MSME-led industrial clusters offer a way forward for Bengal’s chemical sector

216

Synopsis

Industry experts at ChEMEAST 2026 say West Bengal’s chemical sector can be revived by backing MSMEs and startups, supported by clearer policies and collaboration. With large-scale projects stalled, speakers highlighted smaller, innovation-led industrial clusters as the most practical path forward.

Summary

Kolkata hosted the ChEMEAST 2026 conclave — a strategic forum convening policymakers, academicians, and industry stakeholders to chart a future for Bengal’s chemical and allied industries. Despite the abandonment of the Nayachar PCPIR project more than a decade ago, experts believe the state’s strong MSME base can serve as a catalyst for revival and expansion of the sector.

Padma Shri G. D. Yadav, president of the Indian Chemical Society and former vice-chancellor of ICT Mumbai, stressed that West Bengal’s MSME growth leadership in India positions it well to drive broader industrial resurgence. He advocated for a single-window policy regime to simplify regulatory engagement and enable faster scaling for smaller enterprises, especially when collaborating with larger industry players. The vision includes establishing dedicated chemical industry zones inspired by global models such as Singapore’s petrochemical hubs.

Organising secretary Debashis Ghosh outlined the conclave’s role in bridging innovation with regional industrial development. He pointed to opportunities in green energy transitions, digitisation, improved logistics, and modern infrastructure as essential enablers for growth. Biswanath Chattopadhyay, CEO of IVL Dhunseri and chair of the organising committee, highlighted the importance of innovation, circular economy principles, and green technologies in transforming sectoral competitiveness.

The conclave’s discussions underscored the need for policy clarity, enhanced collaboration between startups and established firms, and adoption of sustainable practices to attract domestic and global investment. Speakers framed the eastern industrial corridor as a future powerhouse for chemical and allied industries—provided that targeted support and modernization strategies are implemented systematically.