adapters. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve seen someone arrive in a new country assuming that their hotel would be able to provide all the necessary adapters, only to find that there were none available.

On Arrival

Get Cash

Many countries use credit cards less often than you may be accustomed to. In the U.S., paying for a taxi with a credit card can be no problem. But in other countries, it may be much more difficult. At the airport, withdraw some of the local currency from an ATM to cover the taxi ride and other incidentals. Your company will likely have a policy that will allow you to take a cash advance up to a certain amount.

Get to Know the Area

When you check in at your hotel, ask for two things—a map and a business card. A local map will help you orient yourself in the city and will be useful for getting to meetings or if you have time for sightseeing. A hotel business card is also very valuable. If you get lost, you can show it to a local or a taxi driver, and they can help you find your way back to the hotel.

Your TripIt itinerary will have a map and your hotel address in it, but it’s always good to have a back up just in case.

Have a Plan B

Know what your emergency plans are if something goes wrong. Many companies have memberships to organizations that provide international evacuation or medical assistance in extreme situations, so having that contact information can be important. But also think about contingency plans for minor disturbances like local union strikes and political protests.

Diving In

Be Healthy

The country you’re traveling to will have a different water system than you’re used to and may have different standards when it comes to cleanliness, even in business hotels. Taking a few precautions can help prevent you from getting sick. Even if the locals tell you it is OK, never drink the water. Yes, the water in Germany is just fine from the tap.  However, your body isn’t used to the different mineral content. So, even if you don’t have a problem with microbes, you could still have an upset stomach.

Try to avoid raw and uncooked anything—vegetables, meat or fish. Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. And carry a pack of wet wipes to cleanse your seat area on the airplane or surfaces in the hotel room.

Stay in Touch

If you work for a major company, your firm will likely provide an international voice and data plan on your mobile phone. However, if you travel infrequently or are roaming, be prepared for sticker shock. I once racked up a few hundred dollars in France on roaming by only sending a couple of text messages. Your mobile carrier can set you up on an appropriate plan to avoid situations like that. Alternatively, you can turn off your cellular connection and just connect through Wi-Fi hotspots.

Returning Home

The Benefits of Global Entry

On your return to the U.S., you’ll need to clear immigration and then customs. At some airports, this is a smooth process, while at others, you can expect hours-long lines and significant hassles. Save yourself the headaches and apply for Global Entry. This government program pre-clears you for admission to the U.S. and speeds you through the immigration and customs process. It’s worth every penny of the $100 fee.

Don’t Bother

Learn the Local Language

On the Internet, you’ll see a lot of advice that you need to learn the local language to the point of fluency to blend in—all before your next business trip. It’s probably unnecessary. It’s polite to pick up a handful of phrases (“hello,” “please” and “thank you”), and people will be appreciative that you made the effort. But learning more than that is probably impractical.

Sleep Adjustments and Jet Lag

Also, the Internet is full of a lot of advice on how to minimize sleep disruptions and jet lag. My favorite was the advice for traveling to Europe and the suggestion that I should move up my alarm clock each day for two months until I was on European time! This isn’t practical.

The best thing to do is to get a really good night’s sleep for the two nights before you leave. Then, try to sleep well on your overnight flight (to Europe or Asia), perhaps using a sleep mask and earplugs or taking a sleeping pill. Depending on where you’re going, you should expect to spend a long time traveling. You’re going to have sleep disruptions. You’re going to be tired. It happens. Try to make the best of it. If at all possible try to get there early before your big meeting or presentation to give yourself time to adjust.

Hopefully, these tips will help you on your next international business trip.

Business Loans for Your Flourishing Trade

  Adm1n        April 13, 2016

Through these loans, you can buy machinery, equipments, office furniture, raw material or pay off your old debts.

Keeping your circumstances in mind, business loans are provided in secured or unsecured options. For greater fund requirements, opt for the secured loans against your valued residential or commercial property. Lower rate of interest is its main benefit as it reduces your monthly outgoings. You can repay the loan conveniently in 5 to 30 years. The unsecured loan is meant for smaller amounts, depending on your repayment capability. You will not pledge any property as collateral. Hence, the rate of interest goes higher on these loans. These short term loans are to be repaid in 5 to 15 years.

In case of your bad credit history of late payments, arrears, defaults or CCJs, the loan approval will depend strictly on your current financial position and where your business stands in terms of earnings. If you are willing to pay interest at further higher rates, then the loan is easier to find in these days of competitive loan market.

Before applying for the loan, ensure that your credit report is fully error free. The lender will first go through it in order to assess you for risks and terms-conditions are set accordingly.

Do not forget to take an assuring plan of investing the loan on your trade. You must tell the lender that soon you will be generating income for repaying the loan.

For competitive rates on business loans, prefer online lenders. Apply for their rate quotes to find a suitable deal. These lenders will approve the loan at less additional charges.

Lavi Fair Himachal-international Trade Fair

  Adm1n        March 13, 2016

Lavi Fair is held amidst a great deal of fanfare in Himachal Pradesh. Rampur had once been a very important commercial center and with passage of the time it became the venue for the famous age-old Lavi Fair, reputed to be one of the biggest trade fairs in Northern India. The fair is held every year in the second week of November (11th-14th).

Rampur lies along the ancient trade routes to Tibet, Ladakh and Afghanistan. It used to which had its borders well into Kinnaur.

During the reign of King Kesar Singh in the 18th century, a Treaty was signed between be the capital of the mighty Bushahr Empire, Rampur and Tibet.

It was decided that they would be friends till the time comes when all waters of River Sutlej evaporates and the crows change their colors into white. The fair was held to commemorate their friendship.

A modern touch made it all the more glorious and attractive, for the Lavi Fair has been brought back to entertain the weary and sullen men, burdened with their day to day jobs. Lavi Fair is a welcome relief for them.

Large crowds pour in from Kinnaur, Spiti and Lahaul.They gather on the banks of the Sutlej to buy, sell and barter their produce which includes everything from homespun blankets and wool shawls to dry fruit and even horses .

There are sporting competitions during the day, and dancing around bonfires after dark. The fair coincides with the return of the shepherds from high pastures for the coming winter and has been held for over 300 years.

The fair is also renowned for a variety of handicrafts. Thus the Lavi Fair in Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its excellence in bringing to the forefront the ancient Indian Culture.

Large number of traders are coming to the fair to sell a great range of Himachal Handicrafts & Handlooms ,in which the Pashmina shawls still adorn the royal class of the French as French Queen, Marie Antoinette aws very fond of the Himalayan wool products and as such the fair has already been recognized as an International Fair.

Stunning Pashmina Wool is an important item that is sold at the Lavi Fair. The Dry Fruits reminds us of the variety of agricultural products that can be grown in the Indian soil.
The well-known Chaumkhi Horses brought from remote tribal areas are sold at the Lavi Fair at Himachal Pradesh.

Apart from the Horses, woolen pattoos, kala zira and dry fruits (Walnuts,Pine Nuts,Almonds,Apricots-dry,Bitter apricot kernels) are also brought and sold in the Lavi Fair at Himachal Pradesh.

Chinese artifacts, such as jewellery, Chinese Jackets, Track Suites, Crockery, handicrafts, tea, herbs, heavy woolens and even ‘bushy Yak tails’ are expected to be displayed on the Tibetan and Kinnauri stalls .

This has been possible only after the establishment of an intimate trade relationship with China and Tibet.

Efforts have been made to restore the old glory of the fair and historic places, which recently has been given a modern touch.