Assam getting closer to become a major exporter of petrochemicals: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said that state is getting closer in becoming a major exporter of petrochemicals as the state has sent first consignment of methanol to Bangladesh. Sarma tweeted, “We are one step closer to establish Assam as a major exporter of petrochemicals. Today, we flagged off the first methanol consignment to Bangladesh from Assam Petrochemical Plant, which was inaugurated by Hon PM in April '23.” Sarma said that government is heavily investing in the petrochemical sector by increasing its stake in Numaligarh Refinery Limited, investing in new projects of Assam Petrochemicals Limited among others.

The Chief Minister also laid the foundation for the development of Joypur Chariali and Namrup Sonari Tiniali road to facilitate movement of industrial outputs from Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizers Corporation Limited, Assam Petrochemicals Limited and Namrup Thermal Plant. Sarma said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 500 TPD plant of APL on April 14, 2023 and the plant has started producing methanol. He felt happy to inaugurate the process of transporting the methanol produced in APL to neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.

This will help the government to establish Assam as a petrochemical hub. With this development, along with exporting its produce to foreign countries, the financial health of APL will also be strengthened, the Chief Minister added. Sarma said that for strengthening BVFCL, New Delhi helped the company with Rs.

100 crore and State government helped it with the construction of hospital. He said that contrary to Rs. 98 crore loss incurred by the BVFCL last year, the company registered a profit of Rs.