A celebration of India’s rich printing heritage, industry leadership and growing technological capabilities creates a new platform for India–China engagement
The Offset Printers’ Association (OPA), India, organised a special India Day Celebration on 14 October 2026 during All in Print China 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), bringing together diplomatic representatives, senior industry leaders, printing associations, machinery manufacturers and international delegates to celebrate India’s printing fraternity and strengthen professional engagement between India and China. Supported by Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., the celebration was held in the M50 Meeting Room, Hall N5, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The gathering was distinguished by the presence of Hon’ble Shri Pratik Mathur, Consul General of India in Shanghai, as Chief Guest, alongside representatives of the Indian and Chinese printing industries.
Among the prominent participants were Ms. Evian Gu, General Manager, Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.; Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, former President of the World Print & Communication Forum (WPCF); Mr. Lu Yan, Vice President of the Shanghai Printing Trade Association; Mr. K. S. Maan, President of the Indian Printing Packaging and Allied Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (IPAMA); Mr. Pan Benxiang (Bacchus), Foreign Trade Manager, AOER Machinery; and Mr. Karan Chopra, representing OPA. More than a ceremonial observance, India Day provided a dedicated platform to showcase India’s printing heritage, recognise the contribution of its printing fraternity and explore the potential for greater professional, technological and commercial engagement between the two countries.
Celebrating India’s printing heritage and industry leadership
Opening the programme, Ms. Evian Gu welcomed the Indian delegation and distinguished guests on behalf of Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Her participation reflected the importance of international delegations and industry associations in making All in Print China a meeting point for the global printing and packaging community.
The introductory remarks on behalf of OPA were delivered by Mr. Karan Chopra, who presented a brief perspective on the evolution of printing in India and the contribution of OPA to the development of the printing fraternity. He traced India’s modern printing history to 1556, when the first printing press was established at St. Paul’s College, Old Goa. He also recalled the launch of Hicky’s Bengal Gazette in 1780, which marked an important milestone in the history of Indian newspaper publishing. His presentation connected this historical journey with the transformation of the Indian printing industry into a diverse and technologically evolving sector encompassing commercial printing, publishing, packaging, labels, security printing and digital production technologies.
With a characteristic touch of humour, he observed: “Printing is perhaps one of the few industries where ‘making an impression’ is not merely a metaphor—it is literally part of the job description.” He also highlighted the 38-year journey of OPA, established in 1988, and its continuing contribution through initiatives in professional representation, education, training, talent recognition and industry networking. Special reference was made to Print Yatra, Print Olympiad and the Gutenberg Festival, initiatives that reflect OPA’s commitment to developing the next generation of printing professionals.
Consul General of India highlights the diplomatic and economic significance
The presence of Hon’ble Shri Pratik Mathur, Consul General of India, added considerable significance to the celebration. A career diplomat of the 2007 Indian Foreign Service batch, Shri Mathur has served in several important diplomatic assignments, including at the Indian Embassy in Beijing, the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York and the Prime Minister’s Office in New Delhi. His participation provided an important diplomatic dimension to the Indian industry’s presence at one of China’s major international printing exhibitions.
The occasion also highlighted the importance of strengthening engagement between Indian and Chinese businesses, professional institutions and industry associations. With both countries possessing substantial printing, packaging and manufacturing ecosystems, opportunities for commercial interaction and technological collaboration remain significant.
For the Indian delegation, the presence of the Consul General was particularly encouraging and reinforced the value of institutional and diplomatic support for international industry engagement.
The human and historical dimensions of printing
One of the central addresses of the programme was delivered by Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, a well-known figure in the international printing fraternity and former President of the World Print & Communication Forum (WPCF). His address brought a distinctive historical, cultural and philosophical dimension to the occasion, drawing attention to the centuries-old
intellectual connections between India and China.
Beginning with an ancient Tamil saying, “Yaadhum Oore, Yaavarum Kelir,” attributed to the Tamil poet Kaniyan Pungundranar, Prof. Chopra reminded the gathering of a universal philosophy: “Every place is my home, and everyone is my kin.” He observed that these words, written more than two thousand years ago, carry a message that is particularly relevant in today’s interconnected world. He further reflected on the historical relationship between the two civilisations through the transmission of Buddhist knowledge and the development of printing. The Diamond Sutra, one of the world’s earliest surviving dated printed books, offered a particularly meaningful reference to the historical connections between the Indian Buddhist tradition and the development of printing in China.
Turning to the contemporary industry, Prof. Chopra highlighted India’s rapidly developing printing and packaging ecosystem, supported by entrepreneurship, skilled young professionals and increasing technological adoption. He also acknowledged China’s impressive capabilities in manufacturing, engineering, automation and technological innovation. He made a particularly important distinction between commercial competition and professional cooperation: “We can compete in the marketplace, but we can cooperate in knowledge. We can do business, but we can also build friendships. We can exchange technology, but more importantly, we can exchange ideas.”
Prof. Chopra also emphasised the responsibility of professional associations in creating opportunities for education, innovation, international exposure and knowledge-sharing. Concluding his address, he offered a thought that captured the spirit of the entire gathering:“Machines may print our books, our packaging and our publications, but it is people who print the future.” His address brought the focus back to the people behind the printing industry, emphasising that technological progress ultimately derives its meaning from human creativity, professional relationships and shared aspirations.
