Director of Defence Expo, MD Singh, while participating in a discussion at the South Goa Collectorate, Margao said that Goa was selected after scouring other coastal areas in the country. “The coastal area was selected as it is not landlocked, with one side being open,” Singh explained.
He also said the response of participating firms, including many foreign companies, has crossed 875. “If the Expo is cancelled, then the nation will earn a bad name,” he remarked.
He said the Expo was shifted from Pragati Maidan, New Delhi as the Maidan is up for demolition and an evacuation notice was served.
“We looked at alternative sites and approached the Goa government and then moved the proposal after elections to the former Defence Minister Arun Jaitley. Thereafter, we approached the State government when Defence Minister Parrikar took over,” Singh added.
Singh said a survey was conducted which pointed out that the volume of business at the expo will be considerably high.
He rejected the idea that the Defence Expo will be a permanent venue in Goa, stating that the maintenance cost of a permanent venue kept idle after the expo will be expensive.
He assured the people that the temple at the site will not be touched and the village will have full access and the same will not be hampered in any way. Explaining the benefits to locals, Singh said the equipment in terms of electronic, consumer durable goods such as TVs, LCDs, etc, will be purchased from the local market. A 'food court' will be permitted at the venue where locals will be allowed to put up Goan cuisine delicacies for the people. Hotel industry will have bookings to the brim, Singh added.
“NCC cadets from Goa will be recruited and such students will be given certificates,” Singh claimed.
The last day of the 4-day defence Expo will be open for the public for viewing, he added.
Later, speaking to mediapersons after the conclusion of the meet, South Goa Collector Dr Sachin Shinde said the authorities will keep the dialogue process open. He claimed the locals were not convinced after the explanation about the show at the meet.
Captains of industry, hoteliers and businessmen cast their lot strongly in favour of the Defence Expo in Goa, claiming that it has a “tremendous potential” for the State.
Their meet with the Director of Defence Expo, MD Singh, witnessed the latter explaining the benefits to be gained by the trade from the expo. Singh mentioned the hospitality, taxi industry and infrastructure to build stalls which will benefit the locals. He said all Chief Ministers, Ministers, DGPs, chiefs of paramilitary forces and foreign industry delegates have been invited for the Show.
He also mentioned that the choice of Goa as a destination will increase the inflow of flights into Goa. This, he said, will also encourage private accommodation in the State.
Speaking at the meet, former GCCI president Nitin Kunkolienkar said the Goan system must benefit and that it must be inclusive. He also spoke of encouragement to B2B avenues while stating that the overall business interest of the State must benefit.
“The Defence Expo is a pride for the industry and will be instrumental in promoting brand Goa. The ideas must be to boost Goa. We want development, a better, qualitative Goa,” Kunkolienkar remarked.
Reacting to the demands, Singh said all Indian companies desirous of erecting stalls at the venue will get it at 50 per cent concessional rates. He called upon the Goan industry to partake in the expo and the Tourism Department to put up stalls at the venue.
