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Interactive Meeting with H.E. Mr. Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary,
Embassy of
Republic of Indonesia, New Delhi
H.E. Mr. Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, New Delhi, handing over the first copy of the ‘Handbook on Indonesia’ to Mr. K.J. Kumar, Honorary Consul, Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia (Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry). Others (Standing L to R): Mr. M.B. Sridharan; Mr. S. Narasimhan, Vice Presidents; Mr. S. Soundara Rajan, President; Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan , Immediate Past President and Mr. P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary to the Chamber..
The Chamber organized an interactive meeting with the Ambassador of
the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Sidharto reza Suryodipuro at
Hotel Taj Coromandel, Chennai.
Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, Immediate Past President of the
Chamber, made a presentation on an Overview on ‘India-Indonesia
Trade Relations’.
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Interactive Meeting with H.E. Mr.
Vadivel Krishnamoorthy,
The Chamber organized an Interactive
Meeting with His Excellency Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, Deputy High
Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India, at Hotel Taj Coromandel,
Chennai.
Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, (left), President, presenting a memento
to H.E. Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy,
Earlier, Mr. C.S Muthu Subramaniyan,
President of the Chamber, spoke in brief the development of trade
relations between India and Sri Lanka and applauded the role played
His Excellency.
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Interactive Meeting with His
Excellency Mr. Y.K Sinha,
The Chamber organized an Interactive Meeting with His Excellency Mr. Y.K. Sinha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Colombo, at Hotel Taj Coromandel, Chennai.
H.E. Mr. Y.K. Sinha (centre), High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Colombo, interacting with the, audience. Others (R to L): Mr. Nirmal Biswas, Regional Head, EXIM Bank, Chennai; Mr. C.S Muthu Subramaniyan, President; Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director and Mr. P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary of the Chamber.
Mr. Sinha, in his address, said the trade between India and Sri
Lanka has increased 10-fold after the Free Trade Agreement. But
there is more to be explored. His concern was that more than 70 per
cent of India’s exports to Sri Lanka were outside the FTA route.
‘This needs to be addressed’. Bilateral trade between the two
countries in 2014 stood at US$4.6 billion, with imports from India
to Sri Lanka amounting to US$ 3.99 billion and Sri Lankan exports to
India amounted to US$ 625 million.
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Reception in honour of the new Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India, Chennai (June 4, 2013)
The Chamber organized a Reception in honour with Mr. A. Sabarullah Khan, new Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India, at Hotel Taj Coromandel, Chennai.
Mr. A. Sabarullah Khan, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India, Chennai addressing the members of the Executive Committee. Seated (R to L): Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director; Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President and Mr. P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary of the Chamber
It was attended by members of the Executive Committee and senior officials from the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Southern India at Chennai. Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, congratulated Mr. Khan on his assuming the office and narrated the activities of the Chamber. He also assured the Chamber’s co-operation to him for development of business relations between India and Sri Lanka. Mr. Khan, in his reply, thanked the President for giving opportunity to meet the Executive Committee members and assured his support to the Chamber. Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber proposed the vote of thanks.
The Dinner was hosted by Mr. Soundara Rajan, Vice- President of the Chamber.
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Seminar on Connecting Singapore (May 16, 2013)
Mr. Ajit Singh (second from right), Consul General of the Republic of Singapore, Chennai, interacting with the audience. Others (R to L); Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director; Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President and Mr. P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary of the Chamber.
The Chamber organized a ‘Seminar on Connecting Singapore’ on May 16th, 2013 at Hotel Accord Metropolitan, Chennai. Mr. Ajit Singh, Consul General of Singapore at Chennai, delivered the Keynote Address. It was followed by presentations made by the representatives of the organizations connected to Singapore.
Mr. Ajit Singh, in his address, said that bilateral trade between Singapore and India has been SGD 29.8 billion and India is ranked 11 among Singapore’s top trading partners. Singapore has also emerged as one of the largest source of FDI inflow into India, it was the second largest investor in India in 2012.
The Consul General pointed out that Singapore is an ‘attractive investment, business, education and tourist destination’. Reasons are fourfold – (1) Singapore is an ever-evolving metropolis in the heart of Asia - a global city - reflecting the region’s future and ambition; (2) Singapore is a connected city because of the ease with which global markets can be accessed through its state-of-the-art infrastructure; (3). It is an “open city - to capital and enterprise and ideas. (4). Singapore has a good business and social infrastructure transparent government policy - making process, an efficient legal framework for settling disputes and a corruption free environment.
“We would like India to continue to be our partner in the growth story as much as we like to be part of India’s growth. We will continue to encourage Singapore companies to come to India. Similarly, cash-rich medium to large sized companies are currently undergoing a globalization wave in India. Singapore offers abundant opportunities for Indian private sector enterprises”, Mr. Singh added.
(L to R): Ms. Indra Suppiah, Centre Director, IE Singapore, Chennai; Mr. Arvind Ayyala, Centre Director, EDB Singapore, Mumbai; Mr. Sivakumar Arumugham, VP-SME Banking, DB S Bank Ltd, Chennai
Ms. Indra Suppiah, Centre Director, International Enterprise Singapore (IE Singapore), Chennai, in her presentation on ‘Partnering Singapore and Asia beyond’ narrated that IE Singapore is the government agency driving Singapore’s external economy, It spearheads the overseas growth of Singapore-based enterprises and promotes international trade. The agency also has a global network in about 38 locations, with presence in many emerging markets. She elaborated further the economy of Singapore and the opportunities to do business there.
Mr. Arvind Ayyala, Centre Director, Export Development Board Singapore (EDB), Mumbai, in his address on ‘Globalising Business through Singapore’, said that they create value-adding solutions for investors and companies in Singapore to ensure and safeguard the existence sustainable economic growth with vibrant business and good job opportunities. He gave an overview of the different sectors of the economy and narrated the existing minimal restrictions and tariffs for trading with and doing business in Singapore.
Mr. G.B. Srithar, Area Director, Singapore Tourism Board and Ms. Carol Ong, Manager, Singapore Airlines, who jointly made a presentation on ‘Your Singapore - Mixing Business with Leisure’, talked of looking to Singapore for rest and relaxation and gave compelling presentations on visiting Singapore not merely as a tourist but for a transformational experience. Singapore Airlines is now operating 99 weekly flights from 12 cities in India to Singapore and it has become a key aviation hub for India.
Mr. Sivakumar Arumugham, VP- SME Banking of DBS Bank Ltd., said that DBS Bank provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking activities across Asia. In India, DBS opened its first branch in 1995 and is headquartered in Mumbai. DBS offers innovative and comprehensive financial solution to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), financial institutions and several local and global blue-chip companies.
