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Aug,2006 |
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 Press Releases
Aug, 2006
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Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Date
Tittle |
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30th Aug 2006 |
KAMAL NATH PUSHES FOR ITPO
OFFICE IN NAGPUR – WRITES TO CM/MAHARASHTRA
New Delhi, 30 August, 2006
Shri Kamal Nath, Commerce and
Industry Minister, has urged the state government of Maharashtra to
facilitate the setting up of an office of the India Trade Promotion
Organisation (ITPO) in Nagpur, which would give a big boost to enterprises
of the region. In a letter to Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh, Chief Minister of
Maharashtra, forwarding a communication from Shri Vilas Muttemwar,
Minister of State, Non-Conventional Energy Sources, regarding
establishment of an office of ITPO at Nagpur, Shri Kamal has said: “
Nagpur is a big centre for trade and industrial activities in central
India and the city is growing at a very fast pace. There is, therefore, an
imperative need for establishment of an office of the ITPO in Nagpur for
assistance to the entrepreneurs of the region. This matter is being
considered by us in consultation with the ITPO, New Delhi”.
The Minister has further pointed out that
assistance from the state government would be required for providing a
suitable piece of land – about 40 to 50 acres – to the ITPO in Nagpur so
that a full-fledged office of the organisation could be established in an
independent building, and has requested the state government to cosider
whether this could be allotted to meet the immediate and future
requirements of the ITPO as well as an exhibition centre in Nagpur.
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26th Aug 2006 |
JAIRAM TO
INAUGURATE COMMONWEALTH REGIONAL WORKSHOP FOR CAPACITY
BUILDING ON GENDER, TRADE POLICY AND EXPORT PROMOTION FOR SOUTH ASIA
New Delhi:
August 26, 2006
Bhadrapada 4, 1928
Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of
State for Commerce, will inaugurate the Third Commonwealth Regional
Workshop for Capacity Building on Gender, Trade Policy and Export
Promotion for South Asia here on Monday, August 28th,
2006. The 4-day workshop (August 28 to September 01) is third in a series
of regional workshops in different parts of the world, and is being
organized by the Commonwealth Secretariat in partnership with Ministry of
Commerce, United Nations Development Fund For Women (UNIFEM) South Asia
Regional Office and Society for Conflict Resolution (SOFCAR).
The importance of trade in the South
Asian economies has been growing over time. The processes of
globalization and trade liberalization have both positive and negative
impacts. Overall, as South Asia integrates with the global economy,
assumptions have been made about the ‘gender refural’ character of the
processes of globalization and trade and liberalization and the linkages
between gender and trade have not been recognized explicity.
It is well known that women’s role
and ability to participate in the economy is dependent on several factors
including material, financial, technological and social. Consequently,
there is a need to account for the dual role of women as producers and
consumers.
The workshop seeks to build the
capacity of concerned actors at two broad levels:
(1)
Sensitise government ministries
involved in trade negotiations as well as private institutions about the
gender implications of trade liberalization policies. Thus for instanced
issues such as tariff structures and export promotion can impact on
domestic agriculture, food security, employment op[opportunities and even
provision of public services. A need therefore arises to examine the
gender implications in different sectors of the economy.
(2)
Highlight the importance of the
contribution and participation of women and organisations that represent
their interests in setting the agenda, formulating priorities and
negotiating including increasing the participation of women in the
negotiating room. An allied objective therefore is to build the capacity
of women seeking to address gender and trade linkages.
The workshop would consist of
representatives from South Asian countries, i.e.
Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka drawn from both
government officials, private sector and civil society.
Case studies and presentations would be made relating to sectors ranging
from agriculture, industry, services and intellectual property rights with
field visits to specific sectors of interest to participating countries to
take stock of the ground realities. Several national and international
experts in the area of gender and trade are participating in the workshop.
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25th Aug 2006 |
INDIA-NEPAL
DISCUSS TRADE AND INVESTMENT ISSUES AT IGC MEETING
INDIA PROPOSES TO NEGOTIATE A COMPREHENSIVE
ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
AGREEMENT
New Delhi:
August 25, 2006
Bhadrapada 3, 1928
The two day meeting of the India-Nepal Inter-Governmental
Committee (IGC) on Trade, Transit and Cooperation to control unauthorized
trade concluded here today. Sh. S.N. Menon, Commerce Secretary, led the
Indian delegation while the Nepalese delegation was led by Sh. Bharat
Bahadur Thapa, Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies,
Government of Nepal.
The two delegations recognized the
need to widen and deepen economic ties through trade and investment ties
in areas such as power and services sectors, including information
technology, tourism, education and healthcare. The Indian delegation
proposed to negotiate a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with
Nepal to qualitatively enhance bilateral economic ties.
The Nepalese side agreed to look into India’s proposal.
Both sides expressed satisfaction
at the rapid growth in bilateral trade and investment ties during the past
decade. They noted that the bilateral trade treaty would be renewed in
March 2007 and decided to explore ways to make the treaty a more
effective instrument for further strengthening bilateral economic ties.
Sh. S.N.Menon conveyed India’s readiness to work with Nepal to
expeditiously address Nepal’s concerns on non-tariff measures. The two
sides noted the important role of Indian investments in Nepal’s industrial
development and exports, and agreed that bilateral investment ties should
be further promoted.
The two sides also reviewed
progress on trade and economic infrastructure projects being undertaken by
India in Nepal and stressed the need to accelerate their implementation.
The Nepalese delegation sought assistance for new economic infrastructure
projects, which would be discussed by the two sides in appropriate
forums.
The IGC meeting took place against
the backdrop of the commitment of support for Nepal’s economic recovery
and development given by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, during the
visit of the Prime Minister of Nepal, Sh. Girija Prasad Koirala, to
New Delhi in June, 2006. Sh. Bharat Bahadur Thapa also
called on the Minister of State for Commerce, Shri Jairam Ramesh.
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23rd Aug 2006 |
TRADE
BETWEEN INDIA AND CHINA THROUGH NATHU LA PASS
New Delhi:
August 23, 2006
Bhadrapada 01, 1928
The import and export of the
following locally produced commodities by the people living along both
sides of the India-China border as per the prevailing customary practice
are allowed freely :-
Imports
1.Goat skins, 2. Sheep skins, 3. Horses, 4. Sheep, 5.
Goats, 6. Wool, 7. Silk, 8. Yak Tails, 9. Yak Hair, 10. China Clay, 11.
Borax, 12. Szaibelyita, 13. Butter, 14. Goat cashmere (Pasham), 15. salt.
The above items are exempted from duty when imported in India from China
through border trade vide notification No. 158/94-Custom dt.29th
July, 1994.
Exports
1.Agriculture implements, 2. Blankets, 3. Copper Products,
4. Clothes, 5. Textiles, 6. Cycles, 7. Coffee, 8. Tea, 9. Barley, 10.
Rice, 11. Flour, 12. Dry Fruit, 13. Dry and fresh vegetables, 14.
Vegetable Oil, 15. Gur and Misri, 16. Tobacco, 17. Snuff, 18.Cigarettes,
19. Canned Food, 20. Agro-Chemical, 21. Local Herbs, 22. Dyes, 23. Spices,
24. Watches, 25. Shoes, 26. Kerosene Oil, 27. Stationery, 28. Utensils,
29. Wheat (Ua & Buck)
The border trade through Nathu la includes overland trade and the exchange
of commodities by the residents along the border between the Tibet
Autonomous Region of China and the state of Sikkim of India. The people of
Sikkim living along the border would be able to export to China 29 items
mentioned above and they would also be able to import from China 15 items
exempted from duty.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Commerce &
Industry, Shri Jairam Ramesh, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha
today.
