Ahmedabad: In anticipation of India Chem 2024, the 13th Biennial International Exhibition and Conference on Chemicals and Petrochemicals, the Union Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), hosted an Industry Meet in Ahmedabad yesterday. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss the future of India’s chemical and petrochemical sectors.
Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers, was the Chief Guest at the meet. In her address, she emphasized the pivotal role of the chemical industry in achieving India’s $5 trillion economy vision. “The Union Government considers the chemicals and petrochemicals sector a priority and has taken multiple steps to reduce bottlenecks, ease compliance burdens, and create an investment-friendly environment,” she said.
Patel also praised Gujarat’s significant contribution to the chemical and petrochemical sectors, noting the state’s dominance in India’s industrial landscape. “Gujarat accounts for 62% of India’s petrochemical production, 53% of chemical production, and 45% of pharmaceutical production,” she remarked.
Balvantsinh Rajput, Gujarat’s Industries Minister and Guest of Honour, highlighted the state’s strategic importance to India’s industrial growth. He underscored that Gujarat contributes 8.4% to the national GDP, 18% to the country’s total manufacturing output, and 33% to India’s exports. He reiterated the state’s commitment to driving further industrial advancements.
The Industry Meet served as a platform to promote Gujarat as a global hub for chemical and petrochemical innovation and attract fresh investments. Discussions also revolved around sustainability, regulatory frameworks, and future collaborative opportunities for the sector.
Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, highlighted the Government’s measures to protect the domestic industry. She pointed out the role of the Gujarat Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) as a model for industrial development and noted initiatives such as duty rationalization and non-tariff measures to curb cheap imports of low-quality chemicals.
Other key dignitaries included Deepankar Aron, Joint Secretary of the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Mamta Verma, Principal Secretary of Industries & Mines in Gujarat, Deepak C. Mehta, Chairman of the National Chemical Committee of FICCI, and Rajiv Gandhi, Chairman of FICCI’s Gujarat State Council.
The Ahmedabad Industry Meet is part of a series of events leading up to India Chem 2024, which is scheduled to take place from October 17-19 in Mumbai. The main event will showcase global innovations in the chemical and petrochemical sectors, and provide a platform for discussing policy issues, technological advancements, and sustainable practices that will shape the industry’s future.