ZAK Glasstech International 2005 was held this year from the 8^th to 12^th December, again in the Exhibition Center in Mumbai (formerly "Bombay"). Since the exhibition was founded in 2003, the cities of Mumbai and New Delhi alternate each year in hosting the event. The rapid rise in the significance of this trade show can be clearly appreciated from the exhibition area which in relation to last year grew by 200% (!) to 9750m².

About 200 national and international firms exhibited at the exhibition with the emphasis on glass manufacture, glass processing, treatment and finishing, glass construction and glass products. In 2004 there were just 74 exhibitors. A similar fast rise in the visitor figures was also recorded. On the four exhibition days about 35,000 visitors came to find out about the latest innovations in the field.

On the second and third days, along with the exhibition on the same site, the symposium "Emerging Trends & Evolving Technologies 2005" was held during which renowned companies gave presentations on current trends and technologies. Also India's economic aspirations as the second strongest Asian country after China were constantly highlighted.

For us our participation in the ZAK Glasstech 2005 was the first exhibition in India. We were overwhelmed by the high level of interest in our software ATHENA, MEPLA and flixo. Long after the daily close of the exhibition at 7pm, we were still demonstrating our products due to the enormous crush. Before leaving our booth, some large facade and glass construction companies declared their intention of buying.

Currently, we are in the process of setting up a local representative's office to be able to provide a better service for our Indian customers. We are very interested in intensifying our business relationships with India - a country which welcomed us with such warmth and sincerity.