India becomes partner country in Hannovar Trade Fair

Kolkata, Apr 17(UNI) In recognition to its great strides in industrial activities for the past few years, India has been for the first time invited as the "Partner country" in the prestigious Hannovar Industrial Messe in Germany.

The five-day industrial extravaganza, considered to be the largest in the world and to be held between April 24 and 28, would be participated by 319 engineering units under different sectors from over the country.

Speaking to newsmen Engineering Export Promotion Council, Chairman, Rakesh Shah told newsmen that it was befitting to India's growing stature as an engineering giant that Hannovar Messe chose to make the country its partner with majority of Chambers of Commerces, including the FICCI and the CII, also deciding to take part in the fair.

Moreover, he said, in recognition to India's growing stature in Engineering activities, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had been invited to inaugurate the fair along with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Commerce minister Kamal Nath, his deputy Jairam Ramesh and Science and Technology minister Kapil Sibal would also be present along with a large Indian contingent.

Mr Shah, who is also leaving for Hannovar tomorrow as the head of a 100 member EEPC delegation said during the five day event the Council would organise two seminars on Industrial sub contracting and on Automotive spares which would be addressed by world renowned experts.

EEPC would also create a theme pavillion where the engineering marvel of the famous Jantar Mantar would be displayed for the overseas visitors. This apart as many as 147 selected representatives of the SME sector showcasing diversified manufacturing skills would join the fair, Mr Shah informed.

Asked about the possibility of generating large amount of business during the fair, Mr Shah said though no guesswork could be made, it was estimated that more than five billion Euros of business order could be a reality in the wake of India's special status in the fair this year.Incidentally,till last year on an average about 500 million Euros worth of business order was booked every year,he said.

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