*****
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23rd Aug 2006 |
INDIA-CHINA
TRADE LIKELY TO SURPASS
US$ 20 BILLION BEFORE FY 2008
New Delhi:
August 23, 2006
Bhadrapada 01, 1928
As per DGCI&S statistics, the India-China trade during the
year 2005-06, was US$ 17.4 billion. The trade is growing at a rate of
37.34%. As such, China-India trade is likely to surpass US$ 20 billion
before the financial year 2008.
With a view to identify measures for comprehensive trade
and economic cooperation between India and China, a Joint Study Group (JSG)
was set up to examine the potential complementarities between the two
countries. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) & the Federation of
Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) represented the industry
in the JSG. The JSG submitted its report in April 2005. The JSG has
recommended the following :
Evolving a China-India Regional Trading Arrangement comprising :
a.
Trade in goods and services, and investments;
b.
Identified understandings for trade and
investment promotion; and
c.
Measures for promotion of economic
cooperation in identified sectors.
The JSG has also recommended that the two Governments
appoint a Joint Task Force to study in detail the feasibility of, and the
benefits that may derive from, the China-India Regional Trading
Arrangement.
In pursuance to the recommendations of the JSG, a Joint
Task Force has been constituted. The First meeting of India-China Joint
Task Force was held on 13.3.06. The Second meeting is likely to be held
in September 2006. A representative each of the CII and FICCI has also
been included in the Joint Task Force.
This information was provided by the Minister of State for Commerce &
Industry, Shri Jairam Ramesh, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha
today.
*****
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23rd Aug 2006 |
TRADE
BETWEEN INDIA AND THAILAND
New Delhi:
August 23, 2006
Bhadrapada 01, 1928
A Framework Agreement for establishing Free Trade Area (FTA)
between India and Thailand was signed by the Commerce Ministers of India
and Thailand on 9th October 2003. 82 common items of export
interest to both the sides have been agreed for elimination of tariff on
a fast track basis w.e.f. 1.9.2004.
During the visit of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of
Thailand in June 2005, the two Prime Ministers agreed to raise the level
of the bilateral trade between India and Thailand to US $ 4 billion by
2007. During the visit of Thai Foreign Minister on August 7-8, 2006, the
Thai Foreign Minister reiterated this commitment and mentioned that
present level of bilateral trade is US $ 2.7 billion and it should be
possible to meet the target of US $ 4 billion by 2007 set by the two Prime
Ministers.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Commerce &
Industry, Shri Jairam Ramesh, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha
today.
*****
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23rd Aug 2006 |
INDIA-PAK
TRADE THROUGH LAND ROUTE
New Delhi:
August 23, 2006
Bhadrapada 01, 1928
Till May 2005, trade with Pakistan on surface route had
been restricted to rail through the Attari/Wagah border. Land Customs
Station (LCS) at Attari on Indian side has been a notified road route for
import and export of goods from Pakistan since 21.11.1994 whereas Wagah
road route on Pakistan side was not open for bilateral trade. In May 2005,
Government of Pakistan announced its decision to import certain essential
commodities from India through land (road) route as well.
The above essential commodities consist of certain
agricultural items, halal meats and few categories of live animals. Since
then items namely Garlic, Potato, Ginger, Tomato, Onion, Buffalo Meat,
Sheep and Goats have been exported from India to Pakistan through the
Attari/Wagah road route and these exports are expected to continue through
this route so long as the said decision of Pakistan would be force.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Commerce &
Industry, Shri Jairam Ramesh, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha
today.
*****
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23rd Aug 2006 |
INDO-US
BILATERAL TRADE
New Delhi:
August 23, 2006
Bhadrapada 01, 1928
In the first Indo-US Trade Policy Forum Meeting held in
November 2005 in New Delhi, both sides had agreed that India and US will
aim at doubling bilateral trade to at least US $ 40 billion by 2008.
The Third Ministerial level Trade Policy Forum (TPF)
Meeting Co-chaired by Union Commerce and Industry Minister and the United
States Trade Representative (USTR) was held at Washington DC on June 22,
2006. Steps to address sanitary and phytosanitary issues (SPS), Tariff
structures, emission standards were discussed in this meeting. During the
meeting both sides agreed on a number of initiatives to strengthen and
deepen the bilateral trading relationship. Among the various decisions
taken, India and United States agreed to initiate a Bilateral
Infrastructure Investment Program that will focus on identifying
investment opportunities, incentives and challenges in key infrastructure
sectors.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Commerce &
Industry, Shri Jairam Ramesh, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha
today.
*****
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23rd Aug 2006 |
PRESENT FDI POLICY ON
AGRICULTURE & PLANTATION
New Delhi: August 23, 2006
The
present policy for FDI in Agriculture and
Plantation
sector is as under:
i. FDI
up to 100% is permitted under the automatic route only in the
under-mentioned activities viz. Floriculture, Horticulture, Development of
Seeds, Animal Husbandry, Pisciculture, Aqua-culture and Cultivation of
Vegetables & Mushrooms, under controlled conditions and services related
to agro and allied sectors
ii. FDI
up to 100% with prior Government approval is permitted in Tea plantation
subject to the conditions of divestment of 26% equity of the company in
favour of an Indian partner/ Indian public within a period of five years;
and prior approval of the State Government concerned in case of any future
land use change.
iii.
Besides the above two, FDI is not allowed in any other agricultural
sector/activity.
The above information was
provided by Dr Ashwani Kumar, Minister of State for Industry in a written
reply in Rajya Sabha today.
****
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22nd Aug 2006 |
BPO
EXPORTS
New
Delhi:
August 22, 2006
Sravana 31, 1928
The total value
of Information Technologies Enabled Services (ITES) – Business Process
Outsourcing (BPO) exports, as available, is as under :-
(i) 2004-2005 US $ 5.2 billion
(ii) 2005-2006 US $ 6.3
billion
The Government has taken various steps to promote the growth of IT
Software and Services Industry, such as: approvals for all foreign direct
investment proposals relating to IT Sector are put under the automatic
route, peak rate of customs duty has been reduced, customs duty on
Information Technology Agreement (ITA-1) items has been abolished, Special
Economic Zones (SEZs) are being set up, Income-Tax exemption on export
profits is allowed to Software Technology Parks (STPs) /Export Oriented
Units (EOUs) etc.
As per NASSCOM, the share of large
contracts won by Indian service providers has increased from 1% in 2003 to
5% in the first half of 2006. Some of the recent big deals have been won
by M/s Hindustan Computers Limited, Infosys, Satyam, TCS and Wipro.
Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry gave this
information in a written reply to a question raised by Shri Jyotiraditya
M. Scindia in Lok Sabha today.
*****
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22nd Aug 2006 |
KAMAL NATH TO ATTEND ASEAN ECONOMIC MINISTERS MEET
New Delhi, 22 August, 2006
Shri Kamal Nath, Minister of
Commerce and Industry, will attend the 5th ASEAN Economic
Ministers (AEM) – India Consultations to be held in Kuala Lumpur
(Malaysia) on 24th August, 2006. The Consultations are a part
of the 38th meeting of the ASEAN Economic Ministers due to take
place in Kuala Lumpur on 24 and 25 August, which is an annual meeting
of the Economic Ministers of the Association of South East Asian Nations
(ASEAN) member countries and the Ministers of Australia, China, India,
Japan, Korea and New Zealand.
Preceding the Consultations, Shri
Kamal Nath will participate in a luncheon interaction hosted by AEM for
the Economic Ministers where Ministers from Australia, China, India,
Japan, Korea and New Zealand are invited, in addition to the ASEAN
Ministers.
The AEM-India Consultations assume
significance in the context of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation
Agreement (CECA) that India is currently negotiating with the ASEAN. The
AEM will provide a useful opportunity to take the negotiations forward.
