We enter the new year 2022 with yet another threat posed by new mutant strains of the SARS CoV-2 virus. Initial indications are that the new Omicron variant is more aggressive but mild in affecting patients. As in the past, ABLE member companies are geared up to step up vaccine production, testing facilities, supply anti-virals and provide any other assistance that is needed to mitigate the effects of the virus quickly. The crossing of the 150 crore (1.5 billion) doses of vaccination and the starting of vaccination for certain teenage groups and precautionary doses for vulnerable segments of citizens indicate that the nation is preparing to face all challenges on the health front.

On another note, January is the time for all industries to present the various fiscal demands to be included in the Union Budget that will be presented on February 1, 2022. ABLE has presented a detailed set of demands with inputs from our members that will provide significant benefits to various segments of our industry. These demands have been formally submitted to Mr Tarun Bajaj, Union Revenue Secretary and Dr T V Somanathan, Secretary, Department of Expenditure, in the Union Finance Ministry.

We are hopeful that the government will help the Biotech segment that has played a key role in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. We all believe it will be BT tomorrow supporting significantly towards the development of our Economy. BioPharma is already making a big impact towards the growth of this segment and playing a global role and we see the alternative/ smart protein in the food segment, BioFuel in the renewable energy segment and BioAgriculture very well progressing towards achieving our 2025 vision of USD 150 billion. Startups need all the support and push to succeed and at ABLE we will be focusing more.

In this edition of ABLE newsletter, we have tried to highlight some of the major activities by the organization in the last few weeks. Look forward to your continued support to take up a lot more activities that benefit our industry. Let us together change the BT segment in India as driver of India’s economy in future. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year 2022

G S Krishnan

Hon. President, ABLE