7. INSTITUTIONAL TRADE FACILITATION
INDIA TRADE PROMOTION ORGANISATION
India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) is the premier trade promotion agency of India and provides a broad spectrum of services to trade and industry so as to promote India's exports. ITPO, during its existence of 26 years has played a proactive role in catalysing trade, investment and technology transfer processes. With the Headquarters at Pragati Maidan, - a modern exhibition complex spread over 150 acres, in New Delhi and regional offices at Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai, ITPO ensures a representative participation of trade and industry from different regions of the country at its events in India and abroad. ITPO also operates a network of overseas offices at Frankfurt (Germany), New York (USA), Tokyo (Japan), Moscow (Russia) and Sao Paulo (Brazil) in furtherance of its trade promotion objectives as also for enlisting participation and visitor response for its events.
Fairs in India
Large and small industries, exporters and manufacturers covering various sectors of trade and industry displayed their exhibits/products at ITPO's fairs in India. These events were also utilised as launching pads for promoting new products. ITPO organized ten exhibitions at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi and one exhibition in Mumbai from April 2003 to March 2004. Besides the regular exhibitions, namely, Delhi Book Fair, Stationery Fair, International Security and Fire Exhibition, Sajavat Fair, Arogya, Furniture Fair, Ahaar etc., three new exhibitions, namely Cool Home (covering refrigeration and cooling white goods), New Delhi, Mumbai International Fair for Consumer Goods, Mumbai and North East Trade Expo, New Delhi were organized. ITPO in association with the Department of Development of North East Region organized North East Trade Expo during March 18-21, 2004. All the 8 North Eastern States, Government and Private Institutions having activities in the North Eastern region participated. This event was well received by the exhibitors and visitors. Keeping in view the feedback, it is proposed to institutionalize this event as an annual event for promotion of North East Region.
ITPO has been organizing the annual India International Trade Fair (IITF) from 1981. The 23rd India International Trade Fair (IITF'2003) was organized from November 14 to 27, 2003. 28 States and 4 Union Territories alongwith 14 Ministries and Government Departments, 24 Public Sector Undertakings, Commodity Boards, EPCs, Banks & Insurance Companies participated. Foreign participation was from 28 countries. Overall participation totalled more than 7500 exhibitors. In order to encourage exports by the small and medium-scale industries and to promote tourism, the themes of this edition of IITF were `Promoting Exports by Small & Medium Enterprises' and `Tourism' . 77 delegations from 33 countries visited the fair, in addition to 2,40,000 business visitors. The Fair was inaugurated by Hon'ble President of India, Shri A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The Fair generated a revenue of over Rs. 23.72 crores by way of space rent.
Besides, ITPO organizes other specialized events in India. Delhi International Leather Fair organized by ITPO during October 19-22, 2003 attracted 189 participants including 22 from overseas. As many as 200 overseas business persons were among the large number of trade visitors at the Fair. During the year, ITPO also organized the India International Leather Fair (IILF), Chennai, January 31 February 4, 2004. In IILF'2004, 252 exhibitors, including 55 overseas companies, participated. Over 10,500 business visitors including buyers/trade delegations from 35 overseas countries visited the fair. Besides, representatives of leading Buying Houses also visited the fair.
For showcasing India's textile industry, 10th Tex-Styles India Fair a mega event focusing on Indian textile products, was organized from February 29 March 4, 2004. 315 companies participated and displayed a wide range of Indian textile products. About 12,000 business visitors including 4,000 overseas buyers from 96 countries visited the five-day Fair. Business worth Rs. 300 crores was generated at the Show.
ITPO also leases its facilities in Pragati Maidan to organizers of trade events. During the financial year 2003-2004, as many as 63 events were organized in Pragati Maidan by Export Promotion Bodies/Apex Industry Associations, Central Ministries as well as private fair organizers. Some of the prominent fairs held in the current year were Auto Expo, Elecrama, Defence Expo, Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair, India International Garment Fair, World Book Fair, Carpet Fair, Convergance India.
