Industry Leaders Gather to Propel India’s Chemical Sector Ahead of India Chem 2024

Gujarat’s Industries Minister, Shri Balvantsinh Rajput, who served as the Guest of Honour, highlighted the state's strategic importance in driving India’s industrial growth.

In preparation for India Chem 2024, the Union Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), hosted a significant Industry Meet in Ahmedabad on August 20th. The event was a crucial precursor to the 13th Biennial International Exhibition and Conference on Chemicals and Petrochemicals, scheduled to take place in Mumbai from October 17-19.

Smt. Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers, was the Chief Guest at the event. She underscored the pivotal role of the chemical industry in realizing India's $5 trillion economy vision. Patel emphasized that the Union Government considers the chemicals and petrochemicals sector a priority, implementing several initiatives to eliminate bottlenecks, ease compliance burdens, and foster an investment-friendly environment.

Highlighting Gujarat's critical role in this sector, Patel remarked, "Gujarat stands at the forefront of India's industrial landscape, especially in the chemicals and petrochemical sectors, with a 62% share of India's petrochemical production, 53% of chemical production, and 45% of pharma production."

Gujarat's Industries Minister, Shri Balvantsinh Rajput, who served as the Guest of Honour, highlighted the state's strategic importance in driving India's industrial growth. He noted that Gujarat contributes 8.4% to the national GDP and holds an 18% share in the country's overall manufacturing output. Additionally, Gujarat accounts for 33% of India's total exports.

The Industry Meet focused on promoting Gujarat as a global hub for the chemicals and petrochemicals sector, attracting new investments, and showcasing innovations aligned with sustainable practices. It provided a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders to discuss the sector's future and explore collaborative opportunities.

Key dignitaries at the event included Smt. Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Government of India. Verma highlighted Gujarat's PCPIR (Petroleum, Chemicals, and Petrochemicals Investment Region) as a role model and informed attendees of the government's steps to protect the domestic industry from unfair trade practices, such as duty rationalization and the imposition of non-tariff measures.

The Ahmedabad meet was part of a series of events aimed at building momentum for India Chem 2024, which will showcase the latest technologies and innovations in the global chemical and petrochemical sectors. The upcoming event will also serve as a platform for discussing policy issues, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable practices crucial for the industry's future.

Other prominent attendees included Shri Deepankar Aron, Joint Secretary, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Government of India, Ms. Mamta Verma, Principal Secretary, Industries & Mines, Government of Gujarat, Shri Deepak C. Mehta, Chairman of the National Chemical Committee of FICCI, and Shri Rajiv Gandhi, Chairman of FICCI Gujarat State Council.