Coimbatore region should work towards strengthening entrepreneurship to lead the State in industrial development, M. Murali, Chairman and Managing Director of Shriram Properties, said here on Thursday at the inauguration of BuildMat 2019.
The Coimbatore centres of Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Association of Consulting Civil Engineers (ACCE-I), and Builders Association of India (BAI) have organised the ninth edition of construction and interiors fair BuildMat 2019 at the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex from February 14 to 17.
Coimbatore region, which was one of the areas that led industrial growth in the State, saw a slowdown in the last few years. This is not acceptable as the uniqueness of Coimbatore region is entrepreneurship. Industries and businesses are created when entrepreneurship is strengthened, leading to generation of jobs and poverty alleviation, he said. The Union Government has come out with several structural reforms in the last four years. The country is expected to see tremendous growth for the next 10 years, especially in brick and mortar business too. Businesses should be prepared for these changes, he added.
V. Lakshminarayanasamy, president of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore, pointed out that new technologies are making in roads in the construction sector, buyers are educated about their requirements and trends, and developers are also focusing on addressing the concerns of the buyers. The building industry is significant as it generates employment in large numbers. With credit rate cuts, the housing sector is expected to see demand picking up. The developers should focus on green buildings, he said. P. Arun Prasad, chairman of the event, said the expo, which is held once in two years, was started in 2003 and is now rated among the leading construction fairs in the country. This year, the exhibition has more than 600 stalls and all proceeds from it will be used for the betterment of the industry. According to M. Ranganathan, secretary of BuildMat 2019, the exhibition has a total display area of nearly two lakh sq.ft. and one hall with 114 stalls has been dedicated to affordable housing. Entry is free for this hall on all the four days.
C. Prabhakar, chairman of IIA, Coimbatore, said the event is a platform for manufacturers, professionals, and the customers to interact.
According to V. Gopalakrishnan, chairman of ACCE (I), Coimbatore, national and international players in the construction sector are participating in the exhibition this year. K. Chinnaswamy, chairman of BAI, Coimbatore, said several environment-friendly products are also on display. The Hindu is a media partner for the exhibition.