Fairs Abroad
During the year 2003-2004, ITPO organized participation in 55 overseas trade fairs. Out of 55 events, 13 fairs were in West Asia/Africa region, 23 in Europe, 18 in South East Asia/America and one in CIS region. Out of 55 events, 38 were specialized events and 16 were general fairs and one exclusive Indian Exhibition namely `Incredible India", December 2-6, 2003 at Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). The event has been a big draw in Malaysia with 10,000 business visitors and around 2 lakh other visitors visiting the exhibition. Business worth Rs. 70.53 crores was generated at the event. 56 agency arrangements/tie-ups were finalized at the Show.
Trade Development Activities
ITPO organized several export development programmes by using different promotional tools for selected products in identified markets. These created awareness of India's manufacturing and export capabilities.
During the year upto Mar. 31, 2004, three Buyer-Seller Meets were organized in Japan the 14th India Home Furnishing Fair, the 24th India Garment Fair & 3rd India Handicrafts and Gift Fair. These 03 events were attended by 2339 buyers from leading department stores, wholesalers, importers, trading houses etc.
A Seminar on "Non Tariff Measures affecting India's exports" was organized in collaboration with Commonwealth Secretariat and the findings were disseminated to the Indian industry. Similarly, in order to get maximum foreign business delegations at the time of IITF'2003, a Seminar on International Trade Opportunity in Technology was organized prior to IITF'2003. A one day Seminar on "Easy Care Wool and Techno-Finishes" was organized by ITPO in collaboration with the Wool Mark Company during Tex Styles India'2004 for quality and sourcing woolen products from India.
Visits of five buying delegations from Japan, Germany, Brazil, Jamaica, China were organised and one-to-one meetings were arranged with the potential Indian units during their visits. Visit of a Buying Mission from
a leading Retail Store from USA Wal Mart was hosted and a special display was arranged for the delegation. An India Promotion with Wal-Mart is proposed to be organized during the next year.
In order to project India's image as a leading exporter of latest technology, Technology Trade Pavilion was set up at IITF from November 14 -27, 2003 in collaboration with Department of Science and Industrial Research (DSIR). Spread over an area of 1500 sq.mtrs., more than 100 leading companies both from private and Govt. displayed the technologies developed by them. Over 1 lakh visitors including delegations from overseas countries visited the Pavilion.
As a part of establishing facilities for holding trade fairs in different locations in India, the second Regional Trade Promotion Centre (RTPC) is being set up in Bangalore wherein significant headway has been made and the construction of the Karnataka Trade Centre (KTC) is in full swing. A joint venture between ITPO and Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board has been registered under Section 25 of the Indian Companies Act, 1956 and named as "Karnataka Trade Promotion Organisation", for managing the KTC. It is expected to be operative by June, 2004.
The annual publication Economic and Trade Data highlighting information on India's economic environment in terms of economic indicators, trade and investment policies, incentives etc. was prepared and distributed among Foreign Missions in India, Indian Missions abroad and other trade promotion organizations of the world.
ITPO maintains a data of export worthy units which are enrolled as regular members of ITPO and provides them a package of services which include trade enquiries received from foreign offices, market intelligence, product development, details on importers, arranging meeting with visiting delegation, participation in developmental programmes, etc. Till 31st Mar., 2004, 280 trade enquiries received from ITPO foreign offices were disseminated to the regular members for sending quotation to the overseas importers/ wholesalers/ buyers.
Trade Information
During the year 2003-2004, ITPO organized 8 Catalogue Shows at Izmir (Turkey), Budapest (Hungary), Johannesburg (South Africa), Tehran (Iran) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Khartoum (Sudan), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and Cairo (Egypt). In addition one stand - alone Catalogue & Sample Show was also organized at Lima (Peru).
Two Seminars-cum-Display of Foreign Products Catalogues were organized at Varanasi (U.P.) and Trichy (Tamil Nadu) which were well received.
The Associate Membership position on 31.3.2004 stands at 3239. As many as 1311 periodicals, 70 trade directories, 329 foreign product catalogues and 78 CD-ROMs were received in the Trade Information Department.
Business Information Centre (BIC)
ITPO has set up the Business Information Centre and trade portal, www.tradeportalofindia.com to provide trade information to Indian exporters and overseas buyers.
