China equipment a threat to BHEL

Dec. 3: The Centre said on Thursday that the inflow of cheap imported power equi-pment from China is posing a threat to the domestic pla-yers such as Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).
The MoS for heavy industries and public enterprises, Mr Arun Yadav, said in the Lok Sabha that in the 11th plan period, out of the likely thermal power capacity add-ition of 61,237 MW, equipment for about 21,000 MW is being imported from Ch-ina. Similarly, out of total orders of about 15,000 MW for hydro power projects, order for 464 MW have be-en placed on Chinese manufacturers.
In the 12th plan period, out of total orders of about 45,000 MW placed so far, orders for thermal capacity of about 14,000 MW have been placed on Chinese manufacturers or suppliers.
“Equipments for about 33 per cent of thermal projects are being imported from China. Thus, the import of cheaper power equipment from China has been imposing a threat to domestic manufacturers including BHEL,” said Mr Yadav.
The heavy industries minister, Mr Vilasrao Deshmu-kh, had said in November that the Centre is considering imposing safeguards du-ty on import of power generation equipment from China to protect domestic units. BHEL has been demanding a 10 per cent customs duty on import of equipments.