In an effort to expand and strengthen the presence of the Indian automobile industry in neighbouring countries, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) today inaugurated the first-ever Indo-Bangla Automotive Show in Dhaka today.

The three-day fair, held from February 2-4 sees participation from leading automobile manufacturers from both India and Bangladesh. Along with representatives of the automobile industries of both the countries, the event was also attended by senior government officials, bureaucrats and key decision makers. Md. Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, senior secretary, Ministry of Industries, government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, along with H.E. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh.

Addressing the gathering, H.E. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, said, “Make in India was helpful in attracting investment in India. The Indian automobile industry has the necessary capacity and expertise to share and ‘Make with Bangladesh’. A number of Indian automobile manufacturers companies have already set up automobile plants in Bangladesh and others are in the process of establishing their presence here.”

Abdul Matlub Ahmad, president, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), said, “This is one of the best days for the Bangladesh automotive industry as India is displaying its auto industry’s capabilities which have evolved as one of the best and most appropriate for markets like Bangladesh. Indian manufacturers follow JIT (Just in time) policy. This show is very important for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to interact with Indian manufacturers and join hands with them and bring Indian technology to Bangladesh.”

Special guest Md. Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, senior secretary, Ministry of Industries, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, said, “Our government now is taking keen interest in having a policy which will encourage our entrepreneurs to not only assemble but also manufacture, we will work on development of the policy. We look forward to SIAM’s advice on the development of policy. Development of industry will not only help us cater to the domestic market but also help us enhance exports. There are great prospects for automobile industry as per capita income is increasing. Indian manufacturers are urged to help Bangladeshi entrepreneurs.”

A good business opportunity
In his welcome address, Ravi Pisharody, vice-president, SIAM and executive director, Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors, said that SIAM is also organising a workshop where experts and industry executives from India will share different aspects of the learnings that Bangladesh may like to use in their journey to develop a robust automotive manufacturing industry, terming it as a pathbreaking opportunity for both the countries.

Vinod K Dasari, president, SIAM, and managing director, Ashok Leyland, said: “As a next-door neighbour, Bangladesh occupies a very special place in our heart. Rest assured that India will extend whole-hearted support to help develop the automotive industry in Bangladesh including development of critical safety regulations like Bus Body & Truck Body code to reduce accidents.” Dasari also announced the inauguration of the Ashok Leyland manufacturing plant in Bangladesh later in the day.

Some of the exhibitors at the show include Ashok Leyland, Bajaj Auto, Eicher Trucks & Buses, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors, Hero MotoCorp, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, TVS Motor Co, India Yamaha, Runner Automobiles and SML Isuzu from India. The Bangladeshi exhibitors include ACI Motors, Bangladesh Honda, Ifad Autos, Karnaphuli, Niloy Motors, Nitol Motors, Rancon Motors, Rangs Motors, Runner Motors, TVS Auto Bangladesh and Uttara Motors.

The event is organised by SIAM,  supported by the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, government of India, High Commission of India in Dhaka, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI), the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Bangladesh Automobile Assemblers & Manufacturers Association (BAAMA), and Bangladesh Motorcycle Assemblers & Manufacturers Association (BMAMA) and is co-organised by Sammonoy Bangladesh.

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