Industrialists give China events a miss

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 3

The coronavirus outbreak, which has killed more than 360 persons globally, has its repercussions on the local industry as businessmen here have cancelled their tours to China for at least four months.

Industrialists had planned to attend Taipei Cycle Show (March 4-7), Chinaplas (April 21-24), and all three phases of Canton Fair (April 15-19; April 23-27; and May 1-5).

“Around 40 Federation of Industrial and Commercial Organisation members had already made bookings for Taipei Cycle Show and 50 for Chinaplas. More than 80 members had booked tickets for all three phases of Canton Fair. The bookings have been cancelled. We know it will be a loss to the industry, but health is more important,” Kular said.

Meanwhile, industrialists feel that exports from India would see a boost in view of the coronavirus outbreak in China. “India is the best alternative to China. International companies have started making fresh enquiries for orders to Indian exporters,” said Sahil Aggarwal from Ganpati Impex Private Limited.

He added exporters were receiving fresh enquiries of scaffolding from the US, Dubai and Europe. To match the demand, they have increased the pace of production.

Badish Jindal, president, Federation of Punjab Small Industries Association (FOPSIA), said: “This is the right opportunity to grab the attention. Many industrialists are getting enquiries from abroad for fasteners, machine tools and agricultural equipment. China used to grab such orders earlier.”

Upkar Singh Ahuja, president, Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertaking (CICU), said: “If both Central and state governments support the industry, there can be no looking back. Other Asian countries such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and Thailand are trying hard to get the orders that China used to take from other countries. India has the capability of meeting bulk orders. The opportunity should not be wasted.”