The Rs 1,200-crore exhibition sector has made a fresh appeal to the Centre for granting it an industry status and launching a single-window system. This would help spur growth of the exhibition industry, currently growing 10 per cent annually. It would also encourage more international companies to showcase their products and equipment and 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 leading economies. The fact that Germany, the US, Japan, France and the UK have the large exhibition industries and traditionally, the strongest economies, is no coincidence. Exhibitions have also been instrumental in developing many key emerging markets, China and Brazil being two 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, it would help in a number of areas including road, rail, ports, health and education and in urban regeneration.
"Unfortunately for 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 centres have limitations to accomodate a large number of exhibitors and visitors. However, the new centres come up in Bangalore and Noida are quite good but they are one hour long from the cities and therefore are inconvinient," he viewed.
Khaira appealed to the central and state governments to invest on 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 that why do you need an octroi on products and equipments to be displayed in exhibition. Moreover, in Mumbai alone about 23 various approvals are required to organise exhibition against none or just one in several countries," he observed. Khaira reiterated that the single windoe system would avoid these hassles faced by exhibitors.