Earlier, senior officers had participated in the recently concluded SEOM
(Senior Economic Officials Meeting) – India Consultations on 18th
August, 2006. During the AEM, the Minister is expected to further
emphasise India’s position in the CECA negotiations so as to facilitate
its timely conclusion.
The visit will also provide an
opportunity for bilateral discussions between Shri Kamal Nath and his
counterparts, including bilateral meetings with Mr. Toshiro Nikai,
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan on 23 August and
with Mr. Phil Goff, Trade Minister of New Zealand and Mr. Mark Vaile,
Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister of Australia.
The Framework Agreement for the
India-ASEAN CECA was signed in October 2003. The Agreement provides for
progressive liberalisation of trade ( free trade agreement) in goods,
services and investment, while enabling both parties to address their
respective sensitivities. Negotiations between India and the ASEAN are
currently focussed on the proposed liberalisation of trade in goods and as
per the present time schedule, the agreement is to be implemented from 1st
January 2007. ( The 10-member ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia,
Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam).
****
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21st Aug 2006 |
SIXTH
MEETING OF NMCC HELD
New Delhi:
August 21, 2006
The 6th
Meeting of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC) was
held here on 18th August, 2006. The Meeting reviewed the
important activities undertaken by the NMCC since the 5th
Meeting of the NMCC on April 5, 2006. These included the recommendations
in the NMCC sub-group meetings on Skills Development, Ports and Ship
Building, Innovation and R&D Policy, Auto-Components and Capital Goods,
Textiles and Garments, Food Processing Industries, Leather and Leather
Products, Chemicals & Petrochemicals sectors.
The Meeting of the Chairman,
NMCC with Chairman and members of Investment Commission held on 07.07.2006
where discussion on the areas where NMCC and Investment Commission could
work profitably was discussed and it was agreed that NMCC and
Investment Commission would work jointly for growth of manufacturing
sector and employment generation. As a part of its strategy, NMCC
would continue its engagement with the State Governments.
Shri S.N.Menon, Commerce Secretary, Government
of India made a presentation on Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Some
concerns about the need to give primacy to the manufacturing sector in SEZ
approvals were expressed. Implementation issues were also raised while
acknowledging that the policy has been approved only recently.
Implementation issues were raised by members which would be taken on board
by the Ministry in the ongoing review by Government.
The progress of the National
Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP) announced in the Budget was
also reviewed. The NMCP includes schemes for promotion of Information and
Communication Technology (ICT), Mini Tool Rooms, Design Clinics and market
support to improve the competitiveness of the SMEs and to be implemented
in a five year time frame. Ministry of SSI is the implementing agency
for the scheme.
The setting up of the High
Level Committee on Manufacturing (HLCM) under the Chairmanship of Prime
Minister was also discussed. The first meeting of the HLCM took place on
04.08.2006 when the National Strategy for Manufacturing (NSM) was adopted
and it was decided to take all efforts to implement the recommendation.
An Empowered Sub-Committee was constituted by the HLCM under the
Chairmanship of Chairman, NMCC. Textiles & Garments, Food and Agro
Processing, Leather & Footwear, IT Hardware & Electronics, Skill
Development and problem of SME industry and Cluster Development sectors
were to begin with identified as priority areas to be taken up by the
Empowered Sub-Committee.
The Chairman, NMCC, Dr. V. Krishnamurthy chaired the meeting which was
attended by Member Secretary, Mr. V. Govindarajan, Mr. Anwarul Hoda,
Member (Industry), Planning Commission, Mr. Anil K. Agarwal, President,
ASSOCHAM, Mr. R. Seshasayee, President, CII, Ms. Uma Reddy, Chief
Executive, M/s. Hitech Magnetics, Dr. Surinder Kapur, Chairman & MD, M/s
Sona Steerings, Mr. Suresh Neotia, Chairman, Gujarat Ambuja Cement Ltd.,
Dr. (Ms.) Isher Judge Ahluwalia, Dr. Bibek Debroy, Secretary General, PHD
Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Dr. Ajay K. Dua, Secretary, Department of
Industrial Policy & Promotion, Mr. Anupam Dasgupta, Secretary, Ministry of
SSI & ARI and Mr. Priyadarshi Thakur, Secretary, Department of Heavy
Industry & PE.
*****
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21st Aug 2006 |
JAIRAM CALLS FOR
STRENGTHENING EMPLOYMENT INTENSIVE EXPORT SECTORS
SECTORS EMPLOYING WOMEN &
POOR TO BE IN FOCUS
New Delhi:
August 21, 2006
Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for
Commerce, has called for a greater focus on strengthening the employment
intensive export sectors. While inaugurating a National Consultation on
Poor Women’s Role in Global Trade, here today, Shri Ramesh said “while
looking at exports, the challenge before us now is not so much the
increase in foreign exchange reserves but it is the generation of
employment”.
Shri Ramesh drew
attention to the recent study conducted by RIS, a Delhi-based think-tank
which estimated that in 2004-2005, the export sector accounted for 9
million direct jobs and 7 million indirect jobs, making a total of 16
million jobs. The study has further estimated that this level of
employment could be doubled in the next 5 years.
While
commenting on these numbers, the Minister pointed out the two facets,
which somehow do not get enough attention in trade policy. First,
about two-thirds of employment relating to exports is in the
unorganized, informal sector. Second, over 60% of employment in
the export sector is of women. “These two facets of employment in
exports deserve careful study and further action”, he said.
Shri Jairam Ramesh
highlighted 4 major initiatives taken by Department of Commerce in the
last few months to integrate employment, exports and women’s issues.
First,
greater priority is being given to employment intensive sectors like
leather, handlooms, handicrafts, agriculture, gems & jewellery and shellac
and minor forest produce in the ongoing MDA ( Market Development
Assistance) and MAI ( Market Access Initiative) of the Department of
Commerce which involve a total outlay of Rs. 100 crores in 2006-2007 for
export marketing.
Second,
selected export promotion councils are working closely with Ministry of
Rural Development & Ministry of Urban Development to integrate export
promotion schemes with employment generation schemes under the SGSY (
Swarnajayanti Gramin Swarojgar Yojna ) and SGSRY ( Swarna Jayanti Shahari
Rojgar Yojna ). To begin with, leather projects in Tamil Nadu, West
Bengal and UP, lac projects in Orissa, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh and
Handicrafts Projects in Chattisgarh are being taken up for product
development, design and marketing with the help of women’s self-help
groups.
Third, the India Brand Equity Fund ( IBEF ) has been
encouraged to launch an extensive marketing programme for Indian
handicrafts covering carpets, embroidery & crochet, tribal arts and art
works. This will be launched in October this year.
Fourth, the 23 export promotion councils have been asked
to prepare specific projects as part of the recently announced Backward
Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) by which 250 of the poor and backward districts
in the country will get anywhere between Rs.10-15 crores per year for
economic activities.
Shri Jairam
Ramesh said that the Department of Commerce is looking to build
partnerships with NGOs and civil society groups in order to integrate
issues of employment and gender into the mainstream of trade policy in a
sustained fashion.
Participants in the National Consultation included
Ms Reema Nanavaty, SEWA; Mr Rashid Kidwai, CEO of Grassroot Trading
Network and Ms Renuka Vishwanathan, Secretary, Department of Rural
Development, Government of India. The event was jointly organised by the
Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
and was supported by the World Bank. This is the first such initiatives
taken by the Department of Commerce.
*****
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20th Aug 2006 |
JAIRAM RAMESH TO INAUGURATE NATIONAL
CONSULTATION ON POOR WOMEN IN TRADE
New Delhi:
August 20, 2006
Shri Jairam
Ramesh, Minister of State for Commerce, will inaugurate a National
Consultation on ‘Poor Women in Trade’, on Monday, August 21, 2006 at
Udhyog Bhawan, New Delhi.
