GDMA presents export awards for 2003-04

A glittering export award presentation function for export of dyes & dye intermediates for the year 2003-04 was organized by The Gujarat Dyestuffs Manufacturers' Association, Ahmedabad where Export Award/Trophies/ Certificate of Merit for excellent export performance were awarded to the winners at the august hands of chief guest Pankaj Patel, CMD, Cadila Healthcare and guest of honour D Rajagopalan, principal secretary, Dept. of Industries & Mines, Govt. of Gujarat recently.

The outstanding winners were Metrochem Industries, Meghmani Organics, Meghmani Dyes & Intermediates, Ambuja Intermediates, Shah Industries, Crystal Quinone, Aksharchem (India), etc.

While congratulating the exporters for their outstanding export performance, Mr Rajagopalan pointed out that ever since liberation of the economy since 1991 both GoI and the state government have been giving a number of facilities and incentives and liberalising them from time to time in areas like R&D, quality centre establishment, cleaner production, training manpower, seminar and exhibitions participation abroad, induction of technology, etc.

Govt of Gujarat has prepared the industrial policy and various schemes in consultation with Industry and exporters whereby an effort is made to address the requirements and industries not only today but also in future. Mr Patel emphatically stressed that while globalisation is at our doorstep, industry is also fast changing to adapt to new environment of competitiveness.

As regards the Chinese threat, he pointed out although Indian industry is at a comparative disadvantage vis-a-vis China in terms of cost of inputs, energy cost, cost of capital, yet due to better image of India in terms of quality and delivery globally we can meet the Chinese challenge and compete successfully by resorting to innovation, evolving right time products, proper sourcing of intermediates and raw materials and thereby lower price and take advantage of the emerging situation.

He, therefore made a powerful plea for achieving economies of scale by resorting to consolidation of units so that operational cost can be reduced and wealth creation can be maximised. This is imperative for survival at the global scale. Speed is the essence of globalisation and even if you don't consolidate, it will happen. Japanese companies have done the same thing and have succeeded by resorting to mergers and creation of conglomerates. This is the dire need of the time otherwise small industrial units will not survive in the race.

He also welcomed the support priority given by Govt. of Gujarat development of clusters infrastructure, R&D and creation of research centre, technology upgradation, training of menpower and development of new technology. He highlighted that according to his experience large market or great technology are not necessary but customer problems should be addressed and if that is done, the whole market will move forward.

Earlier, Mr K I Patel, president, GDMA while welcoming guests and exporters pointed out that when Gujarat is fast emerging as chemical state and dyes and dye intermediates contribute to 60% of the total exports of the country (i.e. Rs 3200 crore), it is highly essential and desirable that Govt. of Gujarat should provide more incentives and facilities for exports.