Pune Expo 2008 opens the door for quantum of opportunities

Mr. Baba Kalyani on receiving the Padma Bhushan Award

Bangalore, 29th February, 2008: Pune Expo 2008 the largest annual integrated business event by Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), was inaugurated today, by Mr. Jorg Muller, President & MD of Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd. at the Agriculture College Ground, Pune. This is the seventh consecutive year of Pune Expo, which is to be held from February 28th to March 3rd 2008. The event consciously integrates large number of sectors and promises quantum of opportunities for B2B interactions. On this occasion MCCIA has felicitated Mr. Baba Kalyani, CMD of Bharat Forge limited for receiving the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award.

While delivering the welcome address, Mr. Madhur Bajaj, President, MCCIA said “Pune Expo is one of the greatest platform that showcases the multiple strengths of Pune & its industries. It is an effective forum for business networking and sustaining Pune as an engine for growth.” On the theme “World of Eco-Friendly initiatives” he added, “Pune has been pioneering in many such initiatives and it will continue to be the trend-setter. All of us need to pitch in to make this event a successful endeavour.”

Mr. Baba Kalyani, Vice President, MCCIA, who was being felicitated on receiving the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award commented “MCCIA is a second home for many people and a platform for the business fraternity to express views on various topics. It’s indeed a matter of honour and pride to be felicitated by MCCIA. But, I would also like to acknowledge the contribution and dedication of all my colleagues and employees of Bharat Forge for supporting me and making our organization what it is today. I accept this award on behalf of them.”

MCCIA released the Industrial Directory that contains business information of about 10,500 industrial units in Pune District. It covers the name, address, contacts, products, investment, personnel, turnover, quality certification, bank details of the listed units. Priced at Rs. 1250, this directory will beuseful not only for the industrial houses but will prove to be a valuable reference tool for investors and research professionals.

At the inaugural session of Pune Expo, some of the products launched were New Generation E-bikes by Ozone Motors, Meri website by Indiacom, Total Security 2008 by Quick Heal, Holiday Home Project by Cherilyn Development Corporation, Earth-moving and construction Pocket Diary 2008 by Cosmoworld, Processed Food Products by Kafco etc.

While expressing his thoughts after the inauguration of Pune Expo 2008, Mr. Jorg Muller, Chief Guest said, “It is a great honour of being part of the Pune Expo and inaugurating the function as a Chief Guest. I highly appreciate and am impressed by this event; especially with its Eco-friendly mission”. He also added that India’s performance in recent years has been outstanding and India is a strategic partner which would help meet challenges in the global market scenario.”

Mr Anant Sardeshmukh, Additional DG, MCCIA, sincerely appreciated the whole-hearted support of the sponsors, active participation of the exhibitors, volunteers and the representatives of the media for giving extensive coverage for the event.