INDIA (From news reports) -- Paper industry has sought the government's support to check flow of cheap imports, especially from Asean countries, so as to protect the domestic players.

"One of the challenges faced by the paper industry is cheaper imports. Paper industry through our industry body Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) has made representations to the government to curb paper imports or to put anti--dumping duty," Century Pulp & Paper CEO J P Narain told PTI on the sidelines of 'Paperex' event

Narain said that cheaper imports force domestic companies to bring down their prices, hurting their margins and profitability.

Trident Technical Adviser R C Johari said paper imports are cheaper by Rs 4--5 per kg and it is the biggest challenge faced by domestic paper manufacturers.

Union Minister C R Choudhary had urged the paper industry to upgrade technology to compete in the global markets and boost export of quality products.

Inaugurating Paperex (November 1--4), the minister of state for commerce and industry also suggested to use recycled inputs to bridge shortage of raw material in the sector.

International Trade and Exhibitions India (ITEI) Director Gagan Sahni said the country's consumption of paper will go up substantially in the medium term despite the digital buzz.

"Currently, per capita consumption of paper is 9.8 kg as compared to 350 kg in the US and global average of 58 kg.

There is huge scope and opportunity for growth of paper industry in India," he added.

Over 30,000 visitors and participants from 55 countries are expected to attend Paperex.

****

Jim Thompson is back again...with a new book on a taboo subject: the personalities in the pulp & paper industry. Jim has written in the past on many subjects based on his four plus decades in the worldwide pulp and paper industry. This new book is packed full of information valuable to the senior member of the industry as well as the recent entrant. A must for every pulp and paper library.