Date:27/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/27/stories/2007072750340200.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Defence expo opens a window to opportunities

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: An exhibition that has been organised as part of the two-day Defence Industry Symposium in the city is an eye-opener on several counts. The exhibition is a window to the world of massive opportunities awaiting entrepreneurs in Kerala with the Union Defence Ministry pushing ever harder for indigenisation and sourcing of products both from the private and public sector players.

State-owned companies like Steel Industrials Kerala Limited, Keltron, Keltron Control and several private enterprises are part of the exhibition along with defence establishments like the National Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL). On display are capabilities for building motorised boats, solar energy-powered lighting and heating systems, processed rubber wood products, sophisticated communication equipment, tools and machinery. Senior officials from the Defence establishment are interacting with entrepreneurs.