The All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA), Western Region, in collaboration with the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, organized an exclusive Vendor Development Program (VDP) on 12-13 February 2025 in Saki Naka, Andheri, Mumbai. The event aimed to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the rubber industry by facilitating their engagement with Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and Government Departments under the MSME Public Procurement Policy-2012.
The event was inaugurated by Shri P. D. Rendalkar, Joint Director of Industries O/o DC (Industries), Government of Maharashtra, Mr. Milind Barapatre, Joint Director & Head of office at MSME- DFO, Government of India, Mr. Shashi Kumar Singh, President, AIRIA, Mr. Dharmesh Dhanani, Rubber India, Editor, Mr. Rajesh Mhaske, Chairman, WR, AIRIA and Mr. Ravindra Barde Former Chairman, WR, AIRIA.
For the first time, the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) Western Region, organized a Vendor Development Programme exclusively for the Rubber Industry. The primary objective of this initiative was to bridge the gap between rubber manufacturers and Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and Government Departments under the MSME Public Procurement Policy. AIRIA aim was to bring them together on a common platform with one-on-one meetings, enabling rubber manufacturers to understand CPSUs' procurement procedures and vendor registration processes smoothly and making them aware on the needs of key sectors such as Defense, Railways, and other Ministries.
The event got a good response with active participation from the delegates who pre-registered for one-on-one meeting with government departments and gained valuable insights into the procurement policies, tendering procedures and registration requirements, equipping them to compete more effectively for government contracts.
The programme served as a hub for knowledge sharing and networking with CPSUs and Government entities.
The leading government buyers who participated at the event were- Government e Marketplace (GeM), Western Railway, Western Coalfields Limited., Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited., Nuclear Power Corporation of India., Konkan Railway Corporation Limited., IREL (India) Limited., Hindustan Aeronautics Limited., Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited., GAIL (India) Limited., Department of Atomic Energy., Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited., National Small Industries Corporation Ltd., Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Mumbai Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited., Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd., Mumbai Port Authority, Bharat Electronics Limited, NTPC Limited- Raipur & NTPC Limited- Noida, The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. and Ordnance Factory, Ambarnath.
Each one of these organization delivered presentations on key topics such as Procurement Procedure, Vendor Registration Procedure, and Awareness on GeM, Services available for MSEs, Vendor Enlistment and various MSME Schemes.
There was an active participation from leading rubber manufacturers who had a booths, showcasing their expertise and innovations in the rubber industry- Suyog Rubber India Pvt Ltd., Arihant Reclamation Pvt Ltd., Prabhat Elastomers Pvt Ltd., Auto Steel and Rubber Industries Pvt Ltd., Elphiepoly, Ami Polymer, Easkay India, Matrix Material Sciences, Maharashtra Polymer Products, Infinity Automation Systems Pvt. Ltd., Suresh Enterprises, Rane Elastomer Processors.
The delegates who pre-registered for one-on-one meetings and attended the event were - Mask Polymers Pvt. Ltd., NR Polymers, Golden Rolls Pvt. Ltd., Deepsam Rubber Industries, KD Joshi Rubber Industries Pvt Ltd., Pioneer Rubber Corporation, Amber Bush Rubber Ind. Pvt. Ltd., Rudra Enterprises, Crown Rubber Products, Puja Fluid Seals Pvt. Ltd., Simplex Rubbers Industries, GB Rubber Products, Jay Elastomers Pvt Ltd., Indo Gujarat Rubber Industries, Natraj Rubbers, Amar Rubber Works, Siddhi Elasto Pvt. Ltd., and Osaka Rubber.
Several business inquiries and potential vendor registrations were initiated, reflecting the program's effectiveness.
Overall, the Vendor Development Programme organized by AIRIA Western Region, was a successful event. With this, they are aiming to bring out similar program for PAN INDIA for the benefit of AIRIA members and to strengthening the MSME ecosystem in the Rubber Industry by promoting greater participation in public procurement, ultimately driving economic growth and self-reliance.