Date:25/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/04/25/stories/2007042501131100.htm

Back German trade fair major setting up Indian arm

Our Bureau

Mumbai April 24 One of world's best-known trade fair organisers, Germany's Messe Dusseldorf Group, has announced setting up of a 100 per cent Indian subsidiary Messe Dusseldorf India Pvt Ltd (MDI).

Briefing newspersons, Mr Werner M. Dornscheidt, President and CEO of Messe Dusseldorf GmbH, asserted that the Indian arm would strengthen the company's network for the benefit of clients in the subcontinent with the aim to provide a stable exhibition platform in one of world's most exciting growth markets. "India's remarkable economic growth and future prospects are extremely attractive to Western investors today; and therefore, we are encouraged to export to India know-how and successful trade fair concepts," he said. Asked whether his company would build trade-fair infrastructure in India, Mr Dornscheidt answered in the negative; but hastened to add that his company would be ready to provide consultancy services to companies such as Reliance and others that have shown interest in building exhibition centres.

Some of the most popular fairs organised by Messe Dusseldorf include International Packtech India, Tube India, HospiMedica India and PlastIndia.

The country's future growth will be driven by huge interest in key sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure and health services. Exhibitions and trade fairs relating to such growth areas will have considerable demand.

Mr Udo Schurtzmann has taken over as the Managing Director of MDI and will operate out of New Delhi, supported by a regional office in Mumbai.