(L to R): Ms. Carol Ong, Manager, Singapore Airlines, Chennai; Mr. G.B. Srithar, Area Director, Singapore Tourism Board, Mumbai and Mr. A. Lakshminarayana, Vice- President, Coastal Energy Pvt. Ltd, Chennai
Mr. A. Lakshminarayana, Vice-President, Coal & Oil Group, Chennai, in his presentation on ‘A Singapore Story in Tamil Nadu’, said that the Group is a Rs. 2400 crores (US$ 550 million) Integrated Energy Company involved in various aspects of Energy supplies including Coal trading, Mining, Shipping, Logistics and Power Generation. The Group has been sourcing quality Coal and shipping to over 30 ports in India, Pakistan and Africa. Coastal Energen Pvt Ltd (ENERGEN), the Power Generating Flagship Company of the Coal and Oil Group, is setting up a 1200 MW coal fired thermal power plant in the district of Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu.
Earlier, Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, in his welcome address, said that Singapore, ranked as the 17th wealthiest country in the world, is India’s largest trading partner among ASEAN countries and it is a major source of FDI inflows into India. Bilateral trade has expanded significantly since the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement in 2005 and it amounted to US$ 17.44 billion in 2010-11. Singapore became one of the world’s most prosperous countries with strong international trading links, its ports are of the world’s busiest in terms of tonnage handled and it is recognized as a hi-tech hub in the Asian continent.
Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber, in his concluding remarks, highlighted the significant progress made by Singapore during the past two decades.
The Seminar was co-sponsored by Coal and Oil Group, Hindustan University and DBS Bank. The event was well attended and covered by the media.
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Interactive Meeting with the new Ambassador of Indonesia (January 28, 2013)
The Chamber organized an Interactive Meeting with the new Indonesian Ambassador in New Delhi His Excellency Drs. Rizail W. Indrakesuma, on 28th January 2013 at Hotel Residency Towers, Chennai.
In his address, His Excellency said that bilateral business promotion matters between Indonesia and India would be taken to the next level through the forming of a Comprehensive Economic Co-operation Agreement (CECA).
Stating that Indonesia was seized of the importance of India’s role in future and the benefits of closer bilateral engagement, Drs. Indrakesuma, on his part, promised to “knock on the doors of Jakarta” to expedite the Indonesian side’s responsibilities for firming up the Agreement. “The agreement is one of our top priorities,” he said.
His Excellency Drs. Rizali W. Indrakesuma, Ambassador of Indonesia in New Delhi, delivering his address. Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, is also seen.
The Ambassador expressed his confidence that bilateral trade and investment, which had not taken off to potential, would shift gears in the coming years. Though it is currently pegged at about $ 20 billion, the bilateral business is projected to gross $ 45 billion by 2015 he added.
However, H.E Drs. Indrakesuma took a more realistic position stating that while the USD 40 billion target would certainly be achieved, 2015 as the target date seemed a bit too ambitious. Over six decades of bilateral engagement, Indonesia and India have not cooperated as intensely or maximized the potential in their economic relationship, he felt.
“If you go through the numbers, barring a few businesses and projects, the level of trade was not as much as one would expect from two large democracies who are friendly neighbours as well. There was also a lag … from the mid 1960s to the 1990s when both countries practically ignored each other, took one another for granted and overlooked the opportunities for partnerships,” he said.
His address was followed by lively interaction.
Earlier, Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, in his welcome address, made a presentation on the growth of trade between India and Indonesia during the past one decade. Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber, presented the concluding remarks.
The meeting, arranged at a short notice of three days, was well attended by the Executive Committee Members of the Chamber and widely covered by the media.
The event was co-sponsored by Coastal Energy Pvt. Ltd.
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Interactive Meeting with The Ambassador of Socialist Republic of Vietnam (July 20, 2012)
His Excellency Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tan (second from right), Ambassador of Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is seen with (L to R) Mr. P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary; Mr. C. S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President and Mr. C. Sarat Chandra, Director of the Chamber
The Chamber organised an Interactive Meeting with His Excellency Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tan, Ambassador of Socialist Republic of Vietnam in New Delhi, at Hotel Accord Metropolitan, Chennai.
His Excellency, in his address, said that about 160 Indian companies are functioning in Vietnam at present strengthening India and Vietnam relationship. A direct flight is likely to be introduced during this year for which the MoU between Jet Airways and Vietnam Airlines is expected to be signed shortly.
The present bilateral trade is at $ 3.9 billion and by 2015, it is expected to reach the target of 7 billion. He pointed out that in 2010, a bilateral trade relation was at $ 2.7 billion and it had doubled within one year.
His Excellency said that Tata Group is holding negotiations with Government of Vietnam to set up steel factory there with an investment of $ 5 billion. Tata has already signed a MoU in 2007 with the Government of Hatinh Province to set up a steel factory and that negotiations are going on for the same between the two countries.
India is one of the largest exporters to Vietnam, which ships auto components, rubber, pharmaceuticals among others, while it imports tea, coffee, mobile phone equipments, wheat and tobacco products from Vietnam, the Ambassador added.
Mr. Ngo Quang Trung, Second Secretary to the Ambassador of Socialist Republic of Vietnam, made an impressive presentation on tourism in Vietnam.
Earlier, Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, in his welcome address, said that Vietnam adopted an overall economic renovation policy, popularly called “Doi Moi’ in 1986, which aims at shifting economic priority from heavy industry to three major economic programmes, namely, production of foods & consumer goods and increase exports; reducing state intervention in business; and encouraging foreign and domestic growing economies in the world. Agriculture has developed significantly, transforming Vietnam from a net food importer to the World’s second largest exporter of rice.
Vietnam continues to be an attractive investment destination for Indian companies. Several Indian companies have invested in sectors as diverse as oil and gas, steel, minerals, tea, coffee, sugar and food processing in Vietnam. OVL, Essar Exploration and Production Ltd, Nagarjuna Ltd, Venkateswara Hatcheries, Philips Carbon and McLeod Russell are some of the major investors, he added.
Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber, presented the Concluding Remarks.
The meeting was well attended and covered by electronic and print media. The Chamber thanks Indian Overseas Bank and C & O Group for co-sponsoring the Interactive Meeting.
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Seminar on "Business Opportunities in Thailand" (March 13, 2012)
Mr. Chanchai Charanvatnakit, Consul General, Royal Thai Consulate General, Chennai, delivered the Keynote Address at the Seminar, organized by the Chamber at Hotel Taj Coromandel, Chennai.
