The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) convened a high-level stakeholder consultation in New Delhi to discuss strategies for revitalising export-oriented industrial clusters, following key announcements in the Union Budget 2026.
The meeting, held at Vanijya Bhawan, brought together representatives from Export Promotion Councils, industry associations, financial institutions, research bodies, and government departments. It aimed to translate policy announcements into actionable steps through continued engagement with industry stakeholders.
Holistic Approach to Cluster Development
Participants emphasised the need for a comprehensive strategy that combines infrastructure development with capacity building, technology adoption, and improved market access. Strengthening domestic manufacturing—especially in sectors with high import dependence—was highlighted as a priority to enhance resilience and global competitiveness.
Stakeholders also underscored the importance of developing robust testing, certification, and quality infrastructure to reduce reliance on overseas facilities and improve export readiness.
Innovation, Technology and MSME Integration
The discussions stressed promoting innovation, research and development, and technology commercialisation within industrial clusters. Special focus was placed on supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), enabling them to improve productivity and integrate more effectively into global value chains.
Enhancing MSMEs’ access to finance, upgrading capabilities, and expanding their participation in export markets emerged as key themes during the consultation.
Governance Reforms and Ease of Doing Business
Participants called for stronger governance mechanisms, including industry-led Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and cluster-level facilitation systems to support investors. Simplifying regulatory processes and improving awareness of government schemes were identified as critical steps to improve ease of doing business.
Flexibility at state and district levels for context-specific implementation was also recommended to ensure effective on-ground execution.
Future-Ready Industrial Ecosystems
The consultation highlighted the need to develop integrated industrial ecosystems that include social and urban infrastructure to support workforce retention and long-term sustainability. Strengthening design capabilities, innovation ecosystems, and intellectual property frameworks were also discussed.
Stakeholders further recommended developing sustainable financing models and leveraging existing government initiatives to scale high-potential clusters.
Strong Industry Participation
The meeting saw participation from leading industry bodies such as ASSOCHAM, FICCI, CII, PHDCCI, NASSCOM, and SIDBI, along with research organisations like CSIR and the National Productivity Council. Representatives from major corporates including Reliance, Tata Chemicals, Relaxo, Beumer Group, and JLL also contributed to the discussions.
The session was chaired by DPIIT Secretary Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, while NICDC CEO & Managing Director Shri Rajat Kumar Saini guided the deliberations, emphasising continued stakeholder engagement to operationalise cluster development frameworks.
About NICDC
NICDC is the Government of India’s nodal agency responsible for planning and developing industrial corridors and greenfield smart cities aimed at strengthening manufacturing and improving logistics competitiveness.
The consultation marks an important step towards converting Budget announcements into practical reforms to enhance India’s position in global trade and industrial growth.
Source : PIB
Edited by D.Rishidhar Reddy
About The Author