Responding to the global changes taking place in poverty reduction
initiatives and women empowerment, Government of India is also taking
several measures jointly with other community based organisations.
The
representatives from grassroot producer women’s orgainsations from across
the country will discuss issues in policy, implementation framework,
infrastructure requirements and capacity building. They will share their
experiences and expectations with top professionals having global
experience and policy level exposure.
Participants include Ms Reema Nanavaty, SEWA; Mr Rashid Kidwai, CEO of
Grassroot Trading Network and Ms Renuka Vishwanathan, Secretary,
Department of Rural Development, Government of India. The National
Consultation is jointly organised by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry
and Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) and is supported by the World
Bank.
***
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18th Aug 2006 |
HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEE
ON MANUFACTURING ADOPTS NMCC NATIONAL STRATEGY TO
ACHIEVE GROWTH OF 12%
PER ANNUM IN MANUFACTURING
New Delhi: August 18, 2006
The First meeting of the
High Level Committee on Manufacturing (HLCM) chaired by the Prime Minister
was held on the 4th August, 2006. The following are the
permanent members of the Committee.
1.
Prime Minister – Chairman
2.
Minister of Finance
3.
Minister of Commerce &
Industry
4.
Deputy Chairman, Planning
Commission
5.
Chairman, Economic
Advisory Council to the PM
6.
Principal Secretary to the
PM
7.
Chairman, NMCC & Member Convener - HLCM
2. The Committee
adopted the National Strategy for Manufacturing (NSM) prepared by the
National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council for implementation. The
Committee endorsed that the aim should be to achieve an average growth of
Manufacturing of 12 per cent per annum.
3. It has also been
decided that an Empowered Sub-Committee of the HLCM will be constituted
under the Chairmanship of Dr. V. Krishnamurthy, Chairman, NMCC to process
the recommendations of the NSM.
4. It was further
decided that, to begin with, the following
sub-sectors would be taken up on priority and brought before the High
Level Committee on Manufacturing by the Empowered Sub-Committee.
i.
Textiles
and Garments
ii. Food
and Agro Processing
iii. IT
Hardware & Electronics
iv.
Leather
and Footwear
v.
Skill Development
vi. Problems
of Small and Medium industries including cluster development.
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18th Aug 2006 |
FDI INFLOWS UP BY RECORD 47% IN FIRST
QUARTER – INFLOWS IN JUNE 2006 SURGE BY
OVER 100%
MAJOR NEW INFLOWS ON THE ANVIL, SAYS KAMAL
NATH
New Delhi: August 18, 2006
Inflows of foreign direct
investment (FDI) into India (equity capital components only) during the
first quarter of the current financial year 2006-07 (April-June), was US $
1.74 billion compared to US $ 1.18 billion in the same quarter of 2005-06,
showing a record increase of nearly 47% over the previous year. FDI
inflows (equity capital components only) during the month of June 2006
surged by a record 102%, having increased to US $ 534 million from US $
264 million in June 2005.
Announcing
this at a news conference here today, Shri Kamal Nath, Union Minister
of Commerce & Industry, stated that the following major new investments
were expected in the current year:
a)
General Motors, USA is setting up a car manufacturing facility in
Maharashtra at a cost of US$ 300 million. An agreement with Govt. of
Maharashtra has been signed for setting up a plant at Talegaon Dabadi on
the Pune-Mumbai Highway and 300 acres of land has been acquired by the
company. Production will begin in 3rd quarter of 2008.
b)
Nissan and Suzuki of Japan have also decided to jointly collaborate to
produce half-a-million passenger cars/mini vans at Manesar near Delhi.
The total investment could be between US$ 700 to 800 million over the next
three years and it will be a base to export 0.34 million new ‘A’ segment
passenger vehicles to Europe. A large delegation of the two companies is
visiting India in the first week of September 2006 to review the
arrangements.
c)
Mitsubishi Chemicals has approved US$ 370 million expansion programme of
its existing petro-chemicals plant at Haldia.
d)
Honda is expanding its facility at Noida and is investing US$ 200 million
to produce new brands/models of cars.
e) The
Sem India – Semiconductor manufacturing unit is being set up near
Hyderabad.
The Minister said that the continuous rationalisation /
liberalisation of India’s FDI policy and simplification of procedures had
attributed to the steady increase in FDI inflows into the country, in
particular the surge witnessed in the first quarter of this fiscal. “Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) plays an important role in the long term economic
development of the country, not only as a source of capital but also for
enhancing competitiveness of the domestic economy through transfer of
technology, strengthening infrastructure, raising productivity and
generating new employment opportunities”, he has said.
“The investment climate in India is highly conducive for
investments by investors particularly from Taiwan, Korea and Singapore,
who are looking at sites in India to locate their manufacturing
facilities. A business delegation is visiting Taiwan later this month to
attract investments particularly in electronic hardware, textile machinery
and leather goods”, Shri Kamal Nath added.
According to the details available upto May 2006, the 10
sectors attracting highest FDI into India are: electrical equipments
(including computer software & electronics); telecommunications
(radio paging, cellular mobile, basic telephone services); services
sector (financial & non-financial); transportation industry; fuels
(power + oil refinery); chemicals (other than fertilisers); food
processing industries; drugs & pharmaceuticals; cement and
gypsum products; and metallurgical industries.
The 10
top investing countries are: Mauritius, USA, Japan, Netherlands, UK,
Germany, Singapore, France, South Korea and Switzerland.
According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s
revised data as per international practices, (i.e., including equity plus
reinvested earnings and other capital) cumulative total FDI inflows into
India from August 1991 to April 2006 were US $ 49 billion.
As per the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP)’s data,
(comprising equity capital only), the cumulative amount of FDI inflows
into India from August 1991 to May 2006 were US $ 40 billion. The FDI
inflows in 2005-06 (comprising equity capital, reinvested earnings and
other capital) was US $ 7.7 billion, representing a rise of over 37% over
the previous year. FDI inflows (equity capital only) during 2005-06 was
valued at US $ 5.5 billion, showing a record growth of over 72% over
2004-05.
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18th Aug 2006 |
New Delhi:
August 18, 2006
Merchandise exports from India in the month of
July 2006 estimated at US $ 10.2 billion have shown a 41% increase as
compared to last year’s provisional figures of July 2005. This was
indicated by Shri Kamal Nath, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, at a
news conference here today.
Cumulatively, merchandise exports during
April-July of the current financial year 2006-07 are estimated at
around US $ 38 billion, indicating a 34% increase compared to the
provisional figures of the same period last year.
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18th Aug 2006 |
New Delhi:
August 18, 2006
India’s
merchandise exports during July 2006 are valued at US $ 10176.80 million
which is 40.67% higher than the level of US $ 7234.41 during July 2005.
In rupee terms, the exports were Rs.47277.53 crore which is 50.11% higher
than the level of Rs.31495.81 crore during July 2005.
Exports during April-July 2006 are valued at US $ 37707.60
million which is 34.03% higher than the level of US $ 28134.72 million
during April-July 2005. In rupee terms, the exports were Rs.172542.53
crore during April-July 2006 which is 40.71% higher than the level of
Rs.122622.01 crore during April-July 2005.
India’s imports during July 2006 are valued at US $ 14143.06
million representing an increase of 42.8% over the level of imports valued
at US $ 9904.22 million in July 2005. In rupee terms, the imports were
Rs.65703.27 crore which is 52.38% higher than the level of Rs.43119.09
crore during July 2005.
Total imports during April-July 2006 are valued at US $
54424.34 million which is 29.24% higher than the level of US $ 42109.47
million during April-July 2005. In rupee terms, the imports were
Rs.248925.88 crore which is 35.6% higher than the level of Rs.183537.52
crore during April-July 2005.
