Searching for an Indian niche in the Indian petrochemical industry

Abstract

The paper examines the status of Indian Petrochemical Industry in the context of world situation. Based on data analysis and interviews, the paper identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the industry in the new liberalised economic scenario in the country and business environment in the world. The paper concludes that if the Indian Petrochemical industry has to make a mark in the world market it should concentrate on the high value addition consumer products and gradually move back to end-use petrochemicals, basics and intermediates. It also recommends creating an international niche in the engineering components market segment while focussing on the mass-implement this strategy, the industry in the short run, should enter into technical/financial collaboration with the international leaders. Additionally, it should also focus on product and process innovations to be able to make a mark in the world market. In the long run, however the industry must invest in the research and development and own its own technology if it intends to carve a permanent niche. The paper also identificate to improving productivity and reorienting regard to raw material and tariffs as initial steps.