Stona '06 likely to see biz of $500 mn

Stona 2006, an international granite and stone expo held once in two years, is expected to generate business in excess of $500 million.

"This year's exhibition is likely to attract more exhibitors from abroad. We expect business in excess of $500 million. Most of the business is to be generated through buyer-seller meet," All India Granites and Stone Association president Munavar Basha said.

Stona 2006 committee chairman K Syed Haroon Rasheed said export in stone and granite has been showing consistent 15 per cent annual growth. Exports have risen from Rs 50-60 crore in 1987, when first Stona was held, to Rs 3,400 crore last year.

Addressing a press meet here on the eve of Stona 2006, Mahendra Jain, secretary, department of mines and small scale industries said, the government will provide land for the stones museum which will showcase the country's exclusive stone varieties like granite, marble, sandstones and slates within a 15 km radius of Bangalore.

Jain said there has been a promising response for Stona 2006, the seventh international granites and stone fair, from February 1-5 at Palace Grounds. There has been good response from Italy, China, Turkey, West Asia, Africa and SAARC region.

While over 12 countries will participate in the exhibition showcasing their products, buyers from over 50 countries will visit the exposition to source their requirements, he added. Stona 2006 will also showcase shilpagram, an artisan promotion programme and a stones display centre - national stones museum in which all Indian stone varieties like granites, marbles, sandstones and slates will be displayed at this pavilion.

The exposition will also have a seminar on geology, mines safety and environment in which experts from Geological Survey of India, Indian Bureau of Mines and Geological Society of India will present their papers.

There will also be a seminar for architects, builders, interior decorators in which renowned architects from all over the world would present their papers.

The Granite Development Council constituted by the Union government will also meet on the occasion and discuss about policy impediments and problems faced by the industry, said Y R Shah, immediate past president of AIGSA.