Lukewarm response forces GCCI to delay Gujtech exhibition

Lack of response from members of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) forced the organisation to postpone its Gujtech 2012 exhibition, which was slated to take place from January 10-13.

Internal politics and inappropriate timing are believed to be reasons behind poor response to the exhibition.

GCCI had expected to exhibit more than 5,000 industrial products in more than 1,200 stalls in 40 plus domes as part of the exhibition. The apex industry body had claimed support of more than 100 industrial associations of the state and expected more than 1 lakh business visitors to their event.

The chamber, however, received lukewarm response from its members. The GCCI had expected more than 600 participants but received only around 200 applications, said sources in the organisation. It is believed that internal politics did not allow the exhibition to take place.

Moreover, GCCI has rusticated more than 700 bogus members in last two years, making backseat driving difficult for people with vested interests. This faction blames the present office-bearers for lukewarm response. "You need people who can devote time to the chamber and work for it. The current office-bearers do not have time. Hence, members are not interested to come forward and support the exhibition," said one of the senior members of GCCI who had a prominent say in the past.

Dissidents also believe that lack of funds has created problems for the chamber. GCCI had asked the executive committee members to donate Rs5,000 for providing financial support. However, only a few extended help.

Members also believe that it was an inappropriate time to organise such a big event. "Many exhibitions were lined up (during this time) and industrialists had already committed to exhibit in them. Hence, they could not allocate budget for Gujtech at the last moment," said Bipin Patel, an industrialist from Vatva GIDC.

GCCI, on its part, has accepted that they were short on time to prepare for this mega-event.

"We had only two months for preparation which was not sufficient. The chamber was conducting such a big event for the first time and we didn't want to do it halfheartedly," said Mahendra Patel, president of GCCI. He said that the event is likely to take place in September 2012.