The portal, at present has 10 GB of information covering 54 major countries and 28 product groups which account for more than 80% of India's trade. The information is updated on a regular basis. The portal has a database of over 40,000 overseas importers, Product Profiles and Country Profiles, fairs and exhibitions, India's trade statistics, global trade statistics, EXIM Policy, notifications and circulars of the Central Excise, Customs and RBI, market surveys, product catalogues of ITPO members, tariff and taxes, details of exhibition halls at Pragati Maidan and links to various trade related sites.
About 325 visitors access the Trade Portal daily averaging around 7000 hits per month. A large number of trade visitors also came to the BIC located at Hall No.19 at Pragati Maidan. A Payment Gateway facility has been introduced to facilitate Indian exporters to become Associate Members online.
The BIC has online access to KOMPASS (a database of 1.8 million companies in 80 countries, which is searchable by country/products and classified under manufacturer/importer/distributor/agent), World Trade Atlas prepared by Global Trade Information Systems (GTIS) which provides international trade statistics at micro level for selected countries. The library has EIU and trade directories of various countries.
E-Commerce Initiatives
ITPO was chosen as the National partner by International Trade Center, Geneva, for implementation of the E-Trade Bridge Programme for Small and Medium Enterprises. As a follow-up to the workshops organized in Delhi and Chennai last year, a Consultant from the ITC, Geneva visited 14 Indian SMEs (8 Delhi based handicraft and 6 Tirupur based knitwear companies). Their web sites were thoroughly reviewed using ITC's e-Trade Bridge criteria. In addition, a detailed review of e-trade strategy of HHEC (The Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Corporation of India Ltd.) was also carried out.
Setting up of Regional Trade Centres
ITPO is providing assistance to State Governments in setting up Regional Trade Promotion Centres (RTPCs) for creating Export Infrastructure in State Capital/major cities:
l A joint venture company namely, Tamil Nadu Trade Promotion Organisation (TNTPO) was set up during the year 2001. This project is a joint initiative of ITPO & TIDCO, Chennai. The exhibition centre has been operational for the last three years and work relating to setting up of Convention Centre is at an advanced stage.
l An exhibition center is being set up at Bangalore, which is expected to be ready shortly.
l ITPO is also providing support for setting up of RTPCs at Guwahati and Kolkata.
Commercial Publicity & Public Relations
ITPO had undertaken extensive corporate publicity through print, electronic and internet media to mobilize participation as well as promote its various events in India and abroad. This publicity campaign was supplemented with brochures, invitation mailers, posters, fair catalogues besides advertisement and Supplements in print media and advertisements in electronic media etc. The Division also effectively liaised with media to ensure maximum coverage in the print media and appropriate footage in the electronic media for ITPO's events and activities. Advertorials supplementing corporate advertisements were also brought out in select media in India and abroad on ITPO's activities and role in trade promotion for reinforcing the corporate image of the organization.
The various facets of the ITPO's activities and its exhibition infrastructure were highlighted in the Calendar of Events for 2003-2004 which also listed ITPO's programme of events in India and abroad. The Calendar was mailed to its target audience comprising trade and industry associations in India and abroad, overseas Missions in India and Indian Missions abroad, nodal industry organizations in different States.
The Division also brought out a quarterly newsletter `Log On' for disseminating information on ITPO's activities to trade and industry in India and overseas, Central Ministries and Departments, State Governments, EPCs etc. A Trade Fair update in coordination with Hindustan Times was also brought out as part of the NCR edition of the Hindustan Times (English) and Hindustan (Hindi) during the India International Trade Fair, New Delhi from November 14-27, 2003. A newsletter was brought out on the India International Leather Fair, Chennai, January 31 February 4, 2004 and distributed at the fair among participants and visitors.
Financial Highlights
The working of the Organisation for the year 2002-2003 resulted in a surplus of Rs. 21.93 crore as compared to Rs. 20.97 crores during 2001-2002. The total income of the Organisation for the year 2002-2003 was Rs. 115.14 crore as against a total expenditure of Rs. 93.21 crore.
