‘We Are Urging Manufacturers To Set Up Operations Here'

Sajjan Jindal, chairman of JSW Group, on avoiding dependence on Chinese imports, the likelihood of the economy picking up from October and opportunities during the coronavirus crisis

- POOJA SARKAR

Q What does the JSW Group import from China and what is the quantum of those imports?

Our imports from China are classified into two broad segments: Direct and indirect. The former is valued at about $400 million annually and comprises raw materials or consumables required in our manufacturing process. The second can be attributed to our purchase of equipment and machinery. While we purchase equipment from German, Italian, South Korean or Japanese manufacturers, they have workshops or an assembling facility in China. We are looking to avoid these indirect procurements from China and urging these manufacturers to set up operations in India or elsewhere.

Q How long would it take to start a vendor base in India and has the company taken any concrete steps in this regard?