India will emerge as hub for construction equipment: CII

With a projected investment in the infrastructure sector in the 12th Plan period (2012-17), which is pegged at $1 trillion, the global players in the infrastructure sector, especially the construction equipment (CE) industry have immense opportunity to participate in India's infrastructure growth story, according to the CII.

With a robust manufacturing presence in India, the CE industry is increasingly catering to not only India but to Asia and some parts of Africa.

CII added that like the automotive industry, the CE industry would soon position India as a global hub for CE manufacturing, design, R & D and components outsourcing.

Vipin Sondhi, Chairman, Excon 2013 (an international construction equipment and construction technology trade fair organised by CII) and Managing Director and CEO, JCB India Limited said, "The scope and reach of Excon has been growing over the years and today we see the greatest number of industry and visitor participation, making Excon 2013 the biggest ever exhibition of CE not just in India but also in South Asia."

He further added, "Several analysis and reports indicate that the Earth-moving & CE Market is one of the most dynamically growing markets worldwide, more so in India."

"Backed by the government's keen and consistent focus on developing the country's infrastructure in order to holistically progress, indeed the segment is phenomenally evolving and is deploying the best of machines, technology and manpower to raise its standards to global levels," Sondhi said.

"Also, to cater to international needs, OEMs & component manufacturers from India have huge export opportunities in countries in theMiddle-East and Africa which could be tapped during Excon," he added.

Speaking to reporters a day ahead of South Asia's biggest exhibition of Construction Equipment (CE) organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) - Excon 2013 - which will be held from the November 20 to November 24 of November, 2013 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, Bangalore, Sondhi said that the seventh edition of this event with the theme on 'Propelling Sustainable Infrastructure Growth', will see the participation of over 730 exhibitors reaching out to 35,000+ business visitors.

The event is supported by the The Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India. Government of Karnataka is the Partner State for EXCON 2013.

The Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers' Association (ICEMA) is the Sector Partner.

Spread across 220,000 sq mt of Exhibition Display Area, Excon -2013 is bigger than its previous editions and will have the participation of 18 countries with country pavilions from Germany, Japan, Italy, Turkey, South Korea, Sweden and the People's Republic of China.

"Excon is much more than just an exhibition showcasing CE. CII sees Excon as a delivery vehicle to enhance and accelerate infrastructure in the country and aid India's developmental process. It is an opportunity to understand how industry can accelerate infrastructure projects through modern equipment and global best practices with focus on sustainable infrastructure development. Focus on skill development (low in this sector) is a big priority in the objectives to be achieved through Excon. Skill centres to train personnel in specific sectors are also on the anvil. Besides these points, Excon can also address various issues hampering the country's progress through a proactive and practical delivery module," CII added.