RIA Novosti
Moscow, March 2 (RIA Novosti) Around 140 Indian companies will be in the spotlight when they showcase their products at the international trade fair being organised in St. Petersburg March 11-14. Companies from 17 countries, including India, Germany, Denmark, Britain and China, will participate in the four-day event.

“The first day of the fair will be devoted to Indian industry to commemorate the Year of Russia, which is now under way in India,” said Igor Kirsanov, director general of the Restek Company and organiser of the event.

The latest innovations in the fields of engineering, metalworking, metallurgical products and car parts will be displayed at the four pavilions of the Lenexpo exhibition complex.

The huge Indian delegation to the fair in St Petersburg is a clear indication that Indian companies are interested in cooperation with their Russian counterparts.

The biggest draw will be the new Indian car Tata Nano, the world’s cheapest car, tagged at just $2,500. According to the organisers, the Russians are eager to see the car, though it is not clear whether the car will be brought here.

The Indian companies are keen on supplying car parts for the automobile assembly plants here. Toyota launched its assembly plant in 2007 and General Motors in February this year. Nissan, Suzuki and Hyundai will also set up their ventures soon. Ford has its plant in the Leningrad region.

According to Mikhail Oseyevsky, deputy governor of St Petersburg, besides the automotive industry, Indian businessmen are also interested in cooperation in the information technology and metallurgical sectors.

Alongside the Indian delegation, companies from the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Denmark, Britain, China, Turkey, South Korea, Austria, Croatia, Belarus and Ukraine will participate in the fair.

Global giants such as General Motors, Ford, Electrolux, Siemens and Bosch will showcase their products in the exhibition.

India’s Sharp Tools and Russia’s Elslar are likely to sign an agreement for a joint venture company - named Esweld - that will manufacture components for welding operations in the Elektrostal region near Moscow.
RIA Novosti