Oil imports during July 2006 are valued at US $ 4642.31
million which is 32.83% higher than oil imports valued at US $ 3494.80
million in the corresponding period last year. Oil imports during
April-July 2006 are valued at US $ 18533.53 million which is 43.23%
higher than oil imports valued at US $ 12940.14 million in the
corresponding period last year. Non-oil imports during July 2006 are
estimated at US $ 9500.75 million which is 20.42% higher than the level of
such imports valued at US $ 7889.81 million in July 2005. Non-oil
imports during April-July 2006 are estimated at US $ 35890.81 million
which is 9.90% higher than the level of such imports valued at US $
32658.61 million in April-July 2005.
The trade
deficit for April-July 2006 is estimated at US $ 16716.74 million which is
higher than the deficit of US $ 13974.75 million during April-July 2005.
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18th Aug 2006 |
New Delhi:
August 18, 2006
During
June 2006, the increase in FDI equity inflow was a record 102% compared to
June 2005, i.e. US $ 534 million against US$ 264 million. Announcing
this at a news briefing here, Shri Kamal Nath, Union Minister of Commerce
& Industry, gave a break up of June 06 iinflows as below:
US $ 278
million came in from Global Communications Services Holdings Ltd.,
Mauritius into Aircel Ltd., a telephone communications services company;
US$ 99 million came from Associates Financial Services, Mauritius into
Citi Consumer Finance Ltd. and US$ 120 million into Orange Realty Pvt.
Ltd. from an investment company in Mauritius. Another developer, Mantri
Developers Ltd., Pune also attracted US$ 67 million. About US$ 40 million
each came in from Mauritius and USA respectively into a coal beneficiation
company and into Flextronics Software Systems, a end-to-end communications
solutions company from USA.
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17th Aug 2006 |
KAMAL NATH URGES STRENGTHENING BRAND INDIA
INAUGURATES CII MARKETING SUMMIT
New Delhi:
August 17, 2006
Shri Kamal Nath, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, has called for the
strengthening of ‘Brand India’ as a nation building strategy.
While inaugurating the Seventh Annual CII Marketing Summit
here today, he said: “our effort must be to build a positive image of
tomorrow’s India within the global community. A strong brand will serve
as a bridge between the present and the future, inducing actions that
carve out a brighter future for India than many thought was possible”
Shri Kamal Nath emphasised that
India has succeeded in building positive perceptions through a simple but
powerful message “India: Fastest Growing Free Market Democracy” coupled
with another message – “15 years. 6 governments. 5 Prime Ministers. 1
Direction – 8% GDP growth”.
Shri Nath lauded Indian
entrepreneurs
for injecting verve and creativity into Indian industry as they focus
increasingly on competing in global markets. This and the emergence of a
new ecosystem have catalysed the way the world sees India. An ecosystem
of institutions, both public and private, like the Ministries of
Tourism, External Affairs, Commerce & Industry and Finance; Investment
Commission; Indian Council of Cultural Relations; Confederation of Indian
Industry; and the India Brand Equity Foundation and other industry & trade
associations have combined a new synergy and
taken on the role of
India’s
“brand managers”.
The two-day (17-18 August) Summit’s theme –
Marketing in a Global World: New Rules for an Old Game, tackles the
burning and pertinent question of the influence of increased globalization
on marketing and branding in India. The summit offers marketers the
opportunity of exploring the question of how the globalization of the
world is impacting the Indian marketing scenario. Several corporates and
brand managers from leading advertising companies participated.
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11th Aug 2006 |
IIFT CAMPUS IN KOLKATA LAUNCHED – KAMAL NATH MEETS
CHIEF MINISTER OF WEST BENGAL
New Delhi:
August 11, 2006
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) launched its campus in
Kolkata today – in the presence of the Chief Minister of West Bengal Shri
Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and the Union Commerce & Industry Minister, Shri
Kamal Nath along with the faculty members and staff of IIFT and other
guests.
Shri Kamal Nath, who also called on Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee before
the launch of the IIFT in Kolkata, thanked the Chief Minister for his
tremendous support
and the personal interest he took in ensuring a
sufficiently large piece of land (in Salt Lake City) to set up this centre
of excellence in Eastern India. He expressed that the hope that with the
support of the West Bengal government, it would be possible to ensure that
the Kolkata campus of this prestigious institute could be ready by the
target date of July 2009.
“This Kolkata Centre – the first regional centre of the IIFT – will
definitely fill the gap of a premier institute offering courses in
international business management and trade in this part of the country
catering to
West Bengal,
Orissa, Bihar and the North Eastern States.
In addition, prospective students from
Bangladesh,
Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan
can also
benefit”, Shri Kamal Nath said. It also meets the long-standing
demand from the local Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Indian
Export Organisation (FIEO), and other trade and industry bodies,
he added.
Referring to exports, Shri Kamal Nath indicated that
overall
merchandise exports from India would touch US $ 165 billion by 2009-10.
The total incremental employment generation as a result of increase in
exports is expected to be 21 million between 2004-05 and 2009-10.
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10th Aug 2006 |
ENGINEERING EMERGES AS
LARGEST CONTRIBUTOR TO INDIA’S EXPORTS – CROSSES
US $ 5 BILLION IN FIRST QUARTER 2006-07
KAMAL NATH CALLS FOR BIG THRUST TO EPO SERVICES – GIVES AWAY EEPC
EXPORT
AWARDS
New Delhi:
August 10, 2006
The engineering sector has emerged as the largest contributor to India’s
total merchandise exports, even ahead of gems & jewellery, with exports of
engineering goods from India having crossed US $ 5 billion in the first
quarter of the current financial year 2006-07, representing an increase of
20% over last year. This was indicated by Shri Kamal Nath, Union
Minister of Commerce & Industry, at the All India Awards Function for
Outstanding Export Performance organised by the Engineering Export
Promotion Council (EEPC) in Chennai today.
Giving details of the performance, Shri Rakesh Shah, Chairman, EEPC, in
his keynote address said that during the first quarter of this fiscal
(April-June 2006) US $ 5.5 billion worth of engineering items were
exported from India. At this rate, total engineering exports would touch
US $ 23 billion in 2006-07 and “this would be the highest among all items
in overall merchandise exports from India”, Shri Shah said.
Shri Kamal Nath also called for rapid development
of Engineering Process Outsourcing (EPO) services from
India as
it would have a far-reaching impact on the Indian engineering industry as
a whole.
“The
spurt in engineering outsourcing can be gauged from the fact that a number
of giant automotive and aerospace companies such as Ford Motor Company,
General Motors, Boeing and Airbus have some of their engineering done by
Indian technology companies. In addition to that, virtually every
semi-conductor manufacturing company, electronic goods maker and mobile
handset vendor have some work outsourced to India. The EPO market in India
has the potential to exceed US $ 40 billion by 2020, which will catapult
India’s market share in the same category to 30 percent from the current
12 percent. To tap this EPO market all the important stakeholders,
including the Government, academic institutions, service providers and
trade bodies will need to boost investments in infrastructure and improve
marketing efforts”,
he said.
The Minister complimented EEPC for pioneering a study on EPO services,
which involve delegating engineering-related work to other companies
taking advantage of low labour cost, quality talented tool etc. which are
abundantly available in India. Shri Shah informed that the final
report on EPOs would be ready by October this year.
Shri Kamal Nath congratulated the award winners while presenting the EEPC
annual awards to 62 companies including large, medium and small
enterprises from all over the country. The award winners this year
include established names like Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Ashok Leyland,
Bharat Forge, Kirloskar Brother, BHEL, IRCON, Motor Industries, Lakshmi
Machine Works and many upcoming companies.
