The Hindu Business Line : Foundrymen plea to cut import duty on pig iron

THE Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) is pushing for a reduction in import duty on pig iron to bring down prices, and for development of foundry clusters to enhance competitiveness of small and medium units, according to a press release from the institute.

The press release said that it is crucial that pig iron is available at economical prices for the industry. The institute has also approached the casting buyers to adopt a pragmatic approach to the foundry industry for long-term survival.

The IIF is campaigning with the UNIDO for cluster promotion at various centres. The success of this approach has been demonstrated at Belgaum where a cluster of foundries has been able to tap the export market.

With exports taking centre stage for business and growth, the institute has chosen as the theme for the 52nd Foundry Congress, "India - The emerging hub for casting components". The congress is to be held at Hyderabad between February 6 and 8, 2004.

The congress and an exhibition, Foundrex 2004, to be held simultaneously will bring together buyers and sellers from domestic and international markets and showcase the latest technologies, the release said.

The drop in interest among the young to follow career opportunities in the foundry industry is another area of concern. With new industries attracting greater interest, leading educational institutions are curtailing or closing foundry technology courses.

The IIF is collaborating with engineering colleges to update the curricula, the release said.

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