Mr. Chanchai Charanvatnakit, in his address, said that bilateral trade between India and Thailand grew from US $ 4.7 billion in 2007 to US $ 8.2 billion in 2011, almost a double during last 4 years — India’s major exports to Thailand are Gem and Jewellery, other metal ores/waste/scrap, chemicals, machinery/parts, vegetables, vehicle parts, electrical household appliances, pharmaceutical products, seafood, yarn and fibers, iron/steel, electrical machinery/parts, finished oils, fertilizer/pesticide and fabrics. In return, India’s major imports from Thailand are chemicals, polymers of ethylene, propylene, machineries, motor cars/parts, spark-ignition reciprocating internal combustion piston, gems & jewellery, rubber, computers/parts, iron/steel, sugar, air conditioners/parts and aluminium products.
Mr. Chanchai Charanvatnakit, Consul General, Royal Thai Consulate General, Chennai, addressing the members of the Chamber. Seated (L to R) Mr. P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary of the Chamber; Dr. Chavalit Rojjanaprapayon, Director, Thai Trade Center, Chennai; Mr. C. S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President; Mr. C Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber and Mr. Sethaphan Buddhani, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai.
While turning to investment between India & Thailand, the Consul General said, India’s private sector has invested in Thailand in the fields of heavy industry, chemicals and petrochemicals with total investment value of USD 111.70 million from 15 projects in 2009. Last year alone, investment applications from India received at Thailand’s Board of Investment were valued at US $ 60 million. Big Indian companies such as Birla Group, Tata Motors and Indorama have invested in Thailand”, he added.
Thereafter, impressive presentations were made by: Dr. Chavalit Rojjanaprapayon, Director, Thai Trade Center, Chennai -- “India-Thailand Trade Relations; Mr. Sethaphan Buddhani, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai -- “India-Thailand Tourism; Mr. Rajani Jaganathan, Head- Business Operations, Lucky Group, Chennai -- “My Expat Experience in Thailand” and Mr. Vidhyashankar Sriram, Commercial Bank Specialist, Citibank, Chennai -- “Citibank-- Global Services and Connecting India and Thailand”.
Seated (L to R): Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber; Dr. Chavalit Rojjanaprapayon, Director, Thai Trade Center, Chennai; Mr. Chanchai Charanvatnakit, Consul General, Royal Thai Consulate General, Chennai; Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber; Mr. Tajtai Tmangraksat, Deputy Consul General,Royal Thai Consulate General, Chennai and Mr. Sethaphan Buddhani, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai.
Standing (L to R): Mr. Rajani Jaganathan, Head- Business Operations, Lucky Group, Chennai; Mr. S.K Hazari, Former President and Mr. P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary of the Chamber; Ms. Chantana Seelsorn Lao, Consul, Royal Thai Consulate General, Chennai; Mr. Vidhyashankar Sriram, Commercial Bank Specialist, Citibank, Chennai and Mr. J. Elango, Treasurer of the Chamber.
While Mr. C.S Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, delivered the welcome address, Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber, presented the concluding remarks.
The event was co-sponsored by Citibank N.A and Coal & Oil Group, Chennai, and well attended by both members and non-members.
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Bidding farewell to Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India (February 27, 2012)
Mrs & Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy (seated 2nd and 3rd from left) are seen with members of the Executive Committee of the Chamber with special invitees
The Chamber organized a meeting on 27th February 2012 at Hotel Residency Towers, Chennai, to bid farewell to Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India, who was transferred to Sri Lanka. On behalf of the Chamber, Mr. C.S Muthu Subramaniyan, President, presented a memento to Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy.
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Meeting with Mr. Janaka Ratnayake Chairman, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (December 16, 2011)
Mr. Janaka Ratnayake (second from left), Chairman, Sri Lanka Export Development Board, interacting with the audience. Others: (L to R) Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director and Mr. B.K. Achan, Vice-President of the Chamber; H.E. Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India and Mr. S.K. Hazari, Past President of the Chamber.
A meeting with Mr. Janaka Ratnayake, Chairman, Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Colombo, was jointly organized by the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Southern India and our Chamber at Hotel Taj Coromandel, Chennai. Mr. Ratnayake made a presentation on their forthcoming “Sri Lanka Expo 2012” to be held from 28th to 30th March 2012 at Colombo.
Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India, actively participated and delivered the opening remarks.
The Sri Lanka Expo 2012, envisages the participation of around 300 companies including all the leading exporters in the industry. This will be an event to bring all the leading exporters associated with the strategic export sectors to showcase their export products and services on one flat form. It is also targeted to attract over (1000) thousand buyers covering all the market regions including India.
Mr. Janaka Ratnayake, in his address, said that they are holding the Expo after a gap of 15 years to increase the export volume with India, to convert Sri Lanka as the next best investment destination and tourist centre.
“After 30 years of conflict, we have created conducive environment with political stability for business investment. We are growing at a rate of 8.5 per cent per annum, even as big nations are facing a slowdown. There are good number of opportunities in sectors such as electronic products, ICT/ KPO/ BPO, gems and jewellery, cinnamon and spices, apparels, tea and fisheries. We invite the Indian businessmen to look at Sri Lanka seriously”, he added.
Noting that the trade deficit with India, which was around $2.4 billion last year, we set to touch $3 billion, Mr. Ratnayake said “this is our concern. We are here to convince and invite trading partners and investors to look at Sri Lanka as the next investment destination. We have road shows for the exposition in U.K., Middle East and Europe. In India, it was held in New Delhi and Mumbai. We received enquiries for plantation, ICT and BPO sectors. This is also an opportunity for SMEs and other manufacturers to display their products, networking, business-to-business meetings and industrial visits”.
Sri Lanka aimed to attract Foreign Direct Investment of $15 billion by 2015 and $20 billion by 2020 and opportunities existed in fields of infrastructure, tourism and hospitality.
Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Chennai, in his opening remarks, said that the confidence of international investors in Sri Lanka was improving steadily. Besides, international rating agencies had upgraded Sri Lanka’s sovereign ratings and its outlook in a positive direction for the second consecutive year.
While inviting Indian businessmen to help Sri Lanka maintain sustainable trade balance between trading partners, he said that the main objective of Sri Lanka Expo 2012 was to address the imbalances globally as well as with individual trading partners.
On the tourism front, he said that from January to October 2011, about 1.38 lakh Indian visited Sri Lanka, marking an increase of 45 per cent over the previous year. Sri Lankans increasingly saw Tamil Nadu as their favourite destination for medical treatment and shopping. Sri Lankan Airlines had also launched its fourth direct daily flight from Colombo to Chennai recently.
Audience at the Meet
Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber in his Welcome address, said “Sri Lanka is now at the cross-roads of history. After a protracted civil war that lasted about a quarter century. Sri Lanka is now moving ahead making rapid strides in the economy, turning a traditional plantation economy into one of the most vibrant and sophisticated economies in the world in a stunning transformation”. He urged the Sri Lanka Export Development Board to re-open the Trade Centre in Chennai to showcase Sri Lankan products following change in business and investment environment.