Earlier, Shri Shah also highlighted the problems faced by
engineering exporters such as service tax on inland haulage and terminal
handling charges, 80 HHC, Fringe Benefit Tax , advancement of
Implementation of GST etc and assured the government of higher growth in
exports of Indian engineering items if no taxes and duties to be exported
and there is better inter-departmental coordination for smooth
implementation of the provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy.
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9th Aug 2006 |
PROPOSAL FOR AIR CONNECTIVITY
BETWEEN JABALPUR AND MUMBAI – KAMAL NATH
WRITES TO PRAFUL PATEL
New
Delhi:
August 9, 2006
Shri Kamal Nath, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, has
taken up with the Civil Aviation Minister, Shri Praful Patel a proposal to
provide air connectivity between Jabalpur and Mumbai in order to give a
major boost to tourism and manufacturing sector of the area.
“As
you are aware, Jabalpur is known as the city of marble rocks situated on
the shores of holy river Narmada. The Madhya Pradesh High Court, defence
establishments like Gun Carriage Factory, Ordnance Factory, Armoured
Vehicle Factory and other important industries are located there. It is
already connected by air with Delhi and the connectivity with Mumbai will
give a major boost to tourism and manufacturing sector of the area”, Shri
Kamal Nath said while forwarding to Shri Patel representation in this
regard received from the Mahakaushal Association of Women Entrepreneurs (MAWE)
of Jabalpur.
The
representation points to the urgent need for air connectivity between
Jabalpur and Mumbai in order to facilitate trade and business for the
western and southern region, besides bringing benefits to the tourism
sector. This would attract investment into manufacturing and
infrastructure of the Mahakaushal region in Madhya Pradesh, the
representation adds.
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9th Aug 2006 |
NO FDI IN RETAIL IF IT
HITS SMALL PLAYERS, KAMAL NATH TELLS CONFEDERATION OF
ALL INDIA TRADERS
DELEGATION CALLS ON COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY TO LAUNCH TRADERS DAY
New Delhi, 9th August,
2006
There is no question of
allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail if it adversely affects
the small retailers in the country, Shri Kamal Nath, Minister of Commerce
and Industry, said at a meeting with the Confederation of All India
Traders when a 12-member delegation of the Confederation called on the
Minister to launch the All India Traders’ Day here today. Reiterating the
government’s commitment to ensure employment generation, Shri Kamal Nath
said he would look at only such models where there would be no
displacement of the small players in the retail sector.
As of now, there is no
policy for FDI in retail. The government had ensured suitable safeguards
against adverse impact on small traders by allowing FDI only in retail of
“Single Brand” products, the Minister said, adding that the main concern
was not foreign vs, domestic, but big vs the small. The issue was not just
about buying and selling but also about access to technology, backward
linkages etc. especially in
sectors like food
processing so as to reduce wastage of fruits and vegetables and ensure
better returns to the farmers for their produce, he explained. “I have not
yet found the right model (for retail)”, he said.
The delegation, which was
led by Shri Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General of the Confederation,
presented a paper on core domestic trade issues to Shri Kamal Nath, which
calls for abrogation/amendment of outdated laws and regulations;
simplification and rationalisation of the tax structure including merger
of all commercial taxes on domestic trade into a single tax and abolition
of the central sales tax; better banking facilities for traders; formation
of a Ministry of Internal Trade at both the central and state levels and
protection to domestic trade from foreign direct investment.
The Confederation has
decided to celebrate the 9th of August every year as the Traders’ Day.
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8th Aug 2006 |
New Delhi:
Sravana 17,1928
August 8, 2006
Discussions have been held
between India and the U.S.A. to remove trade barriers, including lifting
of anti-dumping duty on export of Indian shrimps to the U.S.A.
The issues relating to barriers in trade and services have
been taken up in Indo-US Trade Policy Forum Meetings, wherein the issues
pertaining to anti-dumping duty on Indian shrimp exports have also been
discussed. Consultations have also been held with U.S.A on related Customs
Bond issue under the disputes settlement mechanism of WTO. However, the
anti-dumping duty still continues to be in force.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Commerce, Shri
Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
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8th Aug 2006 |
New Delhi: Sravana 17,1928
August 8, 2006
The
top commodities whose imports have increased during the last three years
include petroleum crude & products; machinery except electrical and
electronics; electronics goods; gold, pearls, precious and semi-precious
stones, etc. Most of the commodities recording a higher growth of import
reflect the growth of demand for raw-materials, intermediate products and
capital goods from the manufacturing sector or growth of commodity prices
as in the case of crude oil.
Imports are largely governed by the emerging needs of the
economy and international prices of commodities. The Government normally
does not take measures to restrict imports which may lead to dampening of
the growth in the economy and resurgence of inflationary pressures.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Commerce, Shri
Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
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8th Aug 2006 |
New Delhi: Sravana 17,1928
August 8, 2006
Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100% is permitted on the automatic route in
all manufacturing activities except:-
(i) Defence Industry (where there is an equity cap of
26% and entry route restriction);
(ii) Cigars & Cigarette manufacturing (where there is an
entry route restriction);
(iii) Where provisions of Press Note 1(2005 series) are
attracted i.e. where the foreign investor has an existing joint venture in
India in the same field(where there is an entry route restriction);
(iv) Where more than 24%
foreign equity is proposed to be inducted for manufacture of items
reserved for Small Scale sector(where there is an entry route
restriction).
This was stated by the
Minister of State for Industry, Shri Ashwani Kumar in a written reply to a
question in Lok Sabha today.
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8th Aug 2006 |
New Delhi:
Sravana 17,1928
August 8, 2006
There were some
difficulties in export and import through Nathula Pass during the period
from 6.7.2006 to 27.7.2006.
Export and Import was not
allowed without valid Import-Export Code in terms of Para 2.2 of Foreign
Trade Policy read with para 2.8 of Handbook of Procedures. However, Vide
Public Notice No. 36 (RE-2006)/2004-2009 dated 27.7.2006, issued by DGFT,
it has been notified that Import-Export Code shall not be required for
import and export upto CIF value of Rs. 25,000.
Guidelines have been issued by DGFT vide Public Notice No.
20(RE-2006)/2004-2009 dated 13.6.2006 and Public Notice No. 36
(RE-2006)2004-2009 dated 27.7.2006 for smooth functioning of border trade
through Nathu La.
This was stated by Minister of State for Commerce, Shri
Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
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8th Aug 2006 |
INTERESTS OF INDIA’S
FARMERS AND INFANT INDUSTRIES CANNOT AND
WILL NOT BE COMPROMISED: KAMAL NATH
WAY FORWARD FOR DOHA ROUND POSSIBLE ONLY IF STRUCTURAL
FLAWS IN GLOBAL TRADING SYSTEM ARE ADDRESSED
KAMAL NATH ADDRESS FICCI-ICRIER MEET ON
“WTO AND DOHA DEVELOPMENT AGENDA: THE WAY FORWARD”
New Delhi:
August 08, 2006
Shri Kamal
Nath, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, today made it clear that the
interests of India’s farmers and infant industries cannot and will not be
compromised in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations under the
current Doha Round, even as he underlined India’s continuing commitment to
a rule-based multilateral trading system. Delivering a Special Address on
“WTO and the Doha Development Agenda: The Way Forward” at a meeting
jointly organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce &
Industry (FICCI) and Indian Council for Research on International Economic
Relations (ICRIER) here today, Shri Kamal Nath urged the developed
countries to recognise that development dimension was at the core of the
Doha Development Agenda and said India looked forward to the developed
countries taking a leadership role in moving the Doha process forward by
correcting distortions in the global trading system, especially in
agriculture.
Recalling the divergences at the G-6 meeting in Geneva on 24-25 July, 2006
leading to the suspension of the trade talks in which he along with Brazil
participated as representatives of the G-20 and the developing countries,
the Minister said what was worrying was not the gap in numbers but the gap
in mindset. This, he said, was reflected in the fact that developing
countries were being asked to pay a price by way of agricultural and
non-agricultural market access (NAMA) in return for the developed
countries cutting their trade distorting domestic support.
