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Chennai: Despite slowdown, India’s participation in Hannover Messe 2009 fair is expected to be relatively higher this year.

From India, nearly 160 exhibitors (last year’s 145) are taking part in the 5-day fair being held in Hannover from April 20 to April 24, 2009. Indian Pavilion will present cutting edge technology and focus on wind and renewable energy products.

Germany is the biggest buyer of engineering goods from India. Engineering exports to Germany have risen from $889 million in 2006-07 to $1,279 million in 2007-08.

The world’s largest technology event is expecting nearly 6,200 exhibitors from nearly 65 countries as against last year’s number of 5,000 exhibitors.

Addressing a press meet in Chennai, Wolfgang Pech, Senior Vice-President, Deutsche Messe said: “Hannover Messe has been increasingly chosen by Indian companies to showcase their latest offering as it provides them the best and most targeted global platform.”

According to Sudhir Patil, Managing Director, Hannover Fairs India, “ Indian companies are becoming globally competitive and we are witnessing the rise of Indian multinationals. We continue to see high participation and interest in events we hold internationally and in India as well.”

The Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), under the aegis of Ministry of Commerce, is offering subsidy to the members taking part in the Hannover Messe fair.

R.K. Mutha, Deputy Regional Chairman (Southern Region), EEPC, said: “In a globalised business market, a fair like the one at Hannover is ideal to gain global recognition and explore new opportunities at this popular trade fair.”

Energy efficiency will be the overarching theme of Hannover Messe 2009. Hannover Messe, taking place for the 62nd time, witnessed 2-lakh visitors last year.