Perhaps for the first time, a major international exhibition in India is almost totally devoid of freebies for visitors.

Exhibitors are more than willing to give out brightly coloured bags containing loads and loads of literature and CDs – but nothing else. It’s quite a far cry from the days when visitors could hope to pick up at least a ballpoint pen, if not diaries, calendars, lapel pins and even pen drives.

“It’s very simple,” a Japanese exhibitor explained. “What we’re doing here is essentially showcasing our products and striking long term deals. We don’t need to give gifts for that.”