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The INTERCEM INDIA meeting has been successfully concluded with close to 300 delegates from 36 countries attending at the 5 star Grand Hyatt Hotel in Mumbai.
Despite the ever worsening international economic news and some civil unrest brought about by the arrest of a local political activist in Mumbai, the event started on Wednesday evening with a welcome reception. This was a good opportunity for delegates and speakers to meet and familiarise themselves with local customs and listen to some Indian classical music.
Thursday morning dawned with the news that the political activist had been released on bail and the City had once again returned to normal. This good news meant that the attendees could relax and concentrate on the programme of presentations which had been prepared for them. Following the official opening, the keynote address was given by Mr H.M Bangur, President of the Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA) and Managing Director of Shree and Bangur Cements. Mr Bangur emphasised the growing influence of the Indian cement industry and the emerging role it is playing in global cement matters. This was closely followed by an address by Mr P. Kulkarni, Wholetime Director of Ambuja Cement who devoted his time to detailing the progress that the Indian cement industry is playing in the area of environmental protection and energy conservation.
Dalmia Cement Managing Director Puneet Dalmia then delivered an inspiring presentation of his vision for the Indian cement industry in the future which drew much praise from delegates who were clearly impressed with this dynamic young business leader and his ability to articulate his strong desire for growth with corporate responsibility.
The morning finished with a hugely detailed and informative view of the global picture for cement supply and demand from regular INTERCEM contributor, Arnaud Pinatel of BNP Paribas.
Following a lunch of traditional Indian dishes the afternoon session commenced by looking at regional economies and prospects for the cement industries in Pakistan, Bangladesh and the GCC. Speakers Irfan Amanullah from Attock Cement Pakistan and Ikram Khan from Shun Shing Hong Kong were able to give delegates first - hand experience from these neighbouring markets.
The first day ended with a spectacular Gala Dinner hosted by INTERCEM Global Corporate Sponsor, Star Cement. Delegates were entertained by a wide range of Indian performers who took turns to amaze in equal measure as they walked on nails and built human towers to the Ballroom ceiling. The evening concluded to the sound of Punjabi drums and much dancing by those participants who still had the energy to do so.
The morning of the second day started of by looking in some detail at the world’s largest cement market, China. Representatives from CNBM and Sinoma, two of China’s largest equipment suppliers, shared the stage and provided delegates with useful information on technical developments in the field of cement production and waste heat generation. This was followed by a detailed appraisal of the current status of cement demand and supply given by Su Zhang from BNP Paribas.
The session before lunch concentrated on environmental protection and the introduction of CDM principals, the speaker PK Ghosh had obviously spent a long time in gathering his highly detailed and painstaking presentation. The morning finished with a short session on the difficult subject of freight market developments. Given that freight rates have fallen through the floor in recent days it was difficult to provide information that would add anything to a highly volatile situation.
As is traditionally the case, the last afternoon was given over to the INTERCEM TECH FORUM which included presentations on mechanical and pneumatic handling of cement from INTERCEM regulars FL Smidth and Van Aalst Bulk Handling
Despite the extremely challenging circumstances brought about by a global meltdown in financial markets and riots as a result of local political issues, the INTERCEM INDIA meeting was hailed by attendees as an outstanding success, bringing together as it did, local Indian companies and their international colleagues for two days of stimulating debate and unbeatable networking opportunity.
We look forward with eagerness to our next visit to the country of bewildering cultural and ethnic diversity. |