BELEX 2026 Mega Exhibition Launches in Belagavi to Boost Regional Economy
The three-day Mega Industrial and Trade Exhibition, BELEX 2026, organized by the Belagavi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI), officially commenced on Tuesday at the Foundry Cluster in Udyambag, Belagavi. This significant event, scheduled to run until March 26, aims to highlight the industrial and economic prowess of Belagavi and North Karnataka across diverse sectors.
Showcasing Regional Strengths and Collaboration
BELEX 2026 serves as a comprehensive platform to display the strengths of the region in manufacturing, trade, education, agriculture, and food processing. The exhibition features over 85 stalls, with active participation from industrialists and businesses not only from Belagavi but also from neighboring regions including Goa, Kolhapur, and Hubballi-Dharwad. This cross-regional involvement underscores the collaborative spirit driving economic growth in the area.
Call for Industrialist Initiative and Government Support
During the inauguration ceremony, MLA Abhay Patil emphasized the dual responsibility of industrialists and the government in fostering economic development. He urged local industrialists to proactively engage and pressure the government to promote economic activities and expand industrial enterprises in Belagavi. Patil stated that it is insufficient to hold governments solely accountable for industrial survival and growth; instead, industrialists must take interest and undertake activities conducive to industrial expansion.
He highlighted ongoing governmental efforts to enhance infrastructure, including expanding road, rail, and air connectivity networks to stimulate economic activities and international air traffic in Belagavi. Patil also pointed out that initiatives like Beyond Bengaluru have been extended only to Hubballi, and he called for similar unity and interest among Belagavi industrialists to drive the city's growth through stimulated regional economic activities.
Push for IT Park and Economic Revitalization
Addressing long-standing efforts, Patil mentioned the establishment of an IT park in Belagavi, a project that has been under discussion for many years. He revealed that he has presented a private proposal in the legislative assembly three times, emphasizing the need to work towards revitalizing the local economy. This push aligns with broader goals to diversify and modernize the industrial landscape in the region.
Appreciation for Cross-State Industrial Collaboration
Lalit Gandhi, Minister of State for Jain Financial Development Corporation in Maharashtra, praised the exhibition for bringing together industry and businessmen from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka on a single platform. He noted that industrial development in any state hinges on its industrial policy and that industries in Belagavi have already provided numerous jobs. Gandhi stressed that the government should focus on providing benefits and creating an environment conducive to economic activities, which in turn will enable industrialists to thrive and expand.
Key Attendees and Organizational Efforts
The inauguration was attended by prominent figures including BCCI President Prabhakar Nagarmunoli, Secretary Satish Kulkarni, Event Chairman Uday Joshi, Vikram Jain (MD of Ashok Iron Works and Industries), and Jayant Humbarwadi. Pratima Dhond, President of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries, was also present, highlighting the inter-regional cooperation fostered by the event.
BELEX 2026 stands as a testament to the collective efforts aimed at boosting industrial growth and economic vitality in Belagavi and surrounding areas, setting a precedent for future collaborations and developments.
