Ahead of India Chem 2024, the 13th Biennial International Exhibition and Conference on Chemicals and Petrochemicals, the Union Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, alongside the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), hosted an Industry Meet in Ahmedabad on August 20th.
Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, attended as the Chief Guest, underscoring the essential role of the chemical industry in realizing India's vision of a $5 trillion economy. She highlighted the government's prioritization of the chemicals and petrochemicals sector, noting ongoing efforts to reduce bottlenecks, streamline compliance, and foster an investment-friendly environment.
Patel lauded Gujarat's leadership in the industry, stating, “Gujarat is at the forefront of India’s industrial sector, especially in the chemicals and petrochemical sectors, with a 62% share of India’s petrochemical production, 53% of chemical production, and 45% of pharmaceutical production.”
Gujarat's Industries Minister, Balvantsinh Rajput, serving as the Guest of Honour, emphasized the state’s strategic contribution to India's industrial growth, pointing out that Gujarat contributes 8.4% to the national GDP and 18% to the overall manufacturing output. He also noted that Gujarat accounts for 33% of India’s total exports.
The Industry Meet aimed to position Gujarat as a global hub, attract new investments, and highlight innovations aligned with sustainable practices. It provided a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the sector's future and explore collaborative opportunities.
Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary of the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, highlighted Gujarat PCPIR as a role model and discussed government measures to protect the domestic industry from unfair trade practices, including duty rationalization and the imposition of non-tariff measures to curb low-quality chemical imports.
The Ahmedabad event is part of a series leading up to India Chem 2024, which is scheduled for October 17-19 in Mumbai. The main event will showcase the latest technologies and innovations in the global chemical and petrochemical sectors, as well as provide a forum for discussing policy issues, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable practices vital to the industry's future.
Other notable attendees included Deepankar Aron, Joint Secretary, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Government of India; Mamta Verma, Principal Secretary, Industries & Mines, Government of Gujarat; Deepak C. Mehta, Chairman of the National Chemical Committee of FICCI; and Rajiv Gandhi, Chairman of the FICCI Gujarat State Council.