Mr. S.K. Hazari, Past President of the Chamber, introduced Mr. Janaka Ratnayake and Mr. B.K. Achan, Vice-President of the Chamber, proposed vote of thanks.
Expo 2012 will be held in BMICH, Colombo from March 28 to 30 -- Investment Forum on March 28, Trade Symposium on March 29 and Forum on Tourism on March 30. The Fair is expected to be attended by around 300 companies and it is targeted to attract over 1,000 buyers (For details please visit: www.srilankaexpo.com).
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Meeting with Mr. K. Raghu Ram, I.F.S., First Secretary (Designate), Deputy Indian High Commission in Jaffna, Sri Lanka (May 12, 2011)
Mr K. Raghu Ram,
IFS (third from right), First Secretary (Designate), Deputy
Indian High Commission, Jaffna, is seen with (L to R): Mr.
P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary of the Chamber, H.E. Mr. Vadivel
Krishnamoorthy, Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in
Chennai; Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President; Mr. S.K.
Hazari, past President and Mr. J. Elango, Treasurer of the
Chamber.
The Chamber organized a meeting with Mr. K. Raghu Ram, IFS, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Chennai, on his appointment as the First Secretary (Designate), Deputy Indian High Commission in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. This meeting was held at Hotel Savera, Chennai. It gave an opportunity to members to offer suggestions for development of business relations between India and Sri Lanka, in particular Jaffna. H.E. Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Chennai, attended the meeting as a Special Guest.
Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President, India-ASEAN-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IASLCCI), in his welcome address, congratulated Mr.Raghu Ram, on his elevation to the position of First Secretary at the Deputy Indian High Commission in Jaffna and narrated the close relations of IASLCCI with Chambers of Commerce in Sri Lanka, especially in Colombo and Jaffna. He appreciated the Government of India for opening an office of the Deputy High Commission in Jaffna, which is now being developed by Sri Lankan Government by offering attractive incentives for setting up industries and facilities for the business community at large. He further said that Indian Bank recognized growing trade in Jaffna and opened its branch in the city recently.
The President pointed out that the demand for buses and trucks had been increasing in the recent past in view of the rise in commercial activities, and that Lanka Ashok Leyland, which is an Indian company, is building and supplying the required type of vehicles.
Mr. Somi Hazari, past President of IASLCCI, while introducing the Chief Guest, Mr.Raghu Ram, I.F.S., said that trade relations between India and Sri Lanka has been growing for the past few years and setting up of the office of Deputy Indian High Commission at Jaffna is a boon to the Indian business community.
H.E. Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, in his address, highlighted the measures being taken by the Sri Lankan Government for industrial development and its keen interest in promoting business relations between India and Sri Lanka. He assured the full cooperation of his office to the Chamber for strengthening the two-way trade between the countries and that regulations for issue of Business Visa to his country has been simplified.
Mr. Raghu Ram, thanked the Chamber for organizing the meeting to interact with the business community and invited the members to offer suggestions to further promote the trade relations between the two countries.
Mr. J. Prasad Davids, retired Advisor and Secretary of Southern Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Gamini Wickramasinghe, Chairman, Bank of Ceylon, and several others offered suggestions.
On behalf of the Chamber, H.E. Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Chennai, presented a memento to Mr. K. Raghu Ram.
Mr. J. Elango, Treasurer of the Chamber, proposed a vote of thanks.
The meeting was attended by members and non-members of the Chamber.
India and China have emerged today as the two most powerful and influential Asian nations in terms of their economic capabilities and geopolitical standing. Singapore has a special relationship with both of them. Business alliances between Singapore and these two countries have been long-standing and constructive. International companies cognizant of Singapore’s attributes and links with India and China have chosen Singapore to be the base for their ventures into these two Asian giants and their respective regions. Singapore has the potential to be India’s springboard into China and East Asia, and China’s venture into India and the sub-continent.
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SICCI BIENNIAL CONFERENCE 2011 (March 27 & 28, 2011)
Mr. Hernaikh Singh, (second from right) Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, with delegates from India-ASEAN-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Chennai (R to L): Mr. Arvind Soundarajan, General Manager, Kalpatharu, Mysore; Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President; Mr. M.B. Sridharan, Executive Committee Member; Mr. P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary and Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber
India and China have emerged today as the two most powerful and influential Asian nations in terms of their economic capabilities and geopolitical standing. Singapore has a special relationship with both of them. Business alliances between Singapore and these two countries have been long-standing and constructive. International companies cognizant of Singapore’s attributes and links with India and China have chosen Singapore to be the base for their ventures into these two Asian giants and their respective regions. Singapore has the potential to be India’s springboard into China and East Asia, and China’s venture into India and the sub-continent.
In this background, the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) organized its fourth International Conference on “India-Singapore-China: Business Opportunities in the Trilateral Relationship” at Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre, Singapore, on 27th & 28th March, 2011, and India-ASEAN-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce& Industry, was a ‘Supporting Partner’ and organized a Delegation to attend the event.
Keynote Address was delivered by Mr. S. Iswaran, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Education, Republic of Singapore, at the Inaugural Session.
Mr. R. Narayanamohan, Chairman, SICCI, in his Welcome Remarks, said that the Chamber launched its biennial international conference series in 2004. It had so far organized three major conferences, i.e. “India Calling: Asia-Pacific Business Summit” in 2004; “Connecting India Asia Pacific Business Summit” in 2006; and the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in 2008.. He stated that, eminent local and international personalities had been invited to speak on a range of topics and issues relating to India and China and Singapore’s relations with these two countries to make the Conference 2011 a highly purposeful and rewarding one.
At the Inaugural Session, SICCI and the Enterprise Development Centre@Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) Shanghai Representative Office signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further cement the already strong relations between the two Chambers.
Speakers at the Plenary Sessions discussed socio-economic and political issues, strategic developments in South and East Asia, and South Asia-Southeast Asia-East Asia business relationships.
Mr. C. Sarat Chandran (centre), Director of the Chamber, who was Moderator at the First Parallel Session. Others (L to R): Dr. Amitendu Palit, Head (Development & Programmes) and Visiting Senior Research Fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies, Singapore; and Mr. Sim Hong Huat, Managing Director, DigiChina Pte Ltd., Singapore
There were 3 Parallel Sessions. Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of our Chamber, was Moderator at the first Parallel Session on “The Next Wave of Economic Opportunities in India and China: New Regions, New Markets”.
“Legal and Human Resource management challenges in India and China” and “Doing Business and investing in India and China: Understanding the written and unwritten policies” were the other two Sessions.
The International Conference was attended by nearly 300 local, regional and international participants, which included the business community, government agencies, diplomatic community, research institutes and think tanks, expatriate community and the academia.
