~CEAMA Annual Function themed as ‘Indian ACE industry celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ deliberated on the enhanced role of the ACE industry in building the nation~

DELHI, NOVEMBER 16, 2022 (GPN): Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA), the apex industry body for the Appliances and Consumer Electronics (ACE) industry concluded its 43rd annual function themed as “Indian ACE industry celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”.

Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Over 200+ decision makers and influencers participated in the annual event. Mr. Eric Braganza, President, CEAMA presided over the function.

Shri Piyush Goyal also unveiled a report by CEAMA in association with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH titled ‘Towards a Sustainable CEEW Value Chain – Mapping and plugging leakages’ with the objective to improve e-waste management in India. The study aims to identify and suggest recommendations to plug leakages of e-waste, to help improve the recovery of recycled materials contributing to building a better circular economy. The key observations from an extensive household survey revealed that an average of 65% respondents are aware of e-waste but only 34% are aware of how to dispose it scientifically.  A supportive partnership between the public and private sectors is essential.  It is important for the industry to establish a self-sufficient manufacturing eco-system in order to grow and become competitive. 

The event highlighted challenges and opportunities faced by India’s Appliance and Consumer Electronics (ACE) industry and the numerous opportunities that can support the boom in Indian ACE Industry. Today, India is one of the fastest growing ACE markets in the world. With the low penetration levels in most of the product categories, the industry comprising of large and small appliances and consumer electronics is estimated to double its value in the next 3 years to reach 1.48 lakh cr. by 2025.

It further shed light on the initiatives like the PLI scheme in ACs that have supported the growth in manufacturing, and FDI in consumer electronics that has almost doubled from 198m USD in 2021, to 481m USD till June 22. 

Addressing the audience at the event, Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles said, “India with 1.4 billion people today provides the largest market opportunity available anywhere in the world. Developed countries of the world are now keen to do free trade agreements or comprehensive economic partnerships with India. FTA negotiations are underway with UK, Canada, EU, Israel and one more important FTA will be launched next week (With GCC). I appreciate the industry for their bold leadership on negotiating on an equal basis while dealing with the developed nations. This shows the courage of conviction of Industry in their ability to compete with the best,”

He further added,” the Government has made significant structural changes to the Indian economy and cited ease of doing business, improvement in Global Innovation Index rankings, success of schemes like production linked incentive scheme. Remarkable growth in the mobile industry from two manufacturers to nearly 200 manufacturers is a living example of the success.”

India is a ‘SMART’ country. Where‘S’ stands for sustainability. Sustainability should be the hallmark of the consumer electronics industry. ‘M’ stands for India’s manufacturing capabilities, ‘A’ stands for Atmanirbhar Bharat. We must encourage the component ecosystem in India to become an Atma nirbhar consumer electronics manufacturing base.‘R’ stands for Rating. The industry should consider having quality ratings with the Made in India label on self-regulation principles. ‘T’ stands for technology. It will determine the success of our industry. The industry will truly become the flag bearers of new prosperous India, which will provide job opportunities to every single child born in India, and produce world class products in India.

Mr. Eric Braganza – President of CEAMA, said, “CEAMA has always been committed to support the government initiative and E-waste has been one of it. E-waste is a global challenge and it is crucial for us to collectively tackle the issue. Talking about ACE industry, we believe that there is exponential growth possible. We recently underwent a global pandemic and the Indian ACE industry, despite all the hurdles, experienced significant growth. This sector has the potential to become the engine of economic growth and create substantial job opportunities. To boost domestic manufacturing, we look forward to more PLI schemes in other product categories, which will strengthen the component manufacturing base in India to reduce dependence on imports, thereby propelling the clarion call on ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

“We as an industry, are eager to be involved in the transformative process that this sector can engender, the outcome will require a multi-faceted approach. Today, the Annual event was a perfect platform to engage and exchange ideas on how growth of the appliance and electronics sector can be accelerated and the benefits that can accrue to the sector, and indeed the nation, from sustained growth. With close interaction with the Government, let us work together towards fulfilling the vision of our PM of making India Atmanirbhar Bharat and turning our industry into an alternative manufacturing hub and a major export destination for the world”, he added.

Commemorating 43 years of the ACE industry, CEAMA also felicitated its industry members for their contribution to the Indian ACE industry. It bestowed the ‘Man of small appliances award’ upon Mr. Anuj Poddar, MD & CEO, Bajaj Electricals, and ‘Man of Consumer Electronics OEM Award’ upon Mr. Shri Atul B Lall, Vice Chairman & MD, Dixon Technologies.

While expressing his views, Mr Ravi Shankar Chaudhary, Secretary General, CEAMA said, “Indian consumers are gradually being more aware about e-waste, but there is a gap in understanding how to dispose it. The informal sector is currently doing well with where they are at and would need motivation to integrate with the formal sector. Platforms such as today’s event, are crucial for bringing the industry together and drawing attention to important matters.”

“The ACE industry has moved to a completely different paradigm and is gradually edging toward fulfilling the dream of India becoming the hub of manufacturing, and ultimately an economic superpower. The recent developments have strongly impacted the global supply chains, leading to huge gap in the demand-supply chain. However, the ACE industry is endeavoring to fine-tune its business models towards adapting to the disruptions, in turn, catalyzing the domestic manufacturing”, he added.

Dheeraj Mukherjee, Head of Sales – India, GfK delivered a knowledge session on the topic “Current & future trends for ACE industry“. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mukherjee said, “Although the consumer tech and Durables market outlook is likely to remain positive, we can expect tightened household budgets due to inflation and geo-political unrest. As per GfK Market Intelligence POS Retail Tracking, with a 10% CAGR Value growth of premium segment in Total consumer tech and durables category during this year, the premiumization trend is expected to continue. The Pandemic restrictions are being dialed back but digitization and smart homes remain an opportunity for select categories.” Ends