SPOTLIGHT and another 25 are in line. 75 machines in less than 10 months is huge volume. The reason was that last year we did the ground work in Bangladesh and brought over 100 visitors to Printpack. We want to target the entire SAARC and MEA region and highlight Brand India. We have also signed an MoU with PHD Chambers to support us in this. We are also leveraging our relationship with other association and print event organisers. The eastern part of our country has not been participating in many of the shows, what has IPAMA done to counter this? As you rightly pointed out, to a large extent Guwahati and Kolkata are the key markets many businesses focus on. However, there is lot of growth potential beyond these two key markets. We have partnered with the Bengal Printers Association, a regional institute of printing, and will also be holding several road shows in Darjeeling, Sikkim and many other key markets. What was the idea behind adding a new segment of textile and screen printing to Printpack? Last year we had around 429 exhibitors. To grow this numbers to over 550, we needed to include the category they are interested in. More importantly, if you look at any printer, the basic essence is a screen print. A large part of the printers in our country are Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) – which are around 30% or more. Thus, it is important that we reach out to them. Therefore, we partnered with ScreenTex, which has a very strong with this segment. Digital printing machine manufacturers too are looking at this segment for their entry level machines. Therefore, it’s a win-win for all.
A large section of our industry is unorganised which was impacted with recent developments such as GST and Demonetisation… When government pushes for regulatory changes, it takes some time for the industry to come in terms with it. It’s a fact that there were several small scale printers and converters who were facing issues in understanding the tax structure and adopt computerised billing. As responsible citizen, it’s our responsibility to train and help them to change. We have taken initiative to educate them. We have already requested the government of India to look into the matter and resolve the queries. Despite being contributor to the GDP and employment, the industry is yet to receive the respect it deserves. What has been the challenge? Globally, every country has created a federation of the industry that unequivocally voices opinion and discusses issues with the government. The government also talks about industry on a holistic level. Unfortunately, in our country we do not have such a body/federation which will
encompass all the segments and allied industries of printing business. Indian print fraternity has to collaborate to become a force to reckon with. All the association should look at this more seriously and create a Federation of Printing Industry. The obituary of print has been written many times over. What is your response whenever you come across someone who voices such an opinion? (Laughs) I am surprised that the debate has lived on despite contradictory stats floating around in the public space. Every month 20-25 printing presses are being set-up every month. Industry is never going to die. Those who say printing is nearing its end have a very myopic view of the scenario. Change is the only constant. If you do not change according to the industry requirement it’s obvious that you will face tough days. There is growth in other segments, and that is what one should look at. Just for instance, the packaging segment has a huge demand and supply gap that has to be met. If that is not a growth opportunity, what is? So I reiterate print will never die, it will just transform to a new shape and size.
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