CII to organise second edition of IndEX on a larger scale

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has decided to organise the second edition of IndEX, a platform to showcase Puducherry’s manufacturing prowess, on a larger scale by ensuring the participation of major public sector companies and inviting prospective international buyers for goods produced in the Union Territory.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, CII Chairman, Puducherry chapter, Samir Kamra said the three -day exhibition, starting on September 17 will be bigger in terms of number of local manufacturers setting up stalls and buyers participating from outside the region. There will be 80 participants in the second edition of IndEX compared to the 30-odd local manufacturers present during last year, he added. 

Apart from international buyers of repute including those from automobile, pharmaceuticals, chemical and FMCG sectors, the event would witness the participation of major public sector undertakings such as Indian Railways, Integral Coach Factory and Indian Oil Corporation. Trade officers attached to the Consulates of France, Germany, Taiwan and Thailand will attend and interact with local product manufacturers, Mr Kamra said.

“The event will help our companies, including MSMEs to expand their business opportunity by showcasing various products to buyers. It will be an opportunity for industries to interact and further their business collaboration with major buyers,” he said. 

Considering the importance attached to startups, the CII has plans to involve IIT Madras for holding interactive sessions with startups based in Puducherry. “We have around 120 Startups in Puducherry. The support system needed for young entrepreneurs is lacking in Puducherry. So, we are planning an interactive session with experts from IIT Madras during the expo,” he said. 

Former chairman, CII, M. Nandakumar said colleges with incubation centres have also been invited for the expo. The participating colleges will be provided space for presenting innovations of students. A separate pavilion for MSMEs will be set at the venue, he said.

Welcoming the move by the government to introduce legislation regarding Ease of Doing Business in next week’s session of Puducherry Assembly, former CII Chairman V. Shanmuganandam said the administration was working with CII to improve the industrial climate and push exports further. As per estimates, the volume of exports from the region has touched around ₹ 3,000 crore in 2023-24. 

“The government has already taken steps in terms of ease of doing business, with electricity connections for industries given approval within 15 to 30 days. We are working with the government to bring de-regulation in 23 areas pertaining to functioning of industries,” he said. 

Former heads of CII’s Puducherry chapter, S. Narasimhan, A. L. Shah and A. Jospeh Rozario were present at the press conference.