Indian Steel Association Announces the First International Steel Conclave in India

· With India poised to become the world’s second largest steel producing country, ISA Steel Conclave to chart out industry trends that help the domestic and global investors

· ISA joins hands with Messe Frankfurt as event partner for the first edition

· Discourse between industry leadership and market influencers on the Steel Demand & Supply dynamics

New Delhi, September 26, 2018

The USD 100 billion Indian steel industry is estimated to grow at a rapid pace in 2018 and beyond. As demand from key sectors such as construction, capital goods, automobiles and consumer goods grows, it is important that the industry leaders from the public and private sector keep the momentum going. With an aim to bring industry leaders and market influencers together to address the opportunities, challenges, future innovations and sustainability factors that will come with this growth, Indian Steel Association together with the support of the Ministry of Steel has announced the launch of the first “International Steel Conclave” in India. The association has also tied up with Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India as event partner to host its first edition.

Dr Bhaskar Chatterjee, Secretary General Indian Steel Association said: “The ISA, with the support of the Ministry of Steel, is proud to announce the launch of “ISA – Steel Conclave 2018” to be held on October 2018 which aims to cover pertinent issues on Indian as well as global perspectives of the steel industry. We are also glad to join hands with Messe Frankfurt and feel that their expertise and reach across sectors in India will help bring key stakeholders together. With the industry witnessing an uptick in demand for steel and its utilization, we are confident that the critical insights on international steel trade and its challenges will enable the sector to create an environment for improved trade opportunities.”

Slated from October 25 – 26, 2018 at The Lalit Hotel, New Delhi, India, the inaugural edition of the conference is expected to bring industry leadership together with government and consultants to address integral issues like international steel trade and its challenges, problems faced in extracting, supplying, transporting and pricing of raw materials, future innovations and technology that can be introduced in the industry.

The debut edition is expected to be inaugurated at the hands of Hon’ble Union Minister of Steel Shri Birender Singh who shared: “I am glad to know that International Steel Conclave is being organised in October 2018. The Indian steel industry is a brilliant example of power of intent, intervention and initiative. Steel production has increased by 26% in the last 4 years and the consumption has increased by 22%. Over 86% steel products in the country are covered under quality control orders. GRF Guidelines 2017 and DMISP Policy are landmark developments aimed at a stronger and bigger steel industry. STRMI and Secondary Steel awards are in the process of taking their final shape. As we emerge stronger with each new bold measure and each novel policy and innovation, I see the future of industry very bright and encouraging. I wish the conclave all the success.”

Mr Raj Manek, Managing Director, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd said: “The steady growth of the industry and the strong initiatives taken by the government gives us the perfect opportunity to host the International Steel Conclave in India. Looking at the potential that this industry holds, we are proud to combine strengths with Indian Steel Association and are confident that together we can bring industry stakeholders on a common platform.”

The two day conclave will be divided into various sessions that will target aspects of steel use in India, challenges and opportunities in international steel trade, innovations and technology, future trends and challenges highlighting issues related to raw materials, finance & investments, logistics infrastructure, energy efficiency among other themes. Highlighting the demand and supply of raw materials and finished goods, the conclave will also talk about end user’s perspective and innovative applications within the industry. Also, with India poised to become the world’s second largest steel producing country, the conclave will enable domestic and global investors foresee future trends leading the sector into a “future-ready” state.

The platform has also attracted support from the global industry body - World Steel Association on taking up the much-needed industry themes that will challenge industry outlook. Talking about the importance of bringing the stakeholders together, Dr Edwin Basson, Director General, World Steel Association shared, “I am delighted to see the inaugural session of the Indian Steel Association’s conclave taking place this year. India is the undoubted global star in terms of growth in steel use, something which is reflected in the strongly developing economy in general. It is an exciting context for industry stakeholders to come together in and I don’t doubt that everyone will enjoy a fruitful and interesting dialogue”

ISA currently represents both of the Public Sector steel producers of the country, namely SAIL and RINL, and around sixty percent of crude steel production in India and intends to be focal point for steel industry related deliberations in the country and abroad. Messe Frankfurt holds a portfolio of 20 prestigious trade fair brands and over 35 conferences in India targeting sectors of automotive, automation, lighting, technology, textiles, consumer goods, entertainment, media and creative industries and environment technology industries. Combining their strengths for this edition, ISA and Messe Frankfurt India are confident that this platform will serve a high-level platform for the discourse of challenges and measures that can create improved trade opportunities.