Excon 2013: Unfolding Biggest Ever Biz Avenues for CE Industry

Every which way one chooses to look at the two important developments being witnessed today- one, the visible improvements in the infrastructure sector, a jumpstart of roads and highways, power, airports, ports, railways and metro projects - and the other happening of Excon 2013 and fusion taking place between the two at this critical moment is likely to dispel the pessimism set around CE business and lift market sentiments out of the grip of slowdown. The relevance of Excon 2013 happening at this juncture comes to the fore to enhance capacity of construction equipment with new versions for up scaling infrastructure development which would substantially pave way for CE demand particularly for hi-tech and sophisticated equipment and machinery, thus bolstering the image of the country in the eyes of outside world, said Mr. Vipin Sondhi, Chairman, Excon series of CE mega events, in his interaction with S. A. Faridi and S.K. Khanna while giving his overview of preparations being made for the 7^th edition of Excon 2013 to be held in Bangalore during November this year which is being awaited eagerly by all - the domestic as well as the global CE players. The event has already generated an overwhelming response from all quarters and is all set to have bigger business prospects this time, he added. Important Excerpts

The magic of the 7th edition of Excon 2013 is about to be unfolded in November this year; how are its preparations going on? Also please tell us about its related highlights in terms of national and international participation, space earmarked for the show, countries pavilions participation expected and other related information.
At the outset, I am thankful to the CII membership and CEOs of the CE industry for having faith in the event and being part of the driving force for Excon for this year too. Excon is by far the best and focused platform for the CE industry in South Asia. It has proved in the past and will continue to do good work in bridging the gap between the technology/equipment and user industry.

The preparation for this mega event is on a break neck speed at the Excon/CII secretariat. We have applied a multi-directional approach to generate response through aggressive communication networking, which has generated a good response, especially through our programme of organizing road shows to sensitize the value of this event within the country and abroad. So far we had 24 domestic and nine international road shows under this programme to attract focused B2B interaction. We have a tally of 625 confirmed exhibitors including foreign participants and we expect 100 plus more to join us for Excon 2013. There will be 7 country pavilions with the active presence of Germany, Japan, Italy, Sweden, Turkey, South Korea, and China. CE companies from China would be the largest contingent numbering over 100. On a space area of 2,20,000 sq mt, both domestic and overseas participants would be showcasing their latest products and services and over 100 plus new products launches are expected.

What important steps are being taken to attract a larger number of visitors this year? Is there any target to pull up big and quality crowd? Are you also planning to attract visitors/delegates from South Asia and the African countries?
There are other various steps at hand to attract focused buyers from all over India and international market. The visitor promotion campaign is in full swing and some of the specific activities include, promoting government participation from various verticals like Border Road Organization, NHAI, SHAI, Defence Engineering services; one 2 one meetings with Diplomats, Consulates, Embassies and Foreign Mission with specific focus on African countries. During this month, we have a programme of having interaction with African diplomats in Delhi which is expected to be attended by over 100 diplomats. But the focus would be establishing links with African countries to promote chances of India exporting to African countries.

At a Glance
Show :	Excon 2013- India's Largest Construction Equipment And Technology Trade Fair
Frequency :	Every Two Year
Dates :	20-24 November 2013
Venue :	Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, Bangalore
No Of Exhibitors :	625+ (confirmed), Overall 900+ are excepted to participate inclusive 300 from abroad
No of Visitors :	35000+
Exhibit Space :	2,20,000 sqmt
Country Pavilion :	7
Product Launches :	100+
For further details please contact :
Contact	Mr. J Immanuel Mahesh Kumar, Director, CII
Tel	+91 - 44- 42444555
fax :	+91 - 44- 42444510
Email :	This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website	http://www.excon.in ; http://www.cii.in

Excon is a renowned name in the world of exhibitions in India; what makes the show so successful? How have the various series of Excon events helped in raising the technological status and business promotion of the industry?
Over the years our focus has been very clear, Excon is a buyers platform and has always been a one-stop shop for all needs of the industry. The success of the Excon at the domestic and international level can be attributed to India image globally as an ideal destination for infrastructure investment. Today, almost all the internationally acclaimed players are doing brisk business in India and will keep participating in the Excon enthusiastically. The event has delivered ROI for all participants and that is why the exhibitors keep coming back in large numbers asking for more space to display their activities. There are more specialized sales options at the Excon events. The event has helped in the overall adoption of latest technology in infrastructure stream.