The following attended the Conference as Delegates from India-ASEAN-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry:
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Interactive Meeting with Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce, Hambantota, Sri Lanka, at Chennai (March 25, 2011)
The Chamber organized an Interactive Meeting with the 15-member Business Delegation from Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC), Sri Lanka, on 25th March, 2011 at Sheraton Park Hotel & Towers, Chennai
The Delegation from HDCC with Office Bearers of the Chamber
Mr. Ameer Ajwad, Deputy Chief of Mission, read the speech of H.E. Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, Deputy High Commissioner, Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission for Southern India, who could not attend the meeting as Chief Guest as he was to leave for Sri Lanka on an important engagement.
In the address, Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, stated that the two-way trade between the two countries, increased in an exponential manner to reach a massive total of USD 3 billion in 2010 from a mere USD 0.5 billion in 2000. While the two-way trade increased dramatically, the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) also paved the way for huge investment inflow into Sri Lanka from India. The cumulative investment, which was only USD 24 Mn in 2000, has increased to a cumulative total of more than USD 350 Mn in 2010, registering India as one of the prominent foreign direct investment source of Sri Lanka. In the meantime, this Agreement has become a historical landmark for Sri Lanka since it has created opportunities for Sri Lankan companies to invest in India.
Mr. Krishnamoorthy remarked that the trade and economic relations are now in a consolidation mode as both countries are now progressing towards a much broader cooperation, i.e. the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations. Under this proposed CEPA, in addition to merchandise trade, which is now covered under the ISFTA, it will cover trade in services and promotion of investment and also economic cooperation.
Highlighting the peaceful and stable environment in Sri Lanka under the able leadership of H.E. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President, the Deputy High Commissioner said, the country is now offering opportunities in a range of sectors, such as, infrastructure development, IT & BPO industry, hospitality trade, healthcare, education and a large number of agro-based and manufacturing industries.
Mr. Wajira Punchihewa, a Director of HDCC and Assistant Vice-President/Manager in DFCC Bank, led the Delegation with Mr. B.M.J. Chinthaka from HDCC as Coordinator.
Mr. Punchihewa, in his address, narrated the growth of business and investment relations between India and Sri Lanka after the introduction of the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement. He said that the objective of the visit of his Delegation to Chennai, was meeting businessmen and industrialists to strengthen business relationship between Hambantota and Chennai.
The leader of the Delegation stated that Hambantota has been emerging as one of the vibrant commercial hubs in Sri Lanka. The international harbour in Hambantota and the international airport in Mattara, are the biggest development projects in the region and Hambantota has begun to attract plenty of both foreign and local investments. He also introduced the delegates of the Business Mission.
Mr. S.K. Hazari, former President of the Chamber, who has been doing business with Sri Lanka for the past two decades, offered his views on the vast development of trade relations between the two countries.
Earlier, Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, in his Welcome Address, said that Hambantota has now become one of the prominent commercial hubs in Sri Lanka and appreciated the HDCC for organizing a Business Delegation to Chennai to further develop business relations between the two countries.
He expressed his happiness over the development of business in Hambantota and said that Indian Bank opened its Jaffna Branch on 21st January, 2011 and it was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, High Commissioner of India for Sri Lanka in the distinguished presence of Hon. Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Governor of Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Mr. T.M. Bhasin, CMD of Indian Bank.
Mr. J. Elango, Treasurer of the Chamber, proposed a vote of thanks.
In the forenoon of 25th March, the Delegation visited Tajmahal Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd. in Sriperumbudur and interacted with the Chairman, Mr. S. Chelliah and others. Thereafter, the Delegation visited Beardsell Limited, where Mr. J. Elango, Senior Manager (Foreign Trade) and also Treasurer of the Chamber, narrated the growth of the organisation and interacted with the Delegates. These two visits were arranged by the Chamber.
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Bidding Farewell to Mr. P. Jayakody, First Secretary (Commercial), Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission, Chennai. (August 25, 2010)
A Lunch Meet was organized by the Chamber at Hotel Taj Coromandel, Chennai, to bid farewell to Mr. P. Jayakody, First Secretary (Commercial), Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission, Chennai. who was transferred to Sri Lanka and to welcome his successor, Mr. Samantha P.K. Wijesekara.
Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, Deputy High Commissioner, who was invited to be the Chief Guest, presented mementoes to Mr. Jayakody and Mr. Samantha, on behalf of the Chamber.
The President and Office Bearers of the Chamber, who attended, appreciated the co-operation extended by Mr. Jayakody to the Chamber during his tenure.
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Meeting with H.E. Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Andi Muhammad Ghalib, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in India. (August 23, 2010)
The meeting on “Indonesia and India Trade Relations” was held at Sheraton Park Hotel & Towers, Chennai. H.E. the Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, in his address, said that Indonesia was keen to expand business, trade and tourism with India, the second biggest market in the world. After signing of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) the trade between India and Indonesia has doubled and is expected to touch $ 10 billion in 2010.
ASEAN is the heart of India’s “Look East Policy” and Indonesia is at the heart of ASEAN, he said, promising free visas for Indian businessmen attending “The 25th Trade Expo Indonesia” from 13th-17th October, 2010. Apart from strong cultural ties that continued till date, His Excellency said the trade between the two countries had expanded from mining to technical, engineering and consumer products, including textiles.
Mr. S.K. Hazari, President, India-Indonesia Business Association and past President of our Chamber, in his impressive address, said direct trade between the two countries would automatically result in a ‘win-win situation.’
Presentations were made by officials from the Embassy - Mr. Otto Riyadi, Counsellor (Economic) and Mr. Imbang Listiyad, Commercial Attache, on the “Current Economic Relations” and “Trade – Indonesia & India” respectively. Mr. Aksamil Kahir, Director of Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre in Chennai, in his presentation highlighted the salient features of “Trade Expo Indonesia 2010” to be held at Jakarta International Expo, Indonesia, from 13th-17th October, 2010 and the various opportunities available for Indian businessmen.
While Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, who welcomed the audience said, that India was the second largest export market in ASEAN after Singapore, and a leading export destination, Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber proposed the vote of thanks.
The meeting was co-sponsored by two members of the Chamber, Coastal Energy Private Limited and Sri City (P) Ltd., Chennai, and the Committee thanked them for their kind gesture.
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Interactive Meeting on “Thailand-India Investment Cooperation & Business Matching” (August 10, 2010 )
An Interactive Meeting with the visiting 17-member Delegation from Thailand was co-organized by Thailand Board of Investment and our Chamber, at Hotel Taj Coromandel, Chennai. The theme of the meeting was “Thailand-India Investment Cooperation & Business Matching”.
