The Association of Industrial Development (AID) has inaugurated the first edition of ‘Khasdar Industrial Mahotsav – Advantage Vidarbha’ in Nagpur. The opening ceremony saw the presencAe of notable figures from Central and State Politics, including Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road, Transport, and Highways, Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Maharashtra, Narayan Rane, Minister Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Government of India, Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister of Forests of Maharashtra, and Praful Patel, Member of Rajya Sabha.
The industrial expo, spanning from January 27 to January 29, 2024, is an initiative to boost industrial development in Vidarbha and Maharashtra, providing a unified platform for local industries to showcase their potential and explore business expansion opportunities. Over 250 exhibitors, with 90% representing the Vidarbha industry, are participating, highlighting the diversity and strength of the region’s industrial landscape.
Ashish Harshraj Kale, President, Association for Industrial Development (AID), stated that Advantage Vidarbha is more than an industrial expo; it’s a vision aimed at making a substantial and consistent contribution to India’s self-reliance. The expo witnessed participation from over 20 senior leaders in central and state government politics, affirming their ongoing support for elevating Vidarbha’s position in the country’s industrial development.
Vidarbha, with good infrastructure for water, power, transport, and telecommunication, has the potential to attract industries. The region, comprising 11 districts, is rich in biodiversity and offers investment potential in the tourism sector. The event facilitated the signing of over 25 Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) between angel investors and startups in the region on its first day.
Advantage Vidarbha is expected to play a crucial role in reviving and sustaining the region’s industrial development. With Maharashtra contributing significantly to India’s startup ecosystem, Advantage Vidarbha aims to encourage young talent and startups in tier 2 and 3 cities in the region. The event signifies a step forward in fostering industrial growth and collaboration in Vidarbha and Maharashtra.