NEW DELHI, April 13 � Notwithstanding the delay in implementation of the Gas Cracker Project, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has asked Government of Assam to initiate steps to promote plastic processing industry in the North Eastern region to boost the prospect of downstream industries.
In a formal communication, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) has asked the Assam Government to initiate necessary action for organising an exhibition for promotion of downstream plastic processing industries in the North East.
The Monitoring Committee meeting held at the Prime Minister�s Office (PMO) has decided in the meeting that the next exhibition for promotion of plastic processing industries should be held in Dibrugarh.
Last May, the North East International Plasto Fair was organised at Guwahati by the Government of Assam in coordination with the DCPC and industry associations. In a letter to the Commissioner and Secretary (Industry), Government of Assam, the DCPC has reminded that development and promotion of downstream industries was an integral part of implementation of the Assam Gas Cracker project.� In this context, organisation of fairs, exhibitions to showcase and highlight the potential of downstream plastic processing industries for implementation of the project is vital to facilitate growth of plastic industry in the North Eastern Region,� the DCPC letter said.
The outcome of the Guwahati exhibition was found to be encouraging with local entrepreneurs showing interest in setting up plastic process industries as a result of the exhibition. The feedback also formed part of the deliberations held in the monitoring committee meeting on the implementation of the Gas cracker Project held here, DCPC sources said.The State Government is therefore requested to initiate necessary action for organising another exhibition for promotion of downstream plastic processing industries in the North-east. �According to the latest revision, the Assam Gas Cracker Project is now likely to be completed by the end of 2013 and cost has escalated to over Rs 9,000 crore from Rs 5460 crore.
