The Hindu Business Line : India likely to be hub for exhibitions in Asia

The India growth story continues to attract international attention. In the not so distant future, India may be the destination for the biggest trade exhibitions in the Asia region.

Exhibition company, dmg world media Dubai Ltd, that organises `Index' and `The Big 5'in Dubai, the largest interiors and construction trade exhibitions respectively in West Asia , plans to replicate the success of exhibitions in India.

"India is what Dubai was 15 years ago. There is good potential for events in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. We are looking at hosting in all these cities over the next few years," said Mr Jonathan Berger, Director, dmg world media Dubai Ltd.

Exhibitions in May

In line with the strategy, the company is holding three exhibitions in Greater Noida in the first week of May.

"The business-to-business exhibitions will act as a platform for international companies to source products and establish agency and distribution network in India and also forge joint ventures with Indian companies," said Mr Berger.

He pointed at the impressive growth that India has achieved in the recent past that is making a lot of international corporates take active interest in the country.

While `Index' and `The Big 5' drew about 34,000 visitors last year, the company targets over 50,000 visitors for its exhibitions in India over the next few years and intends to make them the main trade event involving international participants.

Its exhibitions in Greater Noida would cover three industry verticals — interiors, hospitality and real estate development. While the interiors and real estate development exhibition was organised in India by the company last year, the hospitality exhibition would be the first one to be organised in the country involving international participants.

Last year, the two exhibitions saw the participation of over 100 companies from countries such as the UK, Australia, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Greece and Korea.