Question : SETTING UP OF CHEMICAL INDUSTRY ABROAD

(a) whether the Government proposes to set up Special Economic Zone for the Indian Chemical Industry in other countries including Iran and Myanmar;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the purpose behind the move;

(c) whether the Government has taken up the matter with respective Governments of the said countries in this regard;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the response received therefrom; and

(e) the other steps taken by the Government to help the Indian chemical and petro-chemical industry to source raw material and feedstock at affordable rates?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRINIHALCHAND)

(a) to (d) Government of India is exploring the possibility of developing reverse Special Economic Zones abroad. Consultations with other Departments like Department of Fertilizers, Department of Commerce. Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs etc. are on and details are being worked out.

(e) The Government has introduced Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Region Policy (PCPIR) in 2007. Each PCPIR would have a refinery/ petrochemical feedstock company as an Anchor Tenant for easy and affordable supply of a raw materials and feedstock to the downstream industry.