'Sectors linked to infra poised for new investments'

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) president and TVS Supply Chain Solutions managing director R. Dinesh forecasts a promising investment outlook for infrastructure-related sectors such as cement, steel, and electrical machinery.

- Gireesh Chandra Prasad 

With capacity utilization at 80% or higher, these sectors stand out as primary candidates for substantial fresh investments.

Other sectors broadly report utilization up to 75%, which typically signals the consideration of new investments by companies. Dinesh anticipates the investment cycle will accelerate over the next 6-12 months. However, there remain challenges. He said that ensuring access to skilled labour for industry demand is an ongoing effort, highlighting the unemployment concerns. Though small businesses have recovered from pandemic-induced disruptions thanks to credit support, it cannot be said they are not entirely out of the woods yet, m INTI Dinesh said. Edited excerpts:

What are the factors hindering companies from making investments despite several measures by the government?