Exhibitions fuel India's growth, association seeks industry status

Bids seriously to spur the growth of the industry, which is currently growing at 10% annually

A Rs 1,200-crore Indian exhibition industry has made a fresh appeal to the Centre for granting it an industry status and launching a single window system.

This is a serious bid to spur the growth of the exhibition industry, which is currently growing at 10% annually, and also encouraging more international companies to showcase their products and equipments. This would, in turn, result in more revenue generation and job creation.

Sanjeev Khaira, president, Indian Exhibition Industry Association, told Business Standard, " Exhibitions have played a major role in the development of all of leading economies, the fact that Germany, US, Japan, France and UK have the largest exhibition industries and traditionally the strongest economies is no coincidence.

"Exhibitions have also been instrumental in development of many key emerging markets, with China and Brazil, two of the most notable examples. The crucial link that exhibitions can play in the development of specific indigenous industries is well documented, as is the economic benefit that large-scale events bring to specific host cities. Bringing together many thousands of companies with a common focus in one place and at one time, can have huge benefits, not only in terms of commerce, but also in terms of sustainability – exhibitions are a very efficient way for companies to meet many existing and potential partners in a very focused manner."

However, he noted that the poor quality of infrastructure would have a negative impact on the Indian growth story. The government’s 12th plan announcement of a $1 trillion investment in infrastructure over the next five years is a response to this, as it would help in a number of areas including road, rail, ports, health and education and in urban regeneration.

"Unfortunately for the Indian industry and the exhibition sector, the development of fit-for-purpose exhibition venues is unlikely to feature on the priority list. This, coupled with the development of proper governance, process and support are key, if Indian industry is to get the full benefit of the vibrant and diverse exhibition industry it deserves, said Khaira.

According to him, it was quite ironical that during last five years there has not been upgradation of existing exhibition venues in India nor building up of new venues. "The infrastructure in Pragati Maidan in New Delhi and at Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai is in shambles. These centre have limitations to accomodate a large number of exhibitors and the visitors. However, the new centres that have come up in Bangalore and Noida are quite good but they are at least one hour away from the cities and therefore are inconvinient," he viewed.

Khaira appealed to the central and state governments to invest in creating infrastructure on the lines of developed and emerging countries. "The local governments can even consider providing a subsidy or some incentives to the exhibition industry. Besides, civic bodies can do away with imposition of Octroi. It is quite absurd to levy duty on products and equipments to be displayed in an exhibition. Moreover, in Mumbai alone, about 23 various approvals are required to organize an exhibition against none or just one in several countries," he observed. Khaira reiterated that the single window system would avoid these hassles faced by exhibitors.