Human Resource Development & Other Activities
To look after the interests of SCs/STs/OBCs, two separate Liaison Officers have been nominated and these Officers are associated in the process of Departmental Promotion/Selection Committee, training etc. to comply with the Guidelines of reservation in service etc.
The provisions of the Persons under Disabilities (Equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 regarding reservation in posts/services for disabled persons are also complied with in ITPO. To align the employees with the vision and mission of ITPO and keeping in mind the global perspective, a number of training programmes, seminars and workshops were organized on topics such as Managing Performance Achieving Results, ISO 9000, Training Programme for students of Mexico, TDS at Source, Need Based Training Programme, International Conference on Digital Libraries, Conference for women Enterprises in Trade & Commerce and Tax Talk etc. In all 121 employees benefited from the above training programme.
ITPO continued to implement the Official Language Policy of the Government of India during the year 2003-2004. In order to achieve the target laid down by the GOI regarding Hindi typing/stenography, in-house training arrangements were continued during the year. Hindi typing, short-hand, noting-drafting and translation competitions were organized during July-August, 2003. Participants securing the first, second and third position in each competition were awarded cash prizes. Four Hindi Workshops were also organised during the year.
Apart from the regular Hindi monthly, "Udyog Vyapar Patrika", Business Visitors Guides of IITF, Calender of Events, ITPO's Annual Report and the Memorandum of Understanding between ITPO and the Department of Commerce were also published in Hindi. The Publication of in-house journal `Darpan' (Log On) continued to be published in Hindi.
Infrastructure
During the year, ITPO has undertaken various works for modernization/upgradation of facilities in Pragati Maidan. A foot overbridge has been constructed on Mathura Road in front of Gate No.2 for crossing the road by general public visiting Pragati Maidan. A new Gate (Gate No.6) with ticket windows and other facilities has been constructed on Bhairon Road for entry to Pragati Maidan. Green Lawns have been further improved around Halls No. 2,3,4,5 and in front of Hall No. 15 by providing land-scaping and flowering plants etc.
Techno Economic Feasibility Report (TEFR) on revamping of the exhibition facilities in Pragati Maidan and constructing a world-class Convention Centre has been completed. The bankable Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed works is under preparation.
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF FOREIGN TRADE
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) was established in 1964 by the Government of India, with the objective to strengthen the country's external trade sector through Human Resource Development (HRD). Since then, the Institute has been the pioneer in imparting training in foreign trade management in the country besides undertaking research and consultancy in various areas of International Trade and has come a long way as a Centre of Excellence in the field of International Business. The Institute has always been pro-active in adapting to the changing needs of the corporate sector shifting its focus from being merely a training institute in foreign trade to an integrated international Business School.
The Institute was given the status of Deemed University in May 2002 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development enabling it to award degrees, start its own doctoral programme and also get higher acceptability and recognition in the internationally competitive academic milieu.
The Institute enjoys close and enduring linkages with the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India and established ties with leading Industrial and Trading Houses and Academic Institutions which have made it the premier organisation in India.
Education and Training Programmes
The Institute through its following long-term programmes caters to the requirements of aspiring international business executives and mid-career professionals alike:
l Two-year MBA (International Business), New Delhi
l Three-year MBA (International Business) Evening, New Delhi
l Two-year MBA (International Business), Tanzania
l Executive Masters in International Business (EMIB), New Delhi
l Certificate Course in Export Marketing, New Delhi
l Certificate Course in Spanish Language
l Certificate Course in Portuguese Language
During the period under review, IIFT conducted 40 Management Development Programmes : 11 regular programmes, 28 sponsored programmes and 01 collaborative programme. The Institute also conducted four training programmes on Foreign Trade in Hindi medium.
During April-December, 2003, all the Foundational Programmes and the Certificate Courses of the Institute are continuing. In addition to 24 sponsored programmes, the Institute, organised the following 9 Management Development Programmes:
1. Export Import Policy of India
2. Time Management
3. Management of International Contracts
4. Industrial Marketing & Global Tenders
5. Risk Management in Exports and Imports
6. Six Sigma: Opportunities and Implementation
7. Export Procedures & Documentation
8. Import Management & Procedures
9. Role of supply chain management and shipping in International Trade
The Institute also conducted two International Progammes (i) Globalisation of Small & Medium Enterprises" for Colombo Plan Secretariat during Sept. 8-13, 2003 & (ii) "Analytical Tools for Trade Analysis in Cairo", Egypt" in collaboration with Foreign Trade Training Centre(FTTC), Egypt during Dec. 13-24, 2003.
