19 September 2007
The Manufacturing Technology International Exhibition (MTI), taking place at the Nasrec Expo Centre south of Johannesburg from 23 to 26 October, has been chosen to host the 17th all-exclusive Indian Engineering Exhibition, a showcase of the best that India's engineering companies have to offer.
India, the second-fastest growing major economy in the world, accepted an invitation by the MTI to participate in this year's event as a partner nation, as the two countries seek to increase bilateral trade.
MTI business development director Pierre Potgieter said India had booked 4 800 square metres of space, providing a platform for Indian exporters from 41 engineering sectors to showcase their technological achievements and products.
These include castings and forgings, hand and machine tools, industrial machinery, mechanical engineering products, construction machinery, pharmaceutical machinery, ferrous and non-ferrous metal-based engineering items and medical and surgical instruments.
"MTI on the other hand will showcase all aspects of the manufacturing chain, from raw material and input suppliers, through manufacturing support suppliers, such as tooling, technology and instrumentation, to output management including storing and picking, logistics, materials handling and packaging," Potgieter said.
'Business matchmaking'
In addition, the exhibition will feature a unique business matchmaking programme, giving exhibitors the opportunity to meet face-to-face with pre-profiled buyers and decision-makers. Those wishing to participate in the programme and required to pre-register (for free) on the exhibition website.
"This ensures that no time is wasted at exhibitions and that exhibitors' and visitors' diaries are determined in advance, and managed by the organisers ensuring that the right people meet each other resulting in a mutually beneficial outcome," Potgieter said.
"India will also bring trade and investment missions to MTI and will host workshops during which all aspects of trade between India, South Africa and Africa would be discussed."
In terms of trade between SA and India, SA's most important exports are gold and silver, coal and briquettes, iron and steel, inorganic and organic chemicals, electrical goods, non-ferrous metals, crude fertiliser, pulp and waste paper and petroleum crude.
SA's imports from India, on the other hand, are dominated by cotton yarn, finished leather goods, machinery and instruments, handmade yarn fabrics, chemicals, spices, rice, handicrafts and handmade carpets.
SAinfo reporter
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