India is expected to soon become a hub for trade fairs and exhibitions. Several international trade fair companies such as Messe Munchen International ( Germany), Reed (UK), VNU (USA), Alfahgar ( Dubai), and Montgomery Group (UK), are planning to set up joint ventures or subsidiaries here, in an attempt to exploit the emerging economic opportunities.

Besides several overseas trade associations have been organising fairs in co-operation with organisations such as FICCI ( Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry) , CII ( Confederation of Indian Industry ) and FIEO ( Federation of Indian Export Organisations) .

The Indian Trade Promotion Organisation, set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the nodal agency for trade fairs and exhibitions in the country.

According to Roland Perger Institute, an acclaimed global supervisor of trade fairs, Shanghai, Mumbai, and Sao Polo were the cities with the maximum trade fair potential in the world.

In spite of its huge potential, India has yet to develop the infrastructure for hosting trade fairs of international standards.

Leading global pharma and biotechnology firms are now being drawn to India for its manufacturing and research capabilities. Among the global majors are Schering-Plough, Bristol-Myers Squibb and biotechnology firm Amgen.

While the $12.4-bn biotechnology major Amgen has already formed its local affiliate company in Mumbai, others are scouting tie up opportunities or locations for developing contract research facilities in India.

While Schering-Plough has not yet come out with a public announcement, industry sources reveal that the Co has been looking for suitable locations for an antibiotic unit in India and has recently visited Karnataka and Gujarat for the purpose.

Amgen is also looking for enhancing its new clinical development capabilities in key markets across the world, including India. Under its global clinical development strategy, the Company is likely to develop in Asia any of the molecules that are currently under development in the US or other parts of the world. Amgen's affiliate in Mumbai will support the clinical trials to take place in India.