What is the theme of Excon 2013, its organization framework and related events like conferences and CE industry meets and the impact of these conferences and meets?
Excon 2013 theme is 'Propelling Sustainable Infrastructure Growth', focusing on the national imperatives of energy efficiency, containing pollution emissions, encouraging localization, promoting exports for the sustainable industrial growth at one end and ensuring inclusive growth for the economy at the other end.

Coinciding with Excon 2013, a two-day conference on Propelling sustainable infrastructure development -India on the Move has been planned in association with CII and iCEMA. During these conferences and CEOs meets, organized on the sidelines of Excon, the think tanks of the industry dwell on issues confronting the industry to create an enabling environment for the growth and well being of the industry and its stakeholders.

For a mega event like Excon, support of local agencies to beef up security arrangements, smooth regulation of traffic flow, safe and effective transportation, accommodation, reservations etc are very essential for the success of the event. How are the organizers garnering support from local agencies to ensure these arrangements for the participants and visitors?
The government of Karnataka is the partner state of the event and we have their full support in many issues with regard to the organization of this mega event. Like in the past, we will have private as well as state government security arrangements as per the venue regulations. The facilities will be in line with what are offered in any large world class fair abroad. This year, we will also have mobile applications to help visitors/exhibitors. Special facilities for foodies, meetings, firefighting, and rest lounges have been streamlined.

What is your message to the large number of participants of Excon 7^th edition, reassuring them that India's growth story is intact despite hard economic headwinds? The current phase is a temporary one and the CE market in India is expected to bounce back on country's massive infrastructure development programme waiting ahead.
The overwhelming response to the upcoming event Excon 2013 from the industry and players engaged in the infrastructure sector including those manufacturing and supplying equipment, is also an indication to the strong turn around in the Indian infrastructure sector.

Our economy is getting bigger and better. Going by the estimates that Asia's third largest economy represented by India will become the world's third largest by 2050, the need for more robust and vast infrastructure is inevitable. Spanning from roadways to airways, ports to airports and power production facilities, India infrastructure segment is the thrust area for development and enjoys intense attention of the government. The recent slowdown has put more emphasis on the government to fast track clearance of projects and take suitable measures for higher spends on infrastructure (refer Annexure). Infrastructure investments are among the main growth drivers of the construction equipment industry and with potential for the construction equipment market in India reaching US$ 20 billion by 2020. We firmly believe that CE sector is poised for immense growth. Excon 2013 is one of the biggest opportunities to offer customers on site equipment experience of the latest technology, products and services focusing on efficiency, productivity, environment, and safety. Today, almost all the internationally acclaimed players have set up their manufacturing facilities and also expanding them betting on higher growth of their CE business in India. All is well.
Happy EXCONING.

Annexure

The positives of India Growth Story
In view of the Union Government's resolve to push the pace of project clearances is all set to inject the much needed booster to construction and infrastructure sector and the fact has again become crystal clear from the following developments:

• The formation of the Cabinet Committee on Investment (CCI) for speeding up clearance, delivery, implementation and monitoring of infrastructure projects. The move will eliminate bottlenecks causing capacity constraints inhibiting robust results in segments like road, coal mining, power, and rail sector.
• The recent nod to over `1.83 lakh crore infrastructure projects.
• Fuel supply agreement for the generation of 78,000 MW capacity additions.
• The clearance of road projects with a length of 733 kms to date and a commitment to steer clear projects with a length of 7000 kms by the end of this year.
• The commerce and industry ministry is soon going to approach the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for resumption of iron ore exports to boost foreign exchange reserves. The lowering of the 30 % duty on exports of the mineral is also on the anvil.
• A favorable monsoon, which is resulting in bountiful farm output and land and economic reforms are back on the track and it will lift the economic gloom leading to better than expected GDP as there is a strong correlation between agricultural output and GDP growth.