iCEMA – New President speaks

Sandeep Singh, iCEMA Managing Director TATA HITACHI

New President speaks about the new budget declaration and the impact on the CE market, the collaboration of iCEMA and bauma CONEXPO INDIA and the plans and aims of iCEMA.

During our recent conversations, Mr. Singh shares his views on the industry, action plan and his expectation from bauma CONEXPO INDIA.

Here are the excerpts of the interview.

What is the current potential of the construction equipment market after the budget declaration?

We think this is a growth-oriented budget, where the Government has laid specific emphasis on infrastructure development. All the initiatives spoken of, to improve road, suburban railways, and Metro connectivity; to create a robust water management system augur well for the construction equipment industry. The budget seems to strike a balance between adressing the objective of inclusivity and laying the path for a $5-trillion economy by focusing on infrastructure spending. However, there are many factors such as availability of funds, continued reforms and investment, global financial conditions and so on that need to align well.

What are the future joint plans of bauma CONEXPO INDIA and iCEMA for construction equipment sector manufacturers?

iCEMA would try and leverage these opportunities to gain greater visibility for its member organizations. We would like to announce to the world the arrival of a mature and confident CE Industry in India. While we offer the perceptive Indian customer the best in technology and range of products, we would also explore avenues of export, fresh partnerships and greater collaboration with all stakeholders.

Discuss your plan of action as President iCEMA?

"iCEMA, the Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association, represents the Construction Equipment Industry - an industry vital to the progress of the Nation. We are a vibrant, growing body of over 50 companies, which manufacture, trade and support a variety of products, that contribute to the sustainable development of the nation's Infrastructure.

Our various panels work on initiatives such as:

• Represent the perspectives of the Industry with the Government on Technical issues, such as Emission Norms, Standards, Safety and Environment.
• Provide Budget recommendations and Industry views on Trade-related issues such as multilateral agreements, which could impact our Industry
• Have frequent interactions with various Govern­ment Agencies, such as the MoRTH, Railways and others to have a clear understanding of investments and plans in critical sectors, that drive demand
• Organize conferences, that focus on technologies, which would shape the future, such as IOT, Autonomous Haulage and Al.
• Expand our engagement with Financiers through constant interactions and host an Annual Event
• Interface with other global Construction Equipment Associations like iCEMA, KOCEMA, AEM to share information on global trends of demand and technology shifts.
• Work with IESC on providing critical skilling to operators and mechanics.
• Include more members into our fold, so that we grow in size and influence"