Research
The Institute conducts research studies for its clients including Central Government, State Governments, international organizations and the corporate sector. Some of the major Research Studies undertaken by the Institute during the years are:
1. Regional Trading Arrangements ( RTAs): An impact Analysis of North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Special Reference to India
2. Peer Review of Export Inspection Council (EIC) and Export Inspection Agencies (EIA)
3. Analysis of Desirability of Assessment of Benefit of A Bilateral Free Trade Agreement Between India and Morocco
4. Export Potential Survey of Jharkhand
5. Export Potential Survey of Orissa
6. World Trade Organisation (WTO) Compatibility Scheme for State of Utter Pradesh (U.P)
7. Policies and Incentives for Accelerating Technology Incentive Exports: Exporters' Perspective
8. Technology Intensive Exports from India: Based on Reports of Trade Delegations
9. A Compendium on Institutions Offering Management Education, Courses Offered and Structure in Indian Ocean Rim Countries (IORC)
10. Implications of European Union (EU) and United States Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) Rules of Origin on Indian Textiles and Clothing Sector.
Upto December 2003, the Institute undertook the following research projects:
1. RTAs: Issues for Negotiations
2. Export Development Plan for Nagaland
3. Export Development Plan for Manipur
4. Environment Information System (ENVIS) Website on Environmental Services
5. Market Audit on India International Trade Fair (2002)
6. Training Manual on Trade in Environmental Services and Human Development
7. Compendium on Technology Exports from India
8. Evaluation of Export Potential Scheme for Handicraft
9. Export of Food Grains by FCI.
In addition, IIFT conducted (i) EU-Asia Conference & Workshop of E-enabling Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for Global Competitiveness and (ii) National Workshop on Technical Barriers to Trade till December, 2003.
Seminars/Workshops
The Institute conducted a number of Seminars/Workshops to disseminate the findings of Research Studies and to provide a forum for constructive debate on issues of current concern. These include:
1. Workshop on WTO Matters
2. WTO/WCO National Seminar on Trade Facilitation
3. Intensive Training Session for International Negotiators Investment Agreements
4. Seminar on WTO Negotiations on RTAs
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
The Memorandum of Understanding with the following institutions were operative during the year 2002-2003:
1. Al-Ghurair Academy, Dubai
2. Institute of Financial Management (IFM), Tanzania
3. United Nations Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD)
4. Centre for International Development, Harvard University
5. CERAM Sophia Antipolis, France
6. Institute for Trade Studies & Research (ITSR), Iran
7. The University of Kashmir, Srinagar
8. University of Jammu
9. Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology
10. PSG Institute of Management, Coimbatore
11. Badruka College Post-Graduate Centre, Hyderabad
12. Durgapur Institute of Management, Durgapur
13. Gujarat Positra Port Infrastructure Limited
14. Gitam Institute of Foreign Trade, Vishakhapatnam
During the year under review, the Institute entered into MoUs with (i) Foreign Trade Training Centre (FTTC), Egypt to ensure close cooperation and coordination of efforts concerning training, research and consultancy, (ii) School of Public Policy at George Mason University which provides for student exchange programme, (iii) GITAM Institute of Foreign Trade, Vishakhapatnam and Establishment of a Node under Capacity Enhancement Programme of Environment Information System (ENVIS) in certain State Government Departments/State Pollution Control Boards.
Publications
The Institute continued to publish its periodicals Foreign Trade Review (quarterly), Focus WTO (bi-monthly) and Newsletter on Technology Exports (quarterly).
