WTO : The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) hosted an international conference focused on shaping India’s industrial policy amid evolving geopolitical shifts. Key discussions centered on the role of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes in enhancing manufacturing competitiveness, India’s green transition, inclusive sustainability, and the creation of resilient global supply chains.
Held from January 17-19, 2025, at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, the conference, themed “Navigating the Future: Industrial Policy and Global Competitiveness,” was organized by CTIL (established under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India), in collaboration with the Centre for International Trade and Business Laws, NALSAR University of Law, the World Trade Institute (University of Bern), and the WTO India Chairs Programme.
A major focus was on the WTO’s role in ensuring that industrial policies align with the principles of a rules-based international trading system. The event featured discussions on geopolitical trends, energy transition, and trade policy linkages.
The inaugural sessions explored the resurgence and evolution of industrial policy, impact assessment metrics, and WTO compliance. In his welcome address, Prof. James J. Nedumpara, Head of CTIL, emphasized the importance of green industrial policy in fostering innovation and technological advancement. The session also included a presidential address by Prof. Srikrishna Deva Rao, Vice Chancellor of NALSAR University of Law. Former WTO Appellate Body members Shri Ujal Singh Bhatia and Professor Peter Vanden Bosche stressed the need for deeper analysis of the interplay between trade and industrial policy.
Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations), , highlighted the crucial role of emerging economies in driving energy transition and economic transformation. He underscored India’s potential in global critical raw material supply chains and emphasized that value chain integration strategies must prioritize domestic value creation and employment opportunities.
During the plenary session, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, discussed the global shift from free trade to protectionism, driven by China’s economic rise and evolving U.S. trade policies. He emphasized the importance of strategic, cost-effective interventions in key sectors, ensuring transparency in initiatives like Production Linked Incentives (PLIs) while adhering to WTO regulations to maintain a balanced approach between economic growth and security concerns.
The session featured insights from leading international trade and policy experts, including Dr. Werner Zdouc (former Director of the WTO Appellate Body), Mr. Sumanta Chaudhuri (Head of Trade Policy, CII), Dr. Pritam Banerjee (Head, Centre for WTO Studies), Prof. Henry Gao (Singapore Management University), Prof. Abhijit Das (former Head, Centre for WTO Studies), Dr. Alicia Gracia (Senior Fellow, Brugel), Dr. Isabelle Van Damme (Director, World Trade Institute), and Dr. Rosmy Joan (Associate Professor, NALSAR University), among others.
During the inaugural session, CTIL launched its monthly investment law newsletter, titled ‘Investment Law Compass: Navigating through the Global Investment Framework’. This publication aims to provide insightful updates on investment law, making complex developments more accessible and engaging for professionals and enthusiasts. The newsletter will be available online.
In his valedictory address, Professor James J. Nedumpara reflected on the insightful discussions surrounding industrial policy and its diverse aspects over the three-day conference. He emphasized that the event greatly benefited from global participation, enhancing the depth of deliberations. Professor Nedumpara also extended his appreciation to the co-organizers, and WTI, and congratulated them on the successful conclusion of the conference.