By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : September 12, 2025 3:53 pm
The meeting witnessed brainstorming on trade remedial frameworks, streamlining QCOs & BIS implementation, navigating FTAs, BTAs with the US, EU, and Asia
The FICCI National Chemicals Committee convened a meeting in Mumbai bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on growth, competitiveness, and policy priorities for India’s chemical sector.
The meeting was graced by Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, along with Deepankar Aron, Joint Secretary (Chemicals), DCPC, Government of India.
The meeting was chaired by Deepak Mehta, Chair, FICCI Chemicals Committee & CMD, Deepak Nitrite Ltd, who set the tone of deliberations by highlighting the challenges confronting the chemical industry amidst ongoing geopolitical developments, particularly the impact of US tariffs.
Jayant V Dhobley, Co-Chair, FICCI Chemicals Committee & Business Head & CEO, Global Chemicals, Fashion Yarn & Insulators, Aditya Birla Group, and Rajendra V Gogri, Co-Chair, FICCI Chemicals Committee & CMD, Aarti Industries Ltd, also shared insights on global competitiveness, R&D, and the need for progressive policy reforms.
The meeting witnessed brainstorming on trade remedial frameworks, streamlining QCOs & BIS implementation, navigating Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Bilateral Trade Agreements (BTAs) with the US, EU, and Asia. It also delved deep on policy rationalization, tariff adjustments, tax reforms, strengthening R&D and innovation as well hazard management and accident preparedness.
In her address, Nivedita Shukla Verma urged members to share challenges and regular updates with the government. She emphasized that disruptions, though temporary, must also be seen as opportunities.
She provided the government’s perspective on QCOs and the ongoing discussions on FTAs and BTAs, along with insights into the thought process behind the review of PCPIRs and the proposed development of chemical parks as recommended in the NITI Aayog report.
She encouraged the formation of core industry committees to provide structured inputs for the development of chemical parks, ensuring these initiatives are aligned with industry requirements and long-term sustainability.
She further underlined the government’s initiatives for the sector and called upon companies to strengthen their R&D efforts and share feedback to help shape long-term sustainable policies.