The Hindu Business Line : Engg services: EEPC seeks grant for brand-building

TO ensure sustained growth of engineering exports from India, the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) has called for brand-building and promotional support from the government outside the MDA (Market Development Assistance) Scheme. The council has suggested that an appropriate grant from the Government would go a long way in kickstarting the brand promotion programme.

According to Mr Rakesh Shah, national chairman of EEPC, though individual companies are able to promote themselves through interaction with select companies abroad, general awareness about the Indian potential still continues to be inadequate. He suggested an action plan for promotion of the Indian engineering services brand abroad through a well-produced brochure, besides holding of workshops in key client locations.

Mr Shah particularly suggested workshops in India in tandem with major industry events such as India Chem 2004. Incidentally, the council is seriously considering setting up of a warehouse in South Africa to alleviate the difficulties faced by the member-exporters.

The EEPC chairman, for the purpose of business development, has sought support in terms of financial incentives such as reimbursing certain expenditure towards travel and stay, and business promotion expenses. It is felt that it was not possible to avail of the benefits of the MDA Scheme of EEPC, the way it is administered now. The council has also called for a revised sales-cum-study tour scheme, at least for the services sector.

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