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR TRADE INFORMATION
National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI) has been registered as a company under section 25 of Indian Companies Act, 1956 on 31st March, 1995. The company has a Board of Directors for administration of its affairs, which includes representatives from Ministry of Commerce & Industry, National Informatics Centre (NIC), India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S), Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Apex Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and Commodity Boards. ITPO and NIC are co-promoters of the company and have contributed a sum of Rs.4.00 crores (Rs.2.00 crore each) as corpus fund in the equity contribution of NCTI. NCTI has been provided with fully furnished office space by ITPO and Software and Hardware support by NIC against their equity contribution in kind. The company has started functioning w.e.f. March, 1996.
NCTI received a database of Electronic Trading Opportunities (ETOs) containing 11873/12346 demands/offers from all over the world. NCTI brought out 52 issues of its weekly publication namely "Trade Point India". NCTI continued to provide value added information to business community. Some of the important services rendered by NCTI include ETO on-line, Value Added Services, organising seminars/workshops updating/uploading information on NCTI's website.
NCTI's major activities are highlighted as below:
I Value Added Services:
During the Financial Year 2003-04, NCTI complied value added studies/reports for Deptt. Of Commerce, Engineering Export Promotion Council, Sports Goods Export Promotion Council, Coir Board, ITPO, Ministry of Textiles, as well as private sector companies from the trade and industry.
II Major Projects:
Market Study of Shellac & Lac Based Product : Shellac Export Promotion Council has awarded a project to carry out a Market Study of Shellac & Lac Based Products in South Africa and Kenya.
NCTI Inputs for Finalization of MDA Proposals of EPCs & Other Grantee Organizations : Department of Commerce revised the MDA guidelines during the month of January, 2004 and accordingly made it mandatory for all proposals to include adequate supporting trade data on the basis of which a country or product group is targeted in the proposal, for which, NCTI was asked to play an important role by providing full data support to all the Councils and other organizations. Accordingly, NCTI provided 2/6/8 digit HS Code Level analytical reports to EEPC, CHEMEXCIL, PDEXCIL, ESC, etc. for the Four Focus Programmes, namely Focus LAC, Focus Africa, Focus, CIS & Focus ASEAN as well as EU, NEA and NAFTA Countries.
Singapore Cell Work: NCTI has been involved for the Trade Analysis work required by Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry in connection with the proposed Indo-Singapore Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
National Medicinal Plants Board Study NCTI has been awarded a project by National Medicinal Plants Board. The project includes desk study to map HS classification of various medicines and herbal products from the point of view of demand in the international market and also includes a field study in major importing countries. Similarly the global import of USA and European Union (EU) was also mapped for the identified HS Codes. As part of the study, the global export of China for identified HS Codes was also extracted.
Release of Indian Exporters' Index (index) : The first issue of the Indian Exporters' Index was released by Shri S.B. Mookherjee, Hon'ble Minister of State for Commerce Industry, Govt. of India. The index 2003 has over 11,470 authenticated business profiles covering a wide range of products and services listed with contact information and over 80% with email addresses. Index has exporters representation from most of major cities/export hubs of India and is available in Print as well as CD-ROM.
Computerised Registration for Business Visitors during IITF, 2003 : For IITF'2003, the work on Computerised Registration of Business Visitors was undertaken by NCTI. NCTI provided the technical support, designed the Registration Form, developed the software programme, provided support staff and prepared the database of Business Visitors.
III Export Awareness Seminar at Coimbatore:
A two day Seminar on Export Awareness was held at Coimbatore on 18th & 19th Sept., 2003 at Hotel "The Residency". The faculty support was provided by senior officers from Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Export Credit and Guarantee Corporation (ECGC), Customs, Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) and PSG Institute of Management.
IV Preparation and Printing of Focus Africa Booklet:
Under the Focus Africa Programme of Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, a seminar was organized in New Delhi on 22nd September, 2003 for which purpose NCTI prepared a booklet on Focus Africa. The booklet was duly printed through NCTI contains Country-wise data of 24 Focus African Countries. The Booklet was released by Hon'ble Minister for Commerce, Shri Arun Jaitley. ED, NCTI made a presentation on Trade Potential to Africa during the seminar.
