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We need a distinctive chemical e-marketplace and exchange portal from Gujarat.
It should offer trading modules focusing on logistics, order tracking and payment
collection. It could also offer the “Reverse Auction,” capability which would deal
with bulk purchases and serve as a platform for buyers to set up an auction for
their requirements. Sellers, approved by the buyer could bid to supply.
Ultimately, it should evolve into the leading exchange of chemicals purchase and
supply as well as serve as an e-marketplace for the chemical industry.
The steps that Indian chemical ventures are taking in the world of e-business
and the manner in which they are looking at integrating into the global economy should
serve as a major spur for this industry in Gujarat.
Gujarat, India’s gateway to the chemical market, needs to take the lead in
e-nabling this sector as well.
The state government has to ensure that not only do
foreign investments come flooding into this industry, but that companies operating
in this market are keeping abreast of the developments taking place overseas.
If e-marketplaces are the order of the day abroad, Gujarat too must encourage trading
on e-platforms. In order to do this, not only will the state have to create awareness
about the chemical e-marketplace but will also have to look at providing robust
telecom infrastructure and adequate bandwidth to companies participating in the
e-business led economy.
The Government has to recognize the fact that though the state is an attractive
target for international buyers and sellers, especially in the areas of petrochemicals,
bulk drugs, dyes and intermediaries and fine and specialty chemicals, it is a difficult
region to conduct trade with.
Too many middlemen, lack of an information–based environment and absence of
direct contact between buyers and sellers pose impediments to the growth of this
sector. The IT-fication of the chemical industry could be a way of circumventing
some of these problems. The government then has to play the role of enabler for
Gujarat’s chemical industry. If Keshubhai and his think tank are able to create an
environment conducive to the conduct of e-business, the chemical sector within
the state could create the right sparks — in fact, create a huge blast in the international
market.
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