“Any deal which does not result in substantially and effectively
reducing all types of trade-distorting subsidies provided by the developed
countries, whether they have been notified in the Amber Box, Blue Box, or
the Green Box, will not do justice to the more than 2 billion poor and
vulnerable farmers across the world, who have no option but to eke a
subsistence life out of agriculture”, Shri Kamal Nath said.
Stating that
free trade will not be fair trade unless the structural flaws in the
system are corrected, Shri Kamal Nath remained firm that any scaling down
which undermines the ability of developing countries to safeguard millions
of livelihoods and food security, and would lead to de-industrialisation
in developing countries could not be accepted.
He
also said that there was no question of reopening the mandate of the
current Round as defined in the Doha Declaration, the Framework Agreement
of July 2004 and the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration of December 2005.
“I
look forward to working closely with all stakeholders in India to serve
our interests across all areas, especially to secure our development
imperatives”, he added.
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7th Aug 2006 |
KAMAL
NATH TO ADDRESS FICCI MEET ON WTO TOMORROW
New Delhi:
August 07, 2006
Shri Kamal Nath, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry,
will be delivering a special address on “The Doha Development Agenda:
Prospects and India’s Role” at a meeting being jointly organised here
tomorrow, 8th August, 2006 by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce &
Industry (FICCI) and Indian Council for Research on International Economic
Relations (ICRIER).
The negotiations
in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) under the current Doha Round were
suspended after the inconclusive meeting of the G-6 on 24 July in Geneva.
The Minister’s address is expected to help stakeholders and participants,
including Indian business trade policy analysts, researchers and others to
understand the factors leading the present stalemate and give an
indication of the direction for forging a way forward.
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4th Aug 2006 |
New Delhi:
4th August, 2006
After a long gap of 9 years, the second meeting of the Indo-Côte
d'Ivoire (Ivory
Coast) Joint Trade Committee was held yesterday. A delegation of 110
members from
Côte d'Ivoire
including 3
Senior Ministers and led by the Foreign Minister of
Côte
d'Ivoire
Mr. Youssouf
BAKAYOKO is in India and met with Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State
for Commerce and other officials.
Shri Jairam Ramesh drew attention to the emerging importance of Africa in
India’s foreign economic policy and a special role that West Africa is now
occupying. He identified hydrocarbons and diamonds as two areas where
India is actively exploring investment opportunities in West African
countries. Shri Ramesh spoke about the activities of ONGC Videsh in
Côte d'Ivoire
where it has
already invested $ 12 million for oil and gas exploration and will now
seek to expand its activities there.
Shri Ramesh pointed out that while the volume of two-way trade between
India and
Côte d'Ivoire
in 2005-06 is
only $ 350 million and is confined mostly to rice from India and raw
cashews from
Côte d'Ivoire,
the real success story of India in the
Côte d'Ivoire
lies in investment. In the last 11 months, Indian companies have
announced their intentions to invest close to $ 1 billion in the
Côte d'Ivoire
spread over
the next 5 years in the mining sector. In the last ten years, the total
amount of announced Indian FDI abroad is around $ 10 billion.
The
Côte d'Ivoire
delegation
expressed their keenness for Indian support to start an IT-cum-Technology
Park in Abidjan, named after Mahatma Gandhi. Shri Ramesh promised all
support and assured the
Côte d'Ivoire
delegation of
India’s seriousness in getting this technology park operational at the
very earliest, as also for increasing the lines of credit from India to
Côte d'Ivoire
&
scholarships to its students in India under the on-going ITEC programme.
50 such scholarships have been extended to
Côte d'Ivoire
and this will
now be enhanced to 65.
Shri Ramesh recalled that in the 1980s, the development economics
community had lauded the economic miracle of
Côte d'Ivoire
and expressed
the hope that the on-going ethnic conflict there would end soon. He
assured India’s full assistance in the rebuilding & reconstruction of
Côte d'Ivoire.
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2nd Aug 2006 |
New Delhi:
August 02, 2006
The Grievances Redressal Cell, which was set up in the Department of
Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in October 2004 to improve the
efficiency on the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) as a
facilitator of the country’s exports and imports, has been functioning
well. It has so far heard 334 grievances and held 21 meetings. This
Committee is mandated to hear all grievances against decisions taken in
the DGFT headquarters on non-statutory matters. The Committee is
presently headed by an officer of the level of Special Secretary with two
Members of the level of Joint Secretary.
The Committee attempted to dispose of the grievances to the satisfaction
of the petitioners. A majority of grievances related to shortfall in
export obligation arising out of Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) and
Advance Licences. The Committee extended export obligation period in all
those cases where it felt that export obligation could not be completed by
the petitioners for reasons beyond their control, namely, spread of bird
flu, flood in Mumbai in 2005, dumping action of Chinese industry, rapid
changes in cutting edge technology, inadequate infrastructure by the local
government agencies etc. The Committee took a lenient view in all such
cases by subscribing to the principle that a running unit would contribute
much more to the national economy in the longer run rather than a close
unit ordered on its incompetence to earn a specified foreign exchange in a
given time.
The Committee also appreciated grievances of such petitioners who could
not complete importation within the specified time against Advance and
DEPB licences due to unexpected wide price fluctuations, ban on imports
due to change in the policy of the Government, delay in fixation of Input
– Output norms. All such petitioners were given extended time to complete
imports so that the financial hardships are alleviated.
The Committee also took proactive action in expediting long pending cases
of fixation of DEPB rates by giving appropriate and suitable directions
appreciating the difficult situations under which the exporters have to
operate and modification, the exporters may have to undertake in their
products to meet the requirement of their buyers.
The Committee was also sensitive to the inept handling of problems faced
by the units in SEZs and gave appropriate directions to the concerned SEZs
to remedy their grievances.
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2nd Aug 2006 |
New Delhi:
August 02, 2006
Eleven towns in the country have emerged as
dynamic industrial clusters, contributing significantly to
India’s exports.
These eleven towns are: (1) Tirupur, Tamil Nadu – hosiery; (2)
Ludhiana, Punjab – woollen knitwear; (3) Panipat, Haryana –
woollen blanket; (4) Kanoor, Kerala – handlooms; (5) Karur,
Tamil Nadu – handlooms; (6) Madurai, Tamil Nadu – handlooms; (7)
AEKK (Aroor, Ezhupunna, Kodanthuruthu & Kuthiathodu), Kerala –
seafood; (8) Jodhpur, Rajasthan – handicraft; (9) Kekhra,
Uttar Pradesh – handlooms; (10) Dewas, Madhya Pradesh –
pharmaceuticals; and (11) Alleppey, Kerala – coir products.
Besides the ASIDE (Assistance to States for
Infrastructure Development for Exports) scheme granted to state
governments for developing export infrastructure, the facilities granted
to Towns of Export Excellence include common service and the facility of
the EPCG scheme. Recognised associations of units are able to access the
funds under the Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme for creating
focussed technological services.
In
order to grant recognition to these industrial clusters with a view to
maximising their potential and enabling them to move higher in the value
chain and tap new markets, it was decided that selected towns producing
goods of Rs.1000 crore or more will be notified as Towns of Exports
Excellence on the basis of potential for growth in exports. However, for
the Towns of Export Excellence in the Handlooms, Handicraft, Agriculture
and Fisheries sector, the threshold limit is Rs.250 crore.
