Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1486199
44 SMT007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2022 hit with component and raw material source shortages, particularly for bare PCB boards. Trade wars with certain countries have brought these challenges to the forefront. Electron- ics manufacturers are also seeking diversifi- cation of U.S. value chains, resulting in India becoming a focus area. IPC APEX EXPO 2023 will provide a great platform for participating IPC members in India to forge strategic part- nerships with U.S. companies while providing exposure for investing and opening operations in the United States. Since 2010, IPC India has helped OEMs, EMS providers, PCB manufacturers, cable/ wiring harness manufacturers, and electronics industry suppliers "build electronics better" through training and certification. IPC's India office has certified over 11,000 professionals in the industry, helping companies enhance the quality and reliability of their products. Sev- eral Indian SMEs, exporters, and public sector organizations are engaged with IPC resources. In addition to training and certification oppor- tunities, IPC India provides annual business networking platforms such as Integrated Elec- tronics Manufacturing and Interconnections (IEMI) events. Electronics trade and investment have been growing quite significantly in India and IPC would like to support the government of India by providing opportunities that will help elec- tronics manufacturers. In 2020 and 2021, COVID-19 impacted the electronics industry globally. But based on the rebound we have seen in 2022, especially during the second half of the calendar year, I believe 2023 will be the year to completely regain confidence and build new connections. IPC APEX EXPO 2023 will be an important platform for Indian exhibi- tors and delegates to look for new business opportunities, and I am very excited about this opportunity to showcase India's manufactur- ing companies. SMT007 Gaurab Majumdar is executive director, IPC India.