Q 1 What is the one thing that you wish for the benefit of your industry segment?
A I would like that the raw material sourcing issue for both coking / non-coking coal and iron ore is settled with all the road blocks cleared. This would pave the way for investment in mining exploration, availability of raw material for value addition viz. production of steel and reducing imports particularly of iron ore in which India has adequate resources. As the global prices of raw material have come down significantly in 2014, it should have a similar impact on the domestic prices.
Q 2 What will be the most important thing that you would like to achieve in 2015?
A In 2015, I would like to see a trend around in manufacturing growth and a steady improvement in fixed capital formation. The positive attitude of the new Government to help the ailing manufacturing sector by enhancing investment, productivity and export efforts must lead to a respectable growth in all steel intensive manufacturing segments like capital goods, consumer durables including machinery & equipment sectors.
Q 3 What is your message to our readers for the year ahead?
A The readers in 2015 must see a change in the focus of the media on growth and developmental issues of the country where peace and environmental issues would also become predominant.
Sushim Banerjee is the Director General of INSDAG – the INSTITUTE FOR STEEL DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH (Promoted by Ministry of Steel, Govt. of India and all the major steel producers)