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1st Aug 2006 |
New Delhi:
August 1, 2006
India and Tajikistan have agreed to further develop bilateral cooperation
in the areas of trade, industry, agriculture, including processing of agri
products, construction, transport, education, scientific & technical
cooperation and tourism. Both sides have noted that the existing volume
of bilateral trade between the Republic of India and the Republic of
Tajikistan does not correspond to the real potential of both the countries
and deliberated upon measures to increase the volume of bilateral trade on
a balanced basis as well as widen the trade basket. This is indicated in
the Protocol of the Third Session of the Indo-Tajik Joint Commission on
Trade, Economy, Scientific & Technical Cooperation which was signed here
today by Shri G.K. Pillai, Special Secretary, Ministry of Commerce &
Industry, on behalf of the Government of India and Mr. H.H. Soliev,
Minister for Economy & Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Mr. Soliev later also called on Shri Kamal Nath, Union
Minister of Commerce and Industry.
Two-way trade between India and Tajikistan in 2005-06 was valued at a
meagre US $ 12.09 million. This consisted of India’s exports to
Tajikistan valued at US $ 6.20 million and India’s imports from Tajikistan
worth US $ 5.89 million.
In order to widen trade and economic relations
between the two countries, the Indian side has agreed to hold a meeting of
the business forum of both the countries during the forthcoming visit of
the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to India in August 2006. The
Tajik side also agreed to hold a similar Forum in May 2007 in
Dushanbe.
Both sides have underlined the importance of establishing long-term
cooperation in the field of industry and have agreed to make efforts
to achieve this goal, especially in view of the great potential for
cooperation in the manufacturing sector in textiles, chemicals,
construction materials, mining and processing of light metals.
Possibilities of setting up joint ventures in the territories of both
countries in identified areas will also be considered.
Tajikistan has requested India to support its entry into the World Trade
Organisation (WTO) and India has agreed to extend technical assistance for
helping Tajikistan with its accession to the WTO.
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1st Aug 2006 |
New Delhi:
August 1, 2006
India’s bilateral trade with the countries of ASEAN and East Asia
including North East Asia during the year 2006-07 (upto April 2006)
amounts to Rs.21,172.98 crore. Detailed country-wise / commodity-wise
data for India’s trade with all her trading partners are made available
through the Department of Commerce website:
http://commerce.nic.in
Initiatives for
conclusion of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements (CECA) and
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are being pursued with the countries of East
Asia as important features of our Look East Policy. These initiatives
include establishment of a CECA with Singapore in June 2005, establishment
of a Joint Study Group (JSG) for examining the feasibility of a CECA with
Malaysia, an MOU for establishment of a JSG with Indonesia, a JSG for
consideration of a Regional Trading Arrangement (RTA) with China, a
Framework Agreement on FTA with Thailand and Bilateral Initiatives for an
Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and a Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA) respectively with Republic of Korea and
Japan. Besides, negotiations are on conclusion of a CECA with ASEAN.
This was stated
by Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Commerce, in a written reply
in the Lok Sabha today.
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1st Aug 2006 |
New Delhi:
August 1, 2006
Having reviewed the performance of the plantations sector recently, the
government is
commissioning a study to assess the long term international
competitiveness of the plantation industries, namely, tea, coffee, rubber
and spices and to address the problem of senile plantations.
This was stated by Shri
Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Commerce, in a written reply in
the Lok
Sabha today.
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1st Aug 2006 |
New Delhi:
August 1, 2006
Import of mangoes from India is not permitted by United States of America,
Australia and New Zealand on account of incidence of fruit flies, mango
stone, thrips, pulp weevil and other pests in Indian mango.
Japan
lifted the ban on import of Indian mangoes on 23rd June, 2006.
Country-wise targets for export of mangoes are not fixed.
The
Agricultural & Processes Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
is extending financial assistance under its schemes for Market
Development, Infrastructure Development, Quality Development and Research
& Development to exporters to facilitate export of agricultural produce
including mango. Other steps in this direction include setting up of
Agri Export Zones, provision of facilities for handling perishable cargo
at major international airports, organisation of mango promotion campaigns
and buyer-seller meets.
This was
stated by Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Commerce, in a written
reply in the Lok Sabha today.
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1st Aug 2006 |
FDI POLICY IN AGRICULTURE / PLANTATION SECTOR
CLARIFIED: ASHWANI KUMAR
New Delhi:
August 1, 2006
The Group of Ministers (GoM) on FDI, while considering the proposal for
review of FDI policy in January 2006 recommended, inter-alia, the proposal
to remove agriculture and plantation, with exclusions, from the list of
prohibited activities, and recommended listing out the permitted
activities in these sectors under the sectoral policy. No
recommendations was made by the Group of Ministers to open up for hundred
percent FDI through automatic route the agriculture and plantation sector
as reported in Business Standard dated July 12, 2006. However the
Group of Ministers recommended amendment to the permitted activities as
incorporated in Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of
Security by a Person Resident outside India) Regulations, 2000, amended on
18/6/2003, by inclusion of ‘Aquaculture’ and deletion of ‘etc’ appearing
after the word ‘mushroom’.
Based on a reference received from the Reserve Bank of
India
(RBI), government has clarified that the present policy with regard to FDI
in agriculture and plantation is as follows:
i)
FDI upto 100% is permitted under the automatic route in the
under mentioned activities viz., floriculture, horticulture, development
of seeds, animal husbandry, pisciculture, aquaculture and cultivation of
vegetables and mushrooms, under controlled conditions and services related
to agro and allied sectors.
ii)
FDI upto 100% with prior government approval is permitted
in tea plantation subject to the conditions of divestment of 26% equity of
the company in favour of an Indian partner / Indian public within a period
of five years; and prior approval of the state government concerned in
case of any future land use change.
iii)
Besides the above two, FDI
is not allowed in any other agricultural sector / activity.
This was stated
by Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Minister of State for Industry, in a written reply
in the Lok Sabha today.
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1st Aug 2006 |
FDI IN INDUSTRIAL SECTOR
New Delhi:
August 1, 2006
Government has
put in place a liberal and investor-friendly policy on Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) under which FDI upto 100% is permitted on the automatic
route in most sectors / activities where no prior approval of the
government is required. For FDI proposals in sectors / activities
requiring prior government approval, the Foreign Investment Promotion
Board (FIPB) acts as a single window clearance authority. Under the
liberalised economic environment, investment decisions of investors,
including location, are based on techno-economic and commercial
considerations.
A statement on state-wise FDI proposals approved during the
last three years is attached.
Statement on FDI
inflows during the last three years as reported by the Regional offices of
the Reserve Bank of India is also attached.
Currently, a
tabular information regarding the status of establishment of industry
pursuant to the approvals is not maintained.
This was stated
by Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Minister of State for Industry, in a written reply
in the Lok Sabha today.
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1st Aug 2006 |
SETTING UP OF INDUSTRIES: ASHWANI KUMAR LISTS
OUT SCHEMES OF DIPP
New Delhi:
August 1, 2006
Government has
provided a liberal Industrial Policy wherein most industries are exempt
from industrial licensing. Under the FDI policy investment is allowed
upto 100% under automatic route for most sectors / activities. The
liberal and investor friendly policies allow for entrepreneurial freedom
to set up industries according to their choice of location and on the
basis of techno-economic considerations.
Though funds
are not allocated by this Department to State Governments specifically for
setting up of industries, government supplements the efforts of the state
governments in establishing infrastructure and providing other incentives
under various schemes. These schemes include the Growth Centre Scheme,
Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme, North East Industrial Policy
Package, Special Category States Package, Integrated Development of
Leather Sector and Industrial Parks Scheme being operated by the
Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) and funds are allocated
to projects under these schemes as per norms.
Since the DIPP
has not notified any state as industrially backward, state-wise
information for all states as available in the form of industrial
entrepreneur memoranda received and Letters of Intent / Direct Industrial
Licences issued by the DIPP since 1/4/2002 till 30/6/06 is attached.
This was stated
by Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Minister of State for Industry, in a written reply
in the Lok Sabha today.
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