Press Release

February 28^th 2008 to March 03, 2008 at Agriculture College Ground, Shivajinagar, Pune

Pune, February 12, 2008: Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), a premier industry association has announced the seventh edition of its largest annual integrated business event - ‘The Pune Expo 2008’. This event is one of the premium business exhibitions of India and will start from Thursday, February 28^th 2008 to Monday, March 03, 2008 at Agriculture College Ground, Shivajinagar, Pune.

The main theme of the Expo in its seventh edition is ‘World of Eco-friendly Initiatives’. The focus will be on making each business venture more eco-friendly and socially acceptable. Special efforts have been taken to make the Pune Expo 2008 a ‘Carbon-neutral event’. Moreover, the event includes Panel Discussions, Seminars and Film Shows focused on the theme - ‘World of Eco-friendly Initiatives’ An Industrial Directory compiled by MCCIA will be published on the inaugural day of the Expo.

The Pune Expo 2008 has a tradition of successfully bringing together established and growing companies from different sectors on a common platform. It provides exhibitors an opportunity to interact directly with the customers, launch new products & services and enhance brand visibility.

The Pune Expo 2008 will showcase latest developments from various sectors such as, Automobiles and Auto-Components, Engineering, Education, Careers, Plastics & Polymers, Training, Agribusiness and Food Processing, Wines, Electronics & Consumer Durables and also on the booming service sectors such as Banking, Finance, Insurance, Infrastructure and Real Estate amongst others.

Mr Abhijit Pawar, Chairman, Exhibitions Committee, MCCIA said “Pune over the years have witnessed exponential growth. A city that was once known as a pensioner’s paradise, today has emerged as the world’s 4th fastest growing city. Thanks to the burgeoning software industry, the auto sector, the food processing, electronics and real estate sectors.”

“The Pune Expo has earned the reputation of being a ‘gateway’ of showcasing business & economic activities, achievements and the growth this city has witnessed over the past 7 years. Our endeavour is to promote Pune as ‘The Business Destination’ and Pune Expo will play a vital role in achieving this”, said Mr Anant Sardeshmukh, Additional Director General, MCCIA.

“MCCIA intends to take the Pune Expo to a new level every passing year from regional to national and then to international making it an important agenda in the corporate diaries of business leaders from India and abroad”, added Mr Abhijit Pawar.

Mr. Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd. will be the chief guest and will inaugurate the Pune Expo 2008 on February 28^th, 2008. MCCIA will felicitate Mr. Baba Kalyani who has been recently awarded Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.

While The Pune Expo 2008 is being brought in association with India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), New Delhi, the main sponsors are Kirloskar Proprietary Ltd., JCB India Ltd., Venkateshwara Hatcheries Group, Sakal Papers Ltd., Shree Diesel Services and Indiacom. The conceptual Sponsors include: Government of Maharashtra, Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, ASSOCHAM and MEDA.

Established in 1934, MCCIA is regarded as key partner in the economic development of Maharashtra State. MCCIA is continuously exploring possibilities to project Pune and Maharashtra as an attractive investment destination. It was a catalyst in creation of institutions like Bank of Maharashtra, Pune Stock Exchange, International Convention Centre, centre for electronics and Test Engineering, Food Technology Laboratory and Auto Cluster. It is presently in the process of developing an International Exhibition Centre.

“MCCIA intends to take the Pune Expo to a new level every passing year from regional to national and then to international making it an important agenda in the corporate diaries of business leaders from India and abroad”, added Mr Abhijit Pawar.

Mr. Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd. will be the chief guest and will inaugurate the Pune Expo 2008 on February 28th, 2008. MCCIA will felicitate Mr. Baba Kalyani who has been recently awarded Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.

Mr. Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd. will be the chief guest and will inaugurate the Pune Expo 2008 on February 28^th, 2008. MCCIA will felicitate Mr. Baba Kalyani who has been recently awarded Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.