Bizmen seek subsidy scheme for exhibitions

Ludhiana: Underlining the importance of participating in local and international exhibitions to expand businesses, city’s industry is demanding that the state government introduce a subsidy scheme for them. Businessmen are of the view that due to financial constraints, a large number of small industrial units are unable to participate in these expos that have become very important medium for adding new buyers and increasing sales.
Sanju Dhir, chairman of Ludhiana Woollen Manufacturers Association, said, “From the past few years, participation of manufacturers from different sectors, especially garment and light engineering products, has gained huge importance. Expos and buyer-seller meets have become the most effective mode of adding new customers and boosting sales. Due to high costs involved, majority of micro and small units are still unable to afford to participate in such events frequently. We urge the state that in order to support the industry, a subsidy scheme for participation in the exhibitions should be started, under that once a year the manufacturers should be reimbursed 30-40% cost of participation”
Harish Kairpal, president of Ludhiana MSME Association, said, “If the state starts to reimburse the cost of participation, it will give huge support to small units that are unable to expand their business outreach by being able to attend these events.”