V Other Important Activities:
NCTI participated in some important fairs and provided Business Support Services to its members. NCTI made series of presentations at major commercial centers such as Kolkata, Ludhiana, Chennai, New Delhi, Bangalore etc. in association with EPCs, Trade Associations and Commodity Boards. ED, NCTI being the Marketing Director, World Trade Point Federation (WTPF) attended its Bureau meeting at Geneva and also visited Nigeria, South Africa & Tanzania along with the Ministry of Commerce's delegation led by Hon'ble Minister of State for Commerce & Industry. ED, NCTI visited Jamaica in connection with the Bureau meeting and Fourth General Assembly of WTPF and the meeting of the Steering Committee and Bureau of the federation. An official of NCTI visited Bangladesh in connection with the renewal of the trade agreement between India and Bangladesh.
Indian Institute of Packaging, Mumbai
The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) was established under the Societies' Registration Act in the year 1966 under the Ministry of Commerce with a view to stimulating consciousness for good packaging by undertaking and promoting study, research and development in packaging, packaging design etc. At present the Institute is imparting training in packaging by conducting Post Graduate Diploma in packaging, Intensive Training Course in Packaging, Distance Education (Correspondence Programme in Packaging), Short term Entrepreneurship Course, Seminars, technical consultancy, testing and evaluation of packages, research and development in packaging and packaging designs etc.
Package Development Projects
The Institute has taken up the following package development projects during the year:
1. Packaging of Adhesives.
2. Development of suitable pack for HVAC Assemblies.
3. Packaging of Fuel Additives.
4. Consultancy Training of Flexible Laminates and Co-extruded materials.
5. Packaging of leaf tobacco.
6. Packaging of Fruit Juices.
7. Packaging of Mango Bar.
8. Development of Packaging Industry in Egypt.
9. Packaging of drinking water in returnable plastic containers.
10. Packaging of Ceramic Fibres.
11. Upgradation of Seafood Packaging.
12. Packaging of Onions for Exports.
13. Packaging of Jeera Puris.
14. R&D Project on Packaging of Rabdi.
15. R&D Project on Packaging of Jeera Puris
16. Packaging of Edible Oils in Flexible Pouches
17. R&D Project on packaging of Boondi Laddus
18. Packaging of Onions
Major Projects in Progress:
1. Packaging of Ceiling Fan.
2. Packaging of Typewriters.
3. Packaging of Disposable Syringes.
4. Packaging of Chanderi Silk Sarees.
5. Packaging of Edible Oils in flexible pouches.
6. Compilation of book on "Plastics as safe and Hygienic medium for packaging of food products".
7. Packaging of dehydrated/freeze dried vegetable for Exports.
8. Packaging of Boondi Laddus.
9. Updation of Packaging Specifications of Mangoes.
10. Updation of Packaging Specifications of Grapes.
11. Packaging of DMAHCL.
12. Packaging of confectionery.
13. Development of Export Packs for Dehydrated/Freeze Dried Vegetables.
14. Packaging of Drinking Water in Returnable Plastic Containers.
15. Infestation Studies on Chocolate Packs.
DEVELOPMENT OF PACKAGING INDUSTRY IN EGYPT.
Mr. P L Nagarseker, Professor (C&P) visited Egypt for Project "Development of Packaging Industry in Egypt". The project was undertaken under Joint Action Plan (JAP) between Social Fund for Development (SFD), Egypt and Ministry of Small Scale Industry, Govt. of India.
Phase-I of the project was completed which involved visits to representative industries and various institutes in Egypt. Based on the above, four Project Proposals and an Action Plan was submitted along with the study report. Phase 2 of the project is expected.
DEVELOPMENT OF COIR CUSHIONING MEDIA
After achieving a breakthrough in developing a cost effective coir board laminate, a review committee meeting was held at Coir Board, Kochi, on 4th February, 2004 for the project on "Development of Coir Cushioning Media". In this project cushioning media were developed using Coir + Rubber and Coir + Latex. These are eco-friendly materials to be used as cushions for protecting fragile products from distribution hazards like vibrations, drops, impacts etc.
PREPARATION OF WORKING MANUAL
A Working Manual for Testing of Packaging Materials for Dairy Products was completed.
COMPILATION OF MONOGRAPH
An encyclopedic monograph on "Plastics as Safe & Hygienic Medium for Packaging of Food Products" has been compiled for publication.
