Chennai based thinktank Swatantra Foundation ― in association with Aerospace Industry Development Association of Tamil Nadu (AIDAT), an organisation that works in aerospace and defence ecosystem development in the state ― is organizing a defence expo in Chennai from March 19-21, 2021.
The event “Defence Expo Empowering MSME TN 2021” will be held at the Chennai Trade Centre Complex in Nandambakkam, Chennai.
The Department of Defence Production of the Ministry of Defence has given permission for the event and will also be taking part as a partner along with Tamil Nadu Industries Development Corporation (TIDCO), the nodal agency for the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor. The MTIPB, an initiative by the Tamil Nadu Government to support MSME units has also extended support to organize the defence expo.
Large Defence Industries such as Larsen & Toubro [L&T], Bharat Forge, HAL, BEL, DGQA, DRDO, Super Auto Forge, Hindustan Shipyard, LMW, LCC, Ordnance Board Factories, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra, Adani, TATA Aerospace, TITAN, Carborandum Universal and other DPSUs and private industries are expected to participate.
Direct procurement and maintenance depots of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and BSF are also expected to participate.
The expo will cover five important segments in defence production – Engineering, Leather, Clothing, Food and Services. This Defence Expo event will present a great opportunity for MSME units in giving a push to making the sector Atmanirbhar.
Industries that are part of the Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor are participating in the second defence expo being organized in Chennai after the DefExpo 2018. The Defence Ministry will be presenting a seminar on the purchase preference for Indian MSMEs in defence procurement, off-set policies, defence export opportunities and indigenization opportunities. The Nodal officers in-charge of indigenization are also expected to participate.
B2B Collaborative meeting will be the highlight during the three day expo. Large DPSUs and private industries are expected to meet MSME units during this B2B meetings to take the Atmanirbhar initiative and indigenisation to the next level. The B2B meeting is free for exhibiting industries.
The event is expected to have thousands of B2B visitors from across the country, including high profile visitors from the Armed forces, Defence Ministry and other Ministries.
Overseas defence manufacturing industries are also expected to participate through their Indian representatives. Foreign Embassies and their Trade departments have also been invited. Several Small and Micro Industries Associations, such as TANSTIA, Laghu Udyog Bharathi, CODISSIA, AIEMA, etc. are also expected to participate.
The main aim of this event is to connect MSME companies that have the capacity and the capability to cater to the Aerospace and Defence Sector. A conference and seminar on opportunities for MSMEs in Indian Defence Sector – Building an Atma-Nirbhar EcoSystem is also being planned concurrently with the expo.
Exclusive B2B sessions during which the potential supply chain partners can exchange business-related information is said to be the highlight of the event. The event is expected to benefit Tier-1 and Tier-2 companies to meet up with their potential supply chain partners.
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