Opportunity for Growth – With the consumption of polymer raw materials lower than the national average, but demand for finished products same as the other regions, Eastern India offers a ready market for new entrepreneurs. Eastern India is on the growth path in the polymer-processing sector. Today, about 100 KT of finished plastic products are entering the region from other regions. Besides, growth in cement sector, food processing, cold storing and handling, infrastructure and housing, agriculture, water management, and retailing are acting as drivers for growth in the eastern region. Even the automobile sector has made a beginning (estimated potential of plastic auto component by 2009 is estimated at 6000 MT in Eastern India). Export of finished plastic products to neighbouring countries as well as to Europe and USA are the other areas presenting large-scale opportunities. During 2005 – 06 an estimated 30 KT plastic finished and semi-finished products were exported from the eastern region. All these growth drivers together are leading to large-scale polymer consumption in PP, PVC, HDPE, LLDPE, PET, PS, HIPS, ABS and other polymers. These growth drivers are further supported by the special incentive scheme offered by the Govt. of India to the North Eastern States.
Many new Processing units will start Production by 2007 on first phase of 50 acres of Poly Park initiated by IPF under WBIDC umbrella near Kolkata. More such Poly Parks are under negotiation.
Center of Excellence will be set up by IPF on One acre of land allotted by WBIDC at Poly Park. This center will boost Processing of Polymers with new developments. INDPLAS’06 revenue will support this centre.
The Logistics Advantage – Eastern India through its ports of Kolkata, Paradeep and Haldia provides excellent facilities for its hinterland like U. P. , Bihar, Jharkhand, parts of Chattisgarh, Assam and other North Eastern states as well as for Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. One can reach a potential market of 475 million people in this region.
