COIMBATORE: Coimbatore small-scale industries now have another opportunity to expand their business beyond the national boundaries.

Small and medium enterprise developers and the Ministry of Rural Industries and Self-Employment Promotion of Sri Lanka have invited member units of Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA) to participate in the `International Machinery Exhibition and Trade Fair' to be organised in Colombo from September 8 to 10.

Advantages

Besides concession in stall rates, the organisers have offered packages for air travel too. "They want industries from Coimbatore to exhibit their products at the fair for the benefit of their small-scale industries," says K. Balachandran, the CODISSIA president.

Sri Lanka is a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and hence industries here will be able to export without any tariff barrier. Proximity is another advantage.

They need components for machines and the small-scale units here will be able to double their business in two years with these advantages, he adds.

Some members of the association are exporting to Sri Lanka and they go to international trade fairs related to their field. This time the CODISSIA plans a delegation of about 25 members and another team of 25 participants.

"This will give a boost to Coimbatore industries."

For the SSIs here, Mr. Balachandran notes: They have to look at more markets, increasing production and scaling up their capacities.

Initially, the small units should tap the potential in countries such as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh (the SAARC countries). Some textile units are exporting to Bangladesh and the engineering units have opportunities in Sri Lanka. The small-scale units here that manufacture small components can export to Sri Lanka.

Exhibits

Exhibits at the fair will include machinery for food processing, metal working, welding equipment, coir processing, gem and jewellery making and electrical goods.

Ancillary equipment, processes, methods and new technology for preservation of rice products, metal finishing, moulds and tools and chemical supplies will also be displayed. The list of participants will be finalised before August 12.

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