New Delhi, Nov 14 President Pratibha Patil n Saturday expressed the hope that the country's economy would return to the higher growth track of above seven per cent from the present rate of 6.5 percent.

Inaugurating the India International Trade Fair here, Patil said: "The recent global economic crisis has impacted the country in a less severe manner due to which this robust growth has been achieved."

She said the Indian economy has come a long way since it took to the path of reforms in early '90s. While the reforms have thrown open many opportunities, several challenges have also surfaced.

She said that the trade fair has a unique character in combining business-to-business activities as well as business to consumer transactions of a large volume.

"Future belongs to innovation, invention and enterprise," she added.

The trade fair in which over 7,500 exhibitors from 28 countries are participating is expected to attract 2.5 million visitors. (ANI)