Good Timing for Bauma Conexpo India

"The 2016 edition of BAUMA CONEXPO INDIA represents what we do internationally. This year, we're expecting around 750 exhibitors and pavilions from China, Germany, Italy, North & South America, and Spain. India is turning into a manufacturing hub where the conducive environment and initiatives like 'Make in India' and GST will make things easier for domestic as well as for international players to do business here under one tax system. So I think, overall it looks good time for India and for our show too," says Igor Palka, CEO, BAUMA CONEXPO INDIA 2016, in an interview with S.A.Faridi.

By this time, we're sure, whosoever is planning to participate as an exhibitor at BAUMA CONEXPO INDIA, must have confirmed their participation. How satisfied are you with the number of exhibitors and their profiles? How many first-time participants are there?
From what response we have got so far, we are satisfied. We have registrations from big names like ACE, Ajax Fiori, Ammann Apollo, ASTEC, BAUER, BKT, Caterpiller, Columbia Machines, Haulotte, Herrenknecht, JCB, Kobelco, KYB Conmat, Liebherr, Linnhoff, Liugong, Macons, MAN, Marini, Masa, Potain, Puzzolana, Sany, Schwing Stetter, Soilmec, Topwerk, Wacker Neuson, Volvo, and Wirtgen. That's a pretty impressive cross-section of the industry. At the show, we are expecting around 750 exhibitors and the mix is going to be very interesting. Regarding the first-time participants we have, L&T, Komatsu India Ltd., Comacchio, and Kubota.

Please give us an overview of the preparations going on and response to BAUMA CONEXPO INDIA 2016 mega show in terms of increase in exhibition space, country pavilions etc?
The 2016 edition of BAUMA CONEXPO INDIA represents what we do internationally. At the new venue, which is HUDA Grounds in Sector 29, Gurgaon, we are fully utilizing the 1,50,000 square meters of space. Apart from this, we have pavilions from China, Germany, Italy, North & South America, and Spain are already registered

The show will also have interesting conferences and awards. Many companies will launch new products at the event. The inclusion of a huge demonstration area during the edition of BAUMA CONEXPO INDIA 2016, will enable the exhibitors to showcase their newest machines and technologies.

What will be the highlights of BAUMA CONEXPO INDIA 2016?
Some of the things one should look out for at this edition of BAUMA CONEXPO INDIA 2016 are- (a) The Demo Area, (b) The international pavilion (c) iCEMA Conference on "Infra Redux-New and Sustainable Horizons" on December 13, 2016, and Maximizing CE Sector Opportunities – Conference on December 14, 2016.

For an international show of this scale and repute, there would be concerns with regards to making the ground conditions hospitable keeping Delhi's weather in mind (it might rain as happened in the last edition). Safety & security arrangements, firefighting, accom- modation, reservations, etc are other vital issues. How will these issues be addressed?
We have handled a similar set-up in Mumbai and are well versed with all arrangements and precautions to be taken for an exhibition where we build everything from scratch. Keeping the weather conditions in mind, all necessary steps will be taken if need arises.

Another big issue is of traffic management, as Gurgaon is known for massive traffic jam. What arrangements are you making with local authorities to see smooth traffic flow during peak hours?
We have been very cautious about selecting the venue. The IFFCO Tokyo Chowk Metro station is very close to the venue, which will make it easy for people to reach. Also, for those travelling from different cities, both domestic and international is close by. Also, there as I have mentioned earlier, people will find it easy to stay close to the venue as there are numerous budget and high-end hotels in close vicinity. So we are quite confident that things will be under control.

Do you think government's initiative of 'Make in India' will attract more overseas exhibitors/visitors?
Absolutely, India is turning into a manufacturing hub and the conducive democratic government makes it easier for exhibitors/visitors to do business in this environment. Also, if GST comes into force, things will be easier for international players to do business under one tax system. So, I think, overall it looks good time for India.


How do you see the current market scenario of Construction Equipment in India?
Construction Industry is one of the key contributors in India's GDP, both directly and indirectly. But in the last few years, the Indian construction industry has been witness to slowdown owing to the slump in global economic as a key factor. But in the last few months, the construction and infrastructure sector is showing signs of revival owing to the Indian governments initiatives like building 100 Smart Cities, Urban Rejuvenation, Affordable Housing and increased focus on Railways and Roadways sector. This has helped even the construction equipment sector to revive and post growth after years of slump. In recent past, reports have indicated India as the fastest growing economy in the world with 7.5 – 8 percent growth. Even agencies such as S&P Global Ratings feel the Indian growth story is pretty solid. It has praised the Indian government's handling of the economy and its effort to push the growth potential. But in order to sustain this growth, India needs more investments in infrastructure sector. As per the recent union budget, the Modi government has committed to increase spending on total infrastructure investment by 22% over the next two years. So keeping all this in mind, I feel things are beginning to look up. It may still take two cycles but 2017 definitely looks promising.