The impressive response to the INMEX SMM India 2015 that was officially opened yesterday by Deepak Shetty, Director General of Shipping, Government of India, seems to be a clear indication that the green shoots of economic recovery are finally making their appearance in the country. For some time now there has hardly been any event including conferences and exhibitions that succeeded to break even. But the three-day INMEX SMM India now underway (23rd to 25th September 2015) at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, will certainly be something for most participants to write home about.
The turnout of visitors at the opening day was more than expected as lot of interest has been generated in anticipation of new technologies set to make their debut. The organizers informed that the Expo showcases over 600 exhibitors from 40 countries having government supported international pavilions at the show.
There was a focus on nearly 300 international suppliers of maritime products and technologies. Exhibitors showcased products and solutions for shipbuilding, ship repair, marine offshore technology, dredging, ports & port technology, ocean engineering, marine equipment and shipyards.
At this year’s edition, the organizers featured a series of free-to-attend conference sessions that explored a wide range of issues affecting the maritime sector. A host of high profile speakers offered visitors a unique insight into the industry and allowed them to take part in debates shaping the future of maritime industry.
The inaugural edition of the show included a conference, which addressed the present and future trends within the maritime sector.
One of the highlights is the international B2B Buyers Program that is underway and a dedicated Product Demonstration Area, providing exhibitors a platform to showcase the latest enhancements in maritime technology.
Mr Deepak Shetty spoke about creating a global interface to assure international clients retention opportunities to expect from the Sagar Mala project. Going forward he informed that the government was set on closely monitoring various projects in order to ensure the success of Sagar Mala.
The Well-planned conference sessions focused on issues closely linked to the policies framwork of the government of India. It aimed to bring together the trade, government officials, and international players on a single platform in order to promote the early realization of various projects and achieve all round growth.
Prominently featuring were topics including i) How 'Make in India' impact the Shipping Industry; ii) Creating a more Financially Bankable Shipping Industry in India; iii) What the Navy wants to see in its suppliers and Pending Bidding Opportunities; iv) Modular Concept in Defence Ship building and what that means for the Greater Industry; v) Coastal Shipping Requirements: the modal shift of cargo, dredging and logistics and vi) Oil Shipping Requirements.
Considering the downturn over the past few years INMEX SMM India 2015 could well be considered South Asia’s largest maritime exhibition. But it is a certainty that in the years to come the organizers will able to reclaim the past glory or surpass it.