Shanghai Printing Trade Association represents the Chinese industry’s perspectiveRepresenting the local printing fraternity, Mr. Lu Yan, Vice President of the Shanghai Printing Trade Association, addressed the gathering and welcomed the Indian delegation. His participation was particularly significant in bringing the Chinese printing industry’s institutional perspective into the India Day programme. The Shanghai Printing Trade Association’s engagement with OPA provided an opportunity to strengthen professional links between the two associations and encouraged further interaction between their respective members. The exchange was also an acknowledgement of the different strengths of the two markets: India’s expanding demand and entrepreneurial printing ecosystem, and China’s established manufacturing and technology base.
AOER Machinery highlights the importance of machinery innovation
The programme also included an industry presentation by Mr. Pan Benxiang (Bacchus), Foreign Trade Manager of AOER Machinery, representing the Chinese machinery manufacturing sector. Established in 2001 and headquartered in Ruian, Zhejiang Province, AOER Machinery specialises in equipment for printing and packaging production, particularly flatbed die-cutting, creasing and cutting, and hot-foil stamping applications. The company has developed a broad portfolio of machinery, covering more than 120 models, serving different production requirements in the printing and packaging converting industry.Mr. Pan’s presentation brought a practical manufacturing and technology dimension to the celebration, introducing the company’s capabilities and product portfolio to the international audience. For Indian printers and packaging manufacturers, such presentations provide an opportunity to understand developments in machinery design, production automation, finishing technologies and the evolving requirements of modern packaging operations. The participation of AOER Machinery also reflected the important role played by Chinese machinery manufacturers in the global printing and packaging supply chain.
IPAMA President highlights India’s machinery manufacturing potential
Mr. K. S. Maan, President of IPAMA, brought the perspective of India’s printing and packaging machinery manufacturing sector to the gathering. As an experienced industry leader and Director of Maan Machine Tools, he represents a sector that has been steadily expanding its manufacturing capabilities and international ambitions. His contribution to the programme highlighted the importance of indigenous machinery development, technological advancement, manufacturing competitiveness and export opportunities.
The Indian machinery manufacturing industry has considerable potential to benefit from international exposure and interaction with global manufacturers. At the same time, platforms such as All in Print China offer opportunities for Indian manufacturers to present their capabilities, understand emerging technologies and explore new commercial relationships. Mr. Maan’s leadership of IPAMA is also particularly relevant as the association prepares for PRINTPACK INDIA 2027, its 17th edition, which will bring together the printing, packaging, converting and allied machinery sectors. His presence at India Day added an important industry-manufacturing perspective to the overall programme.
Felicitations strengthen the spirit of goodwill
The formal programme also included a special felicitation ceremony, during which commemorative gifts were exchanged between the organisers, supporting organisations and distinguished guests. Representatives of Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai), the Shanghai Printing Trade Association, the Consulate General of India, IPAMA and the participating exhibitor were among those honoured. The exchange of gifts represented appreciation for the participation and support of the various organisations and individuals who contributed to the success of the celebration. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by refreshments sponsored by Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
OPA: 38 years of representing, educating and connecting the printing fraternity
India Day also provided an opportunity to highlight the continuing contribution of the Offset Printers’ Association to the development of India’s printing industry. Established in 1988, OPA has evolved over 38 years into a recognised platform for professional representation, education, talent development, networking and industry advancement. Its initiatives extend beyond the traditional role of an industry association. Through programmes such as Print Yatra, Print Olympiad and the Gutenberg Festival, OPA has consistently sought to connect educational institutions, students, professional printers, technology providers and industry leaders. Its emphasis on young talent and professional recognition has helped bring greater visibility to printing as a technology-driven and knowledge-intensive industry. The association’s participation in All in Print China 2026 represents a continuation of this international outlook and its commitment to creating opportunities for the Indian printing fraternity to engage with the global industry.
Beyond a celebration: A stronger bridge between two printing ecosystems
The India Day Celebration was particularly relevant in the context of the complementary strengths of the Indian and Chinese printing and packaging industries. India offers a large and diverse market, supported by entrepreneurship, expanding manufacturing activity and a growing pool of technical talent. China, meanwhile, has developed considerable capabilities in machinery manufacturing, engineering, automation and production technologies. The opportunities between the two industries extend beyond the purchase and sale of machinery. They include technical education, professional training, research, manufacturing partnerships, product development and the exchange of practical industry experience. By bringing together diplomatic representatives, professional associations, manufacturers and industry leaders under one roof, OPA created a setting in which these possibilities could be discussed and explored.
India Day at All in Print China 2026 was therefore more than a celebration of national identity. It was an expression of India’s printing heritage, the achievements of its printing fraternity and its aspirations for a stronger presence in the international printing and packaging industry.
As Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra’s address aptly conveyed, printing has always been about more than machines, paper and ink. It is about carrying knowledge, preserving culture and connecting people. The celebration in Shanghai carried precisely that message: the future of printing will be built not only through technological advancement, but also through the friendships, partnerships and professional relationships that bring nations and industries closer together.