July 6, 2005

A B2B convention meeting being planned by the State Government in Kochi for September 2005 has stirred a lot of interest from potential buyers.

Some 175 buyers from across the world have already confirmed their participation in the event, which focuses on promoting Kerala's small and medium industries, according to Mr V. Rajagopal, General Manager, Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion.

Some 120 sellers from within Kerala have registered for the event. The target is to have 400 buyers, including 100 buyers from outside India, he added.

The State's Industries Department, which is organising the event, plans to organise a series of roadshows to promote the meet.

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The roadshows, to be held in August, will cover Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and New Delhi.

To be held in Kochi from September 6-8, the meet is the second such event being held in the State.

It is intended to showcase the skills of Kerala's small and medium industries and give small businesses in the State a first-hand knowledge of market trends, emerging markets, quality standards, and so on.

Unlike last year's meet, which focused on 10 sectors, this year's event will highlight Kerala's prowess in eight areas.

The sectors to be showcased this year are coir, handicrafts, handloom products, processed foods and spices, herbal and ayurvedic products, construction materials, rubber products, and printing and packaging.

According to Mr Rajagopal, last year's meet was a success in terms of participants and the number of trade enquiries generated.

Over 300 buyers, including 60 from abroad, took part in last year's event. Maximum interest was generated in areas such as coir, handloom, and handicrafts, he said.

In fact, the manufacturers of some handcrafted products were unable to meet all the demands generated. The business generated during last year's meet is estimated to be Rs 9 crore, he said.

While buyers for this year's meet can continue to register till mid-August, sellers must register by July 31, he added.

Source: The Industry Business Line