In a confusing turn of events where the Indian plastics show, Plastindia 2015, was to be held in the state of Gujarat and then moved back to New Delhi, it has now been decided that it will be held in Gujarat. Thus, the the ninth edition of the exhibition will be staged in Gandhinagar's newly built exhibition centre from 5-10 February 2015, it was announced recently by the organiser Plastindia Foundation (the apex body of various organisations and institutions associated with plastics) .

Subhash Kadakia, President, PlastIndia Foundation, said during the press conference to make the announcement, "The PlastIndia show, which is ranked third in the global plastics show arena (after K and Chinaplas) and the largest in India, is taking place for the first time at Mahatma Mandir exhibition centre, Gandhinagar."

The exhibition is expected to draw 150,000 visitors, with 2,000 exhibitors spread over a sprawling 125,000 sq m of exhibition space.

However, not all parties involved in the show are happy with the latest decision. At the recent Taipeiplas show in Taiwan, one of the Plastindia show partners, Adsale Exhibitions (that brings in exhibitors from China/Hong Kong), was disappointed about an announcement Plastindia officials had made at Taipeiplas about the move, staing that it was too close to the staging of the show, "with only four months to go."

When PRA spoke to Plastindia Foundation officials last year, they had expressed uncertainty over the lack of infrastructure and whether the new exhibition centre and other infrastructure would be ready for the show next year. In fact, this was one of the reasons why an announcement was made late last year to move the show back to Pragati Maidan in New Delhi (http://www.plasticsandrubberasia.com/dec2013/leadfeature1.html)(http://www.plasticsandrubberasia.com/may2013/leadfeature7.html).

Now, PRA has learnt that the exhibition centre in Gujarat is in its final stages of construction, even though it is just four months to the show next year.

According to an official from Plastindia Foundation, the decision on the selection of Gujarat does draw on the fact that a majority of India's plastics machinery companies, the likes of Rajoo Engineers and Mamata Machinery, are based in Gujarat. Plus, India's new Prime Minister Narendra Modi was Chief Minister of Gujarat prior to his new appointment. Thus, Gujarat is destined to enjoy a new industrial policy. "All manufacturers including plastic manufacturers and processors, who are looking for capacity expansion and diversification will be extended all possible support under the new policy," said Kadakia at the press conference.

For a show of this size, it is hoped that the infrastructure and facilities (hotels and transport) will be in place come February 2015, especially since Plastindia expects a number of global exhibitors from 40-50 countries, who will be accustomed to and expect an exhibition centre of international standards.