PRINTING OF PACKAGING SPECIFICATIONS
Seven folders are finalised for printing of Packaging Specifications for Fresh & Frozen Fruits and Vegetables and Walnut Kernels.
ADVISORY VISITS
4 advisory visits have been completed during the month of March 2004. This year totally 30 visits have been undertaken.
TESTING
In order to increase customer confidence in IIP's testing and quality evaluation services, the Institute has taken a major step towards getting accreditation by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). The final assessment is already over. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has also approved the IIP Laboratories to undertake testing, evaluation and issuing United Nations Certificates for the export packages for the carriage of hazardous goods by air. Last 15 years, the IIP Laboratories have been issuing similar United Nations Certificates for the export packages for carriage of dangerous goods by sea.
During this year, about 5000 samples received from about 3000 different firms were tested for physical/mechanical and chemical properties of the packaging materials and packages. During the same period about 1250 UN Certificates have been issued.
Practical hands-on training on testing and evaluation of packaging materials and packages was provided to 3 Executives from the industries during the year.
Number of new tests have been introduced and new test equipment worth of more than 2 crores are being procured.
TRAINING PROGRAMMES/ SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS
The Institute continued to share its expertise with the industry personnel by way of conducting seminars and training programmes. Twenty-three such programmes were conducted for the benefit of Executives from Industries. Another 32 such training / collaboration programmes are conducted upto March 2004.
In addition 8 workshops were conducted in association with United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
Work on making CD on Packaging for Exports was taken up and is in progress.
RESIDENTIAL TRAINING PROGRAMME
A residential training programme of 4 days duration on "Modern Packaging Technology for Fresh and Processed Horticultural Produced" was organised at IIP, Mumbai.
EDUCATION
The 19th Batch of Two-year Post Graduate Course commenced with 76 students on 5th August 2003.
The Institute conducted its annual Intensive Training course at Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.
9th batch of Distance education programme has commenced in January 2004. 83 candidates have registered.
PUBLICATIONS
The following Institute's Bi-monthly journal viz. Packaging India were published during the period:
April-May 2003 : Packaging Industry Perspective
June-July 2003 : Printing and Inks
August-Sept 2003 : Bulk, Retail & Transport Packs
Oct.-Nov., 2003 : New Age Plastics
Dec. 03-Jan. 04 : Food & Pharma
Feb.-March 04 : Packaging Laws & Regulations
FILLING UP OF SC/ST POSTS
The Institute has endeavoured to fill all the SC/ST vacancies except four SC vacancies. Efforts are on to fill the same in the future recruitments.
INDIAPACK 2004
As a major step the Institute for the first time has been able to bring the packaging associations in trade bodies together to put up a large international exhibition at Mumbai during the month of October 2004. Alongwith this exhibition concurrently we are holding the World Packaging Organization meetings in the Worldstar Jury is meeting to decide the winners of Worldstar awards. The event assumed significance due to the size planned and the business it will generate for the country.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
World Packaging conference is planned during the month of October 2004 at Mumbai wherein large number of delegates as speakers from the world over is expected to participate.
ITC PROGRAMME
For the first time, IIP in association with International Trade Centre, Geneva undertaken a programme at Hyderabad to prepare the Export Packaging Specification Kit for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. The Workshop was arranged on February 19, 2004 at Hotel Viceroy, Hyderabad. In addition to delegates from industry, Government departments, Export Development Authorities, Exporters, large number of farmers, an special invitation, also participated in the workshop.
HYDERABAD CENTRE
The foundation stone laying Ceremony for the IIP new centre at Hyderabad was held on 19th February 2004.
EASTERN REGIONAL CENTRE
New building has been added at a cost of Rs. 94 lakhs at IIP-Kolkata.
PLAN FUND ACQUISITION
Under the infrastructure development programme, IIP has introduced many new testing equipments and also upgraded its IT resources to enhance the quality of its service and programmes.
The following Research Projects/Seminars/Workshops were held during January-March, 2004:
Ø Restructuring and Strengthening of VITC
Ø Impact of EU's Enlargement of India
Ø Market Audit on India International Trade Fair 200