Indian Chemical News, an online news media covering chemical and petrochemical sector is organizing an e-Conference to discuss and brainstorm on the growth prospects of the Indian chemical industry post COVID-19. 

India is the sixth largest producer of chemicals globally and third largest producer in Asia in terms of output. The country ranks third globally in the production of agro chemicals and contributes around 16 per cent to the global dyestuff and dye intermediates production. The sector, covering more than 70,000 commercial products, is projected to reach $304 bn by 2025 from $178 bn in 2018-19.  India ranks 14th in export and 8th in import of chemicals (Excluding Pharmaceuticals products) globally. However India still has a chemical trade deficit of $15 billion. 

The current global scenario for the chemical industry augurs well for India. According to a report by McKinsey, global oil and gas majors are turning their sights on downstream chemical opportunities. Various reports suggests that demand of chemical products is expected to grow at approximately 9 per cent per annum over the next 5 years. Moreover, change in the structure of China’s chemical industry due to stricter environmental norms, tighter financing and consolidation; growing trade conflicts and adoption of digital technology creates a better opportunity for India. 

However, there is a lack of vision for the industry to grow. India has not modernised its National Chemical Policy since 2008. The Govt came out with a Draft National Chemical Policy in 2014 which is yet to be finalised. 

There is a need to have a robust policy in place for creation of infrastructure, technology upgradation, R&D, safety & security and sustainability. If these issues are addressed, Indian chemical industry will grow with a desired pace thus making India self- reliant in this sector. 

While the industry is chalking out the strategy to face the challenges posed by the COVID-19, it also offers an opportunity to develop a long term strategy to sort out the issues of the industry. The E-conference, while discussing the survival and way forward for the industry, will also focus what should be the way for a sustainable Indian chemical industry to make the sector more resilient. 

E-conference details: 

Topic:  Indian Chemicals: Creating Collaborative Growth Eco-system

Day & Date: Thursday, July 23, 2020 

Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM IST 

Key discussion points: 

1. Positioning of India in the global chemical industry
2. Infrastructural challenges
3. Bridging the trade gap
4. Taking advantages of the current global scenario
5. Implementing a robust policy in a timebound manner

Speakers:

1. Rajendra Gogri, CMD, Aarti Industries 
2. Dr. Raman Ramachandran, MD & CEO, PI Industries
3. Ankit Patel, ED, Bodal Chemicals 
4. Ankur Singh, Head-Strategy & BD, DCM Shriram 
5. Sudeep Maheshwari, Sr. Principal, Kearney 
6. Pravin Prashant, Editor, Indian Chemical News

Here's the link to register as a participant for attending the E-conference- https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bgKbyeL8S7ivKeMusDqIog