H.E. Mr. Tajtai Tmangrakrat, Deputy Consul General and Consul General In-charge, Royal Thai Consulate General, Chennai, who was invited as Special Guest, in his address, appreciated the visit of the Delegation to India and said that it was possible to achieve the bilateral trade target of $ 10 billion between the two countries due to favourable business environment.
We are called as Detroit of Asia, so is Chennai. Vast opportunity exists in the automobile sector”, he added. He also mentioned that the BOI Thailand would take a decision on opening its office in one of the major cities in India by the end of this year.
Last year, India-Thailand trade was around $ 7 billion and this year it would cross the $ 7 billion mark, he remarked.
Dr. Bonggot Anuroj, Executive Director of Investment Marketing Bureau and Assistant Director of Indian and South Asia Desk, Thailand Board of Investment, who led the 17-member Delegation, in her presentation, highlighted the aim of the visit of the Delegation and availability of the infrastructure facilities in Thailand and invited Indian entrepreneurs to set up units in their country.
Earlier, Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, in his Welcome address, said that the bilateral trade between the two countries improved after the introduction of the Free Trade Agreement. It was possible to achieve bilateral trade of $ 10 billion by 2012. Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber, proposed the vote of thanks.
The meeting was followed by one-to-one meetings with the Delegates.
The Delegation consisted of senior officials from BOI, Thailand, EximBank Thailand and businessmen connected to automobile, leather goods and food processing industries.
The Chamber organized two interactive visits for the Delegation as requested by Dr. Bonggot Anuroj. – (1) Australian Foods India Pvt Ltd and (2) India Pistons Ltd., Chennai.
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Meeting with the visiting Business Promotion Mission from Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (April 30, 2010)
The Chamber organized a meeting with the 7-member Business Promotion Mission from Ceylon Chamber of Commerce at Accord Metropolitan Hotel, Chennai. Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India, was the Chief Guest.
Mr. Krishnamoorthy, in his address, said that the Chamber has been playing a vital role in development of trade and investment between India and Sri Lanka.
He remarked that India emerged as the fourth largest export market for Sri Lanka in 2008 and during the same year, India accounted for 20.8 percent of Sri Lanka’s total imports from the world and India was the number one supplier to the island.
At present, the country has political stability and a peaceful environment, he said. Some of the areas in which Indian businessmen are welcome to invest are airport, port, telecommunications, power, health care, education, hotels/leisure facilities and residential apartments.
Efforts are being taken to improve the facilities in both the north and eastern provinces which were under-developed till recently. The business community in India could look for opportunities in processing agricultural products, dairy farming, fisheries, aquaculture and tourism, Mr.Krishnamoorthy said.
Mr. Sarath Chandra De Silva, Leader of the Mission, said that technological support was needed in areas such as agriculture and Information Technology. Every logistic is in place in the country, he added.
Ms. Puvi Domingopillai, Mission Manager and Consultant, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, who introduced the Delegates to the audience, said that the Delegation had good interaction with the business community at Cochin and Coimbatore in the past two days.
Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, (seated 4th from right) Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India, is seen with the Delegation and Chamber Executives
Earlier, Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber, in his Welcome Address, remarked that the relationship between India and Sri Lanka had grown after signing of the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement. He appreciated the close relations being maintained with the Chamber by Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, after assuming the office of Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India
Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, in his Concluding Remarks, said that the Chamber has proposed to organize a Delegation to Sri Lanka in the next few months.
Other members of the Mission included:
Mr. Rensley Anthonymuthu, CEO/Managing Director, Anthon Trading Co. (P) Ltd; Mr. D.K. Rajapaksa, Managing Director, DSI Samson Group (Pvt) Ltd; Mr. Rohan de Silva, R&D Manager, and Mr. Stefan Roger Taylor, Merchandiser, Hands International Pvt. Ltd. and Mr. M.G.S. Indika Bandara Wijerathne, Head of R&D, Microcells (Pvt) Ltd.
The meeting was co-sponsored by Bank of Ceylon; Beardsell Limited and Sri City (Pvt) Ltd.
Ms. Raghini Peter, Vice-President of Sri City, made a presentation on the state-of-the-art facilities being offered to entrepreneurs who set up industries in Sri City. ********************************************
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Interactive Meeting with the Thailand Board of Investment Delegation (April 27, 2010)
A meeting was organized by the visiting 7-member Delegation from Thailand Board of Investment, on 27th April, 2010 at Hotel Connemara, Chennai, to interact with the members of our Chamber and entrepreneurs..
Dr. Atchaka Sibunruang, Secretary-General, Office of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), who led the Delegation, made an impressive presentation on the facilities and incentives being offered by BOI to foreign investors for setting up projects in Thailand.
BOI is a single window foreign investment promotion organization of Thailand. It offers tax and non-tax incentives to foreign investors for setting up manufacturing as well as service units in Thailand. These include:
Office of Small and Medium sized Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) and One Start One Stop Investment Centre (OSOS), Divisions of BOI, assists the investors. Interested investors may visit the Website www.boi.go.th for full details.
A section of the distinguished gathering.
Ms. Sibunruang added, that the main aim of BOI is to strengthen its promotional activities in India, which may lead to the opening of 2 new offices – one in Mumbai and the other in Delhi. She remarked that Thailand shows advantages over India in terms of infrastructure, such as electricity stability and lower electricity cost, and consequently brings more productivity and peace of mind. The Oil & Gas and petrochemical industries are among the potential sectors interested in investing in Thailand.
Mr. Vinod K. Gupta, Secretary-General, India-Thai Business Association and Senior Vice-President, Indorama, Thailand, who accompanied the Delegation, gave clarifications to the queries raised by members and made the session an interesting one.
Earlier, Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, in his Welcome Address said that the Chamber has been regularly arranging meetings with the visiting delegations from Thailand BOI for interaction and encouraged Indian investors to set up units in Thailand.
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Seminar on “India-ASEAN FTA & Business Opportunities for Tamil Nadu” (March 20, 2010)
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Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, I.A.S., Principal Secretary, Industries Dept., Govt. of Tamil Nadu, inaugurated the Seminar on “India-ASEAN FTA & Business Opportunities for Tamil Nadu,” organized jointly by India-ASEAN-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Centre for WTO Studies and Department of Commerce, New Delhi, on 20th March, 2010 at Chennai.
Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, in his Inaugural address, said that ASEAN-India bilateral trade continues to grow at impressive rates. From 2006-2008, trade in goods between ASEAN and India increased at an average annual rate of 28 percent, the fastest among ASEAN’s major trading partners.
While congratulating the Chamber for organizing this Seminar with a focus on business opportunities for Tamil Nadu, Mr. Rajeev Ranjan said that due to pro-active and transparent policies of the Govt. of Tamil Nadu and availability of skilled manpower, the State has been attracting foreign direct investments and creating more job opportunities in the State. The State has emerged as a major destination for automotive industries. He expressed the hope that the India-ASEAN FTA will further promote industry and trade in the State.
Prof. R.S. Ratna, Centre for WTO Studies, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi, in his Introductory Remarks, said ASEAN has now become India’s 4th largest trading partner after the EU, US and China. With the signing of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, India-ASEAN trade is likely to surpass US$ 10 billion by 2010. The objective of the Seminar was to create awareness of the India-ASEAN FTA and its implications to industry and trade with a focus on business opportunities for Tamil Nadu.
Earlier, Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, in his Welcome Address, said that India-ASEAN FTA in goods, which came into force on January 1 this year, has opened new possibilities for the expansion of India’s trade with the region. He remarked, India and ASEAN are expecting a $10 billion increase in trade even in the first year and have set an ambitious target of achieving bilateral trade of US$ 50 billion by 2010. India’s trade with ASEAN is mainly concentrated in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Singapore continues to remain the largest market in ASEAN for India’s merchandise exports. The signing of the India-ASEAN Trade-in-Goods Agreement is a major first step in India’s objective of creating an India-ASEAN Regional Trade and Investment Area. The Agreement is well balanced and is in harmony with India’s Look East Policy. He expressed the hope that agreements on trade-in-services and investment would also be concluded soon.
Mr. M. Velmurugan, I.E.S. Executive Vice-Chairman, Guidance Bureau, Industries Dept., Govt. of Tamil Nadu, in his address on “India-ASEAN FTA and Business Opportunities for Tamil Nadu,” narrated the growing trade and industrial relations between India and ASEAN. As the State of Tamil Nadu has been offering attractive incentives to encourage multi-national companies to invest in Tamil Nadu, almost all foreign automobile industries have set up their units in Tamil Nadu and it is one of the top three FDI destinations in the country.
He also said that Tamil Nadu has now become an auto hub and created jobs for several skilled workers. The State has been attracting FDI worth around US$ 8 to 9 billion every year and is confident of taking this to the next level.
Mr. Ajay Srivastava, Director, Dept. of Commerce, New Delhi, narrated the evolution of India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement in Goods. As of 1st January, 2010, India-Singapore and Malaysia, have implemented the Agreement. As per the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Agreement for the AIFTA signed in 2003, an AIFTA would be realized with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and India by 31st December, 2012 and with the remaining ASEAN countries by 31st December, 2017. The Trade in Goods Agreement (TIG), which has come into force on 1st January 2010, covers 90% of the tariff lines of approximately 5,000 items (at 6 digits) traded between ASEAN and India and these products will qualify for concessions if they meet the rules of origin of 35% plus Change in Tariff Subheading (CTSH). He also described the different types of tariff concessions, and the rules of origin enunciated in the Agreement.
In his presentation on “AIFTA – TN Business Opportunities,” Mr. B. Sriram, Associate Director, Global Tax Advisory Services, Ernst & Young, Chennai, said that the exporters of auto components, steel, synthetic textiles, refined petroleum products, machinery, oilcake, pharma and gems and jewellery are the likely beneficiaries of the FTA. It is also expected to benefit key industries like automobile sector, iron and steel, agriculture and agro based industries, textiles, natural rubber garments and leather in Tamil Nadu.
Prof. R.S. Ratna, in his presentation on “India-ASEAN FTA : Impact Analysis of Select Products of India,” narrated the study made by the WTO Centre on the impact of the FTA where the tariff is either reduced or eliminated on specified items, i.e. pepper, tea, coffee, poultry, coconut, natural rubber, sugar cane and fisheries. As per the study, barring a few tariff lines where Indian producers are high cost, most of the items do not appear to face major challenge from FTA with ASEAN. “The actual problem appears to be with domestic inefficiencies and not with liberalization of tariffs. Low productivity, huge handling wastage in agriculture and the benefits not going to farmers are some of the issues, which will need an urgent answer. Clearly, these problems are not a creation of today but are historic. A balance needs to be established to protect the interest of the farmers without hurting the domestic consumers. This would mean taking corrective measures by the Governments both Central as well as States and some of them would have to be hard and unpopular measures within the domestic front”, he added.
In the Concluding Remarks, Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber, said that recommendations of the Seminar would be forwarded to the Department of Commerce, Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry, for consideration.
The Seminar was attended by about 60 delegates representing different trade and industry.
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Interactive Meeting for promotion of trade between India and Indonesia, with officials from National Agency for Export Development (NAFED), Jakarta, at the Chamber office (November 26, 2009)
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Silver Jubilee Celebration of the Chamber (November 05, 2009)
Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, delivering the Welcome Address
His Excellency Shri Surjit Singh Barnala, Governor of Tamil Nadu, was the Chief Guest at the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the Chamber held on 5th November, 2009 at Park Sheraton Hotel & Towers. Dr. Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, was the Guest of Honour and Sri Vijay Iyengar, Chairman, Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, delivered a Special Address.
H.E. the Governor of Tamil Nadu, in his address, said the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement has helped the free flow of trade across the border and India’s “Look East Policy” will add to the expansion of trade and commerce in the ASEAN countries and Sri Lanka. He stated that India-ASEAN trade is flourishing and that in the last financial year, bilateral trade between India and ASEAN was more than US$ 40 billion. India and ASEAN have aimed at achieving bilateral trade of US$ 50 billion by 2010.
Shri. Barnala commended the initiatives, facilitation and efforts being put in by the Chamber for promotion of trade and business between India and South East Asian Nations. He congratulated the Chamber for serving as a connecting point between the business communities between India and to those in ASEAN and Sri Lanka. His Excellency said that trade and commerce are the two pillars of economy and as a Chamber of Commerce, it should have the spirit and endeavour to be in tune and to keep pace with the changing global scenario and trends.
To mark the occasion, His Excellency, Shri Barnala released the Silver Jubilee Souvenir of the Chamber and handed over the first copy to Dr. Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
The Governor also honoured the past Presidents of the Chamber by presenting a Memento to them.
Dr. Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, in his address on “Investment and Trade Opportunities in Sri Lanka” said, that exciting times were ahead for investors as the Sri Lankan government was able to put behind it the raging conflict.
Referring to trade between the two countries, he said that India is the largest source of imports for Sri Lanka. Nearly 15% of Sri Lanka’s imports were sourced from India during 2008. He said, India ranked as the 12th largest export destination of Sri Lanka in the same year 2008 and emerged as the 1st largest buyer by 2008.
He further said that Sri Lanka’s exports to India include food and beverages/animal fodder, rubber and rubber products, machinery and equipment, glassware, gems and jewellery and furniture. Major imports from India comprise minerals, vehicles, cotton, pharmaceutical products, machinery and equipment, iron and steel and fabric.
Mentioning that India enjoyed a special relationship with Sri Lanka in terms of trade, he said, excellent opportunities were present in transport, tourism, oil exploration and banking sectors, among others, and it was time for private parties to make use of them.
Infrastructure is being developed at a very fast pace. Three more ports are being constructed, road network has improved tremendously and telecom facilities are at par with developed countries. The poverty issue is being addressed, he added.
Mr. Vijay Iyengar, Chairman, Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) appreciated the activities of the Chamber in the past 25 years. He said, the Chamber’s links with IASLCCI for the last 25 years have proved extremely promising, thanks to closer traditional ties between Singapore and India. Earlier, before Independence, Singapore, like India, was under British rule. With Independent Singapore’s pro-active policy, the country has already emerged as an ideal place for overseas investments. With two lakh expatriates, India today is the second largest investor in Singapore, next only to Mauritius.
With the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between India and ASEAN in August 2009, bilateral trade is expected to be stepped up in a big way. India’s trade relationship is mainly with Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, which have emerged super powers in Asia. He said that Singapore housed more than 3,600 Indian owned firms and they were the fastest growing companies in the region. Singapore is also an ideal conduit for small and medium enterprises to tap into China.
Earlier, Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, narrated the activities and growth of the Chamber during the past 25 years and appreciated the efforts taken by the past Presidents for development of this Chamber. He said that the Chamber is maintaining good relations with the Union Ministry of Commerce and Centre for WTO Studies, New Delhi, and Chambers of Commerce in ASEAN and Sri Lanka, for promotion of trade and investment between India, Sri Lanka and the ASEAN region.
He also said that the Chamber has entered into Memorandum of Understanding / Agreement of Cooperation with The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka; The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka; Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Singapore AND Indian Business Chamber in Vietnam, Vietnam, for exchange of information and promotion of bilateral trade, to increase trade, investment and industrial co-operation.
Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber, summed up the proceedings and proposed a vote of thanks.
The function was well attended and widely covered by both electronic and print media.
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Meeting with Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Southern India (August 28, 2009)
Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Chennai, addressing the delegates (L to R) Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President; Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director and Mr. P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary of the Chamber.
India and Sri Lanka have been sharing a time-tested relationship dating back to centuries, but there is a need to fully exploit the potential to forge a strong commercial and trade partnership between the two sides, said Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) of Sri Lanka in Southern India.
At a meeting organized by India-ASEAN-Sri Lanka Chamber of commerce & Industry at Chennai on 28th August, 2009, Mr. Krishnamoorthy said “bilateral trade and investment could be further intensified for mutual benefit of the two countries. After signing the FTA (Free Trade Agreement), the bilateral trade and commercial relations have grown much faster than anticipated but the full potential was yet to be tapped”. “After 19th May, 2009, the fear factor in Sri Lanka was removed and the focus of the Government is on faster economic growth. The President of Sri Lanka has given utmost importance to the progress of northeast region of Lanka”, he said.
The DHC urged Indian businessmen to make good use of the favourable investment climate for mutual benefit. He said “Though the bilateral trade between India and Sri Lanka has grown from $ 0.5 billion to $ 3.2 billion in 2008, we are yet to touch the real potential. It can be scaled up since the fear factor has been removed. I am here to have a long standing partnership with trade and business community”, he added.
Mr. Krishnamoorthy pointed out that some of the Indian companies are keen to promote their ventures in the island’s northeast, even as the focus is on improving the infrastructure facilities in this war-torn region of Sri Lanka. “Indian companies and their investments are most welcome to help in the economic progress of the island nation but we are also making a thorough check up and back-up study on interested companies to know whether they are genuine in their proposals”, he said.
Earlier, Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, pointed out that the location of Sri Lanka has strategic importance for India and some of the realtors have shown interest to set up operations there. He said that trade relations had improved substantially after the FTA between the two sides.
The President of the Chamber also said “Recent developments in Sri Lanka provide enormous growth opportunities for development. Trade and investment opportunities are on the rise and Indian real estate companies have started exploring opportunities in the island.
Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber, in his concluding remarks, appreciated the various measures taken by the Sri Lankan Government and expressed his confidence that the trade will develop substantially between the two countries.
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Opportunities for Investments in the Philippines (July 31, 2009)
A meeting was organized by India-ASEAN-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry on July 31, 2009, at Hotel Taj Connemara, Chennai. H.E. Mr. Francisco L. Benedicto, Ambassador of the Philippines in New Delhi, invited the Indian companies to invest in the Philippines through joint ventures and by setting up wholly owned subsidiary units, which would have access to the 10-member ASEAN market with the implementation of the FTA (Free Trade Agreement) among them.
H.E. Mr. Francisco L. Benedicto, Ambassador, Embassy of the Philippines, New Delhi, addressing the members of the Chamber. Others (R to L) Mr. S.K. Hazari, Past President of the Chamber; Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President and Mr.P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary of the Chamber
His Excellency suggested that, Indian businessmen could explore business opportunities in the fields of tourism, pharmaceuticals and natural resources so as to take the bilateral trade to greater heights. The Ambassador also said that the Philippines has one of the largest mineral resources and Indian companies should take full advantage of the mineral wealth of the Philippines through opening of subsidiary units. Moreover, at the five EPZs (export processing zones), EOU units set up by foreign companies are free to import all equipment and machinery without any customs duty and they further enjoyed 4-8 years tax holiday depending on their local status.
Earlier, Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, in his welcome address appreciated the economic development in the Philippines and expressed the hope that the various measures being taken by the Philippines Embassy will further strengthen the bilateral trade relations between the two countries.
Past President of the Chamber, Mr. S.K. Hazari, proposed a vote of thanks. ********************************************
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Meeting with Ms. Linda Droker, Director of South Asia & Oceania, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, to discuss commercial opportunities in Sri Lanka (July 30, 2009)
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Bidding Farewell to Mr. P.M. Amza, Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Southern India, Chennai (July 27, 2009)
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Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan (2nd from left) presenting a Memento to Mr. P.M. Amza, Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Southern India, Chennai
Mr. P.M. Amza (7th from left),Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Southern India, Chennai, seen with Executive Committee Members of the Chamber.
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PBD 2009 - Engaging the Diaspora: The Way Forward (January 07 - 09, 2009)
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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2009, was organised by the Government of Tamil Nadu, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Confederation of Indian Industry,
Over the last six years, the PBD has evolved into an important outcome driven platform for sustainable and symbiotic engagement between India and its Diaspora.The PBD has grown beyond being a mere celebration to becoming a more serious forum that now draws delegates from across the world who are serious in their engagement with India.
Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director, and Mr. P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary of the Chamber, joined the PBD 2009 as Delegates.
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Interactive Session with Business Mission from Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (January 07, 2009)
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The Chamber organised an Interactive Session with a 15-member delