Within a broader cooperation programme, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) is launching new industrial projects totaling nearly US $ 9 million to benefit industry in India. Agreements on this were signed earlier this month (on 7 August 2009) in Vienna by the Secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Shri Ajay Shankar and UNIDO Director-General Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella.
DIPP has conceptualized an Integrated Cluster Development Programme (ICDP) wherein clusters which received infrastructure interventions under its prestigious Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (IIUS) were targeted for Technological Interventions through Technical Cooperation services of UNIDO. The clusters selected are Auto-Component at Pithampura (Madhya Pradesh), Chennai (Tamil Nadu) and Pune (Maharashtra); Machine Tools at Bangalore (Karnataka); Foundry at Belgaum (Karnataka) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu); Chemicals at Ankhleswar (Gujarat) and Leather at Kanpur (Utter Pradesh).
A US $ 5.9 million Integrated Cluster Development Programme for India will focus on technology, management, skill development and the environment.
The Programme will offer turnkey solutions to each of the identified clusters to help them address technology, quality or environmental constraints, encompassing a comprehensive package of services – ranging from energy efficiency and water conservation to cleaner production and lean manufacturing. “Lowering the consumption of energy, raw materials and water in industry; reducing the waste and pollution intensity of enterprises; and improving the productivity of industries, leading to enhanced competitiveness – these are the essential underpinnings of the Integrated Cluster Development Programme. Through this flagship programme, the project will avail UNIDO’s expertise in the key areas to achieve the vision of a Green Industry”.
Project relating to Foundry clusters at Belgaum will be launched shortly. UNIDO is the only specialized agency for industrial development in the UN system and has been working with governments, business associations and private companies to solve industrial problems for more than 40 years