Kochi: The sixth edition of Kerala business-to-business meet, Vyapar 2017, will be held at Bolgatty Palace here from 2nd February, providing a robust and interactive platform to the state to showcase its vibrant Small and Micro Enterprise (SME) sector and chalk out a roadmap for its future growth.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will be inaugurated three-day Vyapar 2017 at Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort.

Delegates from 46 countries, including the US, China, the UK, Japan, Srilanka, UAE are participating in Vyapar 2017, organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala.

“A total of 683 buyers, including 160 from abroad, have registered for their participation in the three-day event, which is aimed at opening new growth frontiers for Kerala s SME sector,” said P M Francis, Director, Industries and Commerce.

“Around 7,500 business meetings are expected to take place during Vyapar 2017. The B2B meet will be a platform for SMEs to meet industry leaders and find prospective clients, increase the business volume and strengthen the state economy. It will also help them to explore potential markets abroad,” he said.

In the previous edition, there were business enquiries to the tune of Rs 300 crore.

Francis said the event would also strive to promote the state’s excellence in entrepreneurship and skilled manpower among national and international players.

To follow up the business meetings, an e-platform will be established by the State Government, he said.

Out of the registered 331 sellers, 200 sellers were scrutinised and finalised by a team, headed by the Industries and Commerce Director, for participation.

The highest participation is from food processing sector with 87 registration.

Other small-scale industries, including handlooms and textiles, rubber, coir products, Ayurveda and herbal, electrical and electronics as well as traditional industry sectors have registered for the event, according to a release.

The list also includes state-run enterprises. The B2B meetings will begin at 2.30 pm on February 2 and will last until noon on February 4.

Vyapar 2017 will also host a joint discussion forum for participating buyers and sellers after the scheduled meetings.

Vyapar 2017 provides a platform to the buyers for direct interactions and discussions with the participating manufacturers and sellers from Kerala. A team of 39 members from Japan will also be visiting the event.

Source: India.com