Engineering goods roadshow in Asean, China

Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) will be showcasing Indian products at 'Indiatech Exposition' in Jakarta, Indonesia, between March 9 and 12, 2005.

As many as 102 engineering companies will be displaying products to establish the country's technological prowess, Rakesh Shah, chairman of EEPC, said.

"One major theme at the exposition will be the compressed natural gas (CNG) kits made in India with companies like Bajaj Auto showcasing its CNG 3-wheeler," said Shah.

EEPC will be sending a 20-member delegation to Shanghai and Beijing after Indiatech to develop trade with China, Shah said.

"EEPC will meet chambers of commerce and industry representatives to explore long term arrangements for business, organisation of buyer-seller meets and possible joint activities to compete in the European and American markets," said Shah.

EEPC will follow this up with another 'Indiatech' show in Shanghai in November 2005. Other companies participating in the exposition include BEML and Nalco, he added.

The Jakarta show was expected to lead to orders from the south-east Asian region and Indonesia in particular.

Indonesia's share of overall engineering exports from India to the Asean region was around 16 per cent, he noted.

"With the massive reconstruction activities in the pipeline in Indonesia, there exists huge prospect for Indian companies in engineering goods and construction equipment sector," added Shah.

Products to be showcased at the exposition include two and three wheelers, earthmoving and construction equipment, aluminium and aluminium products, cutting tools, pumps and compressors and electrical equipment.

Exports to China grew 80.5 per cent in 2004 while imports rose 77.20 per cent, with India's share in China's imports at around 2.39 per cent.

S African foray

EEPC has approached the government of South Africa for help to set up an Indian Engineering Centre in Durban, South Africa.

Clearances are expected by July 2005.

The centre will take four months to set up, Rakesh Shah, chairman of EEPC, said.

"Around 40 engineering companies will display goods at the centre which will have warehouse facility attached," said Shah.

EEPC will also be shifting its office from Lagos, Nigeria, to Johannesburg, South Africa, by April 2005.