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The Association of Industrial Development (AID) kicks off its first edition of the 'Khasdar Industrial Mahotsav - Advantage Vidarbha' in Nagpur. The inauguration of the industrial expo was graced by the senior leadership from Central & State Politics. Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road, Transport, and Highways inaugurated the event with Shri Devendra Fadnavis Deputy Chief Minister Maharashtra, and other dignitaries Shri Narayan Rane Minister Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Government of India, Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar Minister of Forests of Maharashtra, and Praful Patel, Member of Rajya Sabha, along with business industry stalwarts from the Vidarbha region.

"Khasdar Industrial Mahotsav - Advantage Vidarbha," spanning three days, is taking place in Nagpur from January 27th to January 29th, 2024. The event aims to promote industrial development in Vidarbha and Maharashtra region and create a unified platform for Vidarbha industries to showcase their business potential and explore opportunities for business expansions and collaborations. Over 250 exhibitors are participating in the expo, with 90% of them representing the Vidarbha industry. This diverse and strong participation showcase the diversity and strength of Vidarbha's industrial landscape.

Speaking on the occasion Ashish Harshraj Kale, President, Association for Industrial Development (AID) said “Advantage Vidarbha is not just an industrial expo it’s a vision. A vision which we as an industry look out for making a stronger and consistent contribution to make India a self-reliant nation with our contribution of made in Vidarbha.

Our honorable Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari ji has been the torchbearer of development drive in the nation and it’s his vision which has made this landmark expo a reality. This expo witnessed participation of over 250 exhibitors, representing a diverse range of 43 business sectors of the region.

We were delighted to welcome over 20 senior leaders from both central and state government politics, each of whom assured us of their ongoing support in elevating the Vidarbha region to a prominent position in the country's industrial development landscape.

Vidarbha has the potential to attract industries as it now has good infrastructure for water, power, transport and telecommunication. The region has the highest minerals contribution in Maharashtra.

Vidarbha region has huge potential for investment in the tourism sector. The region in the eastern part of Maharashtra comprises of 11 districts: Amravati, Akola, Bhandara, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur, Wardha, Washim, and Yavatmal. Nagpur, the largest of them all, and Gadchiroli, home to a fossil park. Vidarbha region is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several wildlife parks and sanctuaries.

'Advantage Vidarbha - Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav' witnessed the signing of over 25 Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) between angel investors and startups of the region on its first day. A significant role will be played by Advantage Vidarbha in reviving and sustaining the region's industrial development. Some of the key investors include conglomerates like Haldiram, Nuwals, World Trade Center. Each of the investor besides have assured, to mentor these startups, besides the financial support.

Maharashtra region contributes 20 percent of India’s startups, 25 percent of unicorns and 40 percent of unicorn owners belong to Maharashtra. Initially, the startup sector was driven by metro cities but now there is a favorable environment for startups in tier2 & 3 cities and Advantage Vidarbha will play a vital role in encouraging young talent & startups in the region.