Rajkot has added another proud chapter to its industrial success story as 42 entrepreneurs from the city are representing India at PDMEX-2026, one of the Philippines’ leading international engineering and machinery exhibitions. Organized with the support of the Rajkot Engineering Association (REA), this initiative has provided local MSME manufacturers with a unique opportunity to showcase their products, technologies, and manufacturing capabilities on a global platform.
The participation of Rajkot’s industrialists in the Indian Pavilion at PDMEX-2026 reflects the city’s growing reputation as one of India’s most important engineering and manufacturing hubs. The exhibition, scheduled from July 23 to July 25, 2026, is expected to attract buyers, investors, distributors, and industrial leaders from more than 32 countries, creating new avenues for exports and international business partnerships.
Rajkot Engineering Association Leads the Initiative
The Rajkot Engineering Association (REA) has played a key role in making this international participation possible. With continuous efforts to promote MSMEs beyond domestic markets, the association has been encouraging industries to explore overseas business opportunities through trade fairs and global exhibitions.
For the first time, REA has secured support from the International Cooperation (IC) Scheme under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India. This assistance has significantly reduced participation costs, enabling more small and medium-sized manufacturers from Rajkot to take part in an international exhibition.
According to the association, around 15 MSME units have received financial assistance under this government scheme, making international exposure more accessible for emerging manufacturers.
PDMEX-2026: A Gateway to Global Markets
PDMEX (Philippine Die and Mold Machinery Expo) is recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s premier industrial exhibitions. The event brings together companies involved in engineering, manufacturing, machine tools, automation, metalworking, industrial equipment, and advanced production technologies.
This year’s exhibition is expected to witness participation from exhibitors and business delegates representing over 32 countries, including Japan, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Germany, and several ASEAN nations.
The Indian Pavilion has become an important attraction at the exhibition, providing Indian manufacturers with a dedicated platform to demonstrate their technological capabilities and manufacturing excellence.
For Rajkot-based industries, this represents an opportunity to introduce their products directly to international buyers, distributors, importers, and industrial decision-makers.
Rajkot: India’s Engineering Powerhouse
Rajkot has long been known as one of India’s strongest engineering clusters. The city is home to thousands of MSMEs engaged in manufacturing:
- Diesel engines
- Auto components
- Pump sets
- Machine tools
- Bearings
- Forging products
- Casting components
- Agricultural machinery
- Industrial valves
- Precision engineering products
These industries have built a strong reputation for delivering quality products at competitive prices. Over the years, Rajkot has expanded its presence from domestic markets to several export destinations across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Participation in PDMEX-2026 further strengthens Rajkot’s position as an emerging global manufacturing destination.
New Opportunities for MSME Exports
One of the biggest advantages of participating in an international exhibition is the opportunity to connect directly with global buyers.
Instead of relying solely on intermediaries, manufacturers can:
- Meet overseas importers face-to-face.
- Demonstrate product quality.
- Understand international market demands.
- Build long-term business relationships.
- Explore export partnerships.
- Appoint overseas distributors.
- Identify new business opportunities.
Such exhibitions often result in long-term export orders and strategic collaborations that continue long after the event concludes.
Government Support for Global Expansion
The Ministry of MSME has been actively encouraging Indian small and medium enterprises to participate in international exhibitions through its International Cooperation Scheme.
The scheme aims to:
- Promote Indian products globally.
- Increase MSME exports.
- Enhance international competitiveness.
- Encourage technology exchange.
- Support market diversification.
- Strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Financial support under the scheme helps reduce expenses related to exhibition space, travel, freight, and promotional activities, making it easier for MSMEs to compete internationally.
REA’s successful inclusion under this scheme is considered a major achievement for Rajkot’s industrial community.
Strengthening India’s Manufacturing Brand
India has been steadily expanding its manufacturing footprint through initiatives such as Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and export promotion policies.
International exhibitions like PDMEX serve as ideal platforms for demonstrating India’s growing manufacturing capabilities.
The participation of Rajkot’s engineering industries contributes to strengthening India’s image as a reliable supplier of quality industrial products, precision engineering solutions, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
The Indian Pavilion also allows foreign buyers to experience the diversity of Indian manufacturing under one roof, increasing confidence in sourcing products from India.
Boosting Rajkot’s Global Presence
Rajkot has consistently emerged as one of Gujarat’s most dynamic industrial cities. The engineering sector contributes significantly to employment generation, exports, and economic growth.
By participating in global exhibitions, local industries gain:
- International brand visibility.
- Better understanding of overseas market trends.
- Access to new technologies.
- Opportunities for product innovation.
- Increased export potential.
- Valuable networking with global manufacturers.
These benefits not only help individual businesses but also strengthen the overall industrial ecosystem of Rajkot.
Building Long-Term International Partnerships
Business exhibitions are not just about product displays—they are platforms for relationship building.
Industrialists attending PDMEX-2026 will have opportunities to interact with:
- International manufacturers
- Technology providers
- Trade associations
- Government representatives
- Procurement specialists
- Importers
- Export consultants
- Distribution partners
Such interactions often lead to technology collaborations, joint ventures, licensing agreements, and long-term commercial partnerships.
A Proud Moment for Rajkot
The participation of 42 industrialists from Rajkot at PDMEX-2026 in the Philippines is a matter of pride for the city’s engineering community. It reflects the confidence of local manufacturers in competing on international platforms while highlighting the strength of Rajkot’s MSME sector.
The initiative undertaken by the Rajkot Engineering Association demonstrates how industry associations, when supported by government schemes, can create meaningful global opportunities for local businesses. As these entrepreneurs showcase their expertise before international buyers and investors, they are not only promoting their own enterprises but also representing India’s growing manufacturing capabilities on the world stage.
With increasing global demand for reliable engineering products and precision manufacturing, Rajkot’s presence at PDMEX-2026 is expected to pave the way for new export orders, stronger international collaborations, and sustained economic growth. The exhibition marks another significant milestone in Rajkot’s journey toward becoming a globally recognized engineering and manufacturing hub, reinforcing its reputation as one of India’s leading centers for MSME-driven industrial excellence.
