The Ministry of Mines organized a Webinar titled, ‘India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and benefits to the Indian mineral sector’, today under the chairmanship of Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines. The webinar was held with the objective of bringing together Indian mineral industry to discuss potential benefits and opportunities arising from India-UK CETA. Moderated by Economic Adviser (Mines), Shri Shakil Alam, the Webinar was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Mines and its organisations; Minister (Economic), High Commission of India (HCI), London, UK; and industry leaders and representatives of several industry associations viz. Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI), Aluminium Association of India (AAI), Aluminium Secondary Manufacturers Association (ASMA) and Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI); Notified Private Exploration Agencies, etc.

In his Address, Secretary (Mines) Shri V L Kantha Rao highlighted the opportunities for the Indian mineral sector, particularly the aluminium industry, in terms of enhanced market access and competitiveness in the FTA partner country. Towards making good use of the CETA provisions, he emphasized the need to understand product demand in UK through roadshows. He also cited opportunities in R&D collaboration between the two countries.

A presentation on opportunities for Indian Aluminium Industry after India-UK CETA was made by Shri Rajiv Kumar, CEO (Aluminium), Vedanta Group, on behalf of the Aluminium Association of India. Shri B.P. Singh, CMD NALCO; Shri Rajesh Kumar, CEO BALCO; Shri B.K. Bhatia, DG FIMI; and other industry leaders from Hindalco, ASMA and MRAI, in their interventions welcomed the trade pact and highlighted ways and means by which Indian mineral industry, especially the Aluminium primary and secondary sector, can gain market momentum in the UK. Dr. Anupam Agnihotri, Director, JNARDDC shared insights on how institutional cooperation in R&D can be taken forward. Ms. Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Minister (Eco), HCI London, spoke about market access gains from catering to specific product demands in the UK. She also emphasized great scope to work on R&D through the Chapter on Innovation in the Agreement.   

Over 230 participants from across the industry joined the Webinar.

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Shuhaib T

(Release ID: 2155746)