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Chemexcil to organise Chem Expo 2002 in Mumbai

Our Bureau

NEW DELHI, Aug. 9

THE Basic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Export Promotion Council (Chemexcil) will organise the Chem Expo 2002 from February 12 to 14 in Mumbai by showcasing the best of Indian industry with a view to fostering synergies for global competitivenes s.

Participating in a curtain raiser function here to announce the Chem Expo 2002, the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Mr Digvijay Singh, said the event would not only provide a platform for a high-level interaction between the members of Chemexc il with international companies, but would also make a significant contribution towards the country's export growth.

Mr Singh lauded the industry for logging an export growth rate of 22 per cent to earn Rs 17,693 crore by way of foreign exchange through exports last year. He said with the opening of the economy and deregulation, the focus has shifted from regulation to promotion of exports in the face of fierce global competition in quality, price, delivery and compliance of global standards. He said some of the major products of Chemexcil such as pharmaceuticals are comparable with international products in terms of safety, efficacy and quality.

The Minister cautioned that with the imminent advent of the product patent regime from January 2005, Indian pharma companies must to invest more in R&D to remain competitive in the international arena. As ayurvedic and herbal products too had gained reco gnition abroad, Chemexcil must play a complementary, catalytic role in promoting the export of these products.

In his remarks, the Chemexcil Chairman, Mr Kishore Chokhani, said the launch of Chem Expo 2002 will coincide with the industry's gravity getting shifted to Asia. He said strategic partnering is the mantra for success in the chemical industry -- not just between companies but between countries. He said the forthcoming event would generate business worth Rs 100 crore.

Giving the outline of various sub-sects of the industry, the Chemexcil President said in Indian pharma industry, there are now 250 large units and 800 small-scale units and the country manufactures 400 bulk drugs and more than 20,000 formulations. He sai d Indian dyes and dyestuff industry consists of approximately 900 small units and 50 large units which exports its products to the European Union, the US, Indonesia, Hong Kong, South Korea and Egypt.

With more Governmental support, the dyestuff industry plans to target export of $2 billion by 2005, which would be 10 per cent of the total world production, he added. The Indian dyestuff industry is paying attention to banned chemicals and has worked ha rd to improve environmental conditions and eliminate health hazards while keeping in view cost-effectiveness.

Mr Chokhani said Indian organic and inorganic and agro chemical industries had been identified by the Exim Bank study as having high export potential and outsourcing has opened up new opportunities for the Indian industry.

He said Chem Expo 2002 would provide a unique chance of addressing decision-makers and serious buyers across the world without moving out of the country. As many as 300 exhibitors and over 3,000 visitors would be expected to take part in the event, he sa id.