IEIA lobbies India government for new help for exhibitions sector

The Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) reports that it has been closely engaging with various ministries of the Government of India including the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Tourism and DPIIT and is hopeful of a response on the need of some new impetus for the exhibitions sector.

IEIA had earlier submitted its representation to the government requesting "relief and stimulus measures for sustenance and the earliest revival of the sector".

With tradeshows in Q1 either being postponed or cancelled, the exhibition industry has suffered an estimated loss of INR 3,570 crores due to the impact of Covid-19, the association says.

IEIA has also submitted a draft exit strategy to the Indian Ministry of Commerce for the opening up of exhibitions in India in a phased manner to align the industry with the government’s plan for controlling further spread of the disease in the country.

IEIA adds that it shall also be submitting a standard operating procedure (SOP) document to the government for conducting exhibitions in a safe and secure manner. 

IEIA President Mr S Balasubramanian says: “Exhibitions are the business enabler sector and have the power to ensure fast recovery of the economy of the country. A stimulus for the sector will facilitate support for the stakeholders to recover from the huge losses being currently faced by them and thereby make way for revival of many other sectors through the conduct of exhibitions.”