Tamil Nadu   

Trade centre plans expansion

Staff Reporter

To host Chennai Trade Expo, a consumer fair, from April 6 to 16

CHENNAI: The retail boom sweeping the country and the growing recognition of exhibition as a key marketing tool among trade and industry have created more demand for quality exhibition space.

This is evident from the number of exhibition centres promoted and proposed across the country, including those near New Delhi, in Karnataka, West Bengal and Orrisa, and from the hectic activity witnessed throughout the year at Chennai Trade Centre in Nandambakkam.

Putting to rest apprehensions about its success, the facility, promoted five year ago by a joint venture of the India Trade Promotion Organisation and the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation, is on the expansion mode despite its location away from the central business districts of Chennai.

Says R. Sudalaikannan, managing director, Tamil Nadu Trade Promotion Organisation (TNTPO), the joint venture, there is a visible difference in the manner in which trade and industry has started viewing exhibitions. "The concept of exhibition as a good [marketing] tool is being recognised increasingly," he said on Tuesday.

Parking space

Besides providing a stable alternative to the makeshift venues and pioneering the concept of air-conditioned exhibition venue, what makes Chennai Trade Centre unique is its large parking space. "We have parking space for 1,500 cars," points out G. Anil Kumar, Manager, TNTPO. Given that the Centre hosts exhibition back-to-back and is complemented by a convention centre, even such a large parking space at times seems insufficient. Noting that the parking lot rarely gets over-filled, Mr. Kumar says one of the factors driving the expansion is the growing demand for space from the exhibitors. At least eight exhibitions hosted in the recent past required more than the two halls that measure 6,100 square feet.

The TNTPO Board, according to Mr. Sudalaikannan, recently approved the expansion plan, involving construction of an additional 4,400 square feet. It is expected to cost Rs.16 crore. The company would soon tie up the finance.

Earlier, the two executives gave details of the Chennai Trade Expo (2006), to be organised by TNTPO, from April 6 to 16. It would be South India's biggest trade exhibition. A range of consumer goods, including electronic items, computers, telecom and lifestyle products and furniture, would be on display.

Over 250 exhibitors, including some from Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and China, would display their wares. Cultural shows have also been lined up. Thailand Consul-General Suphot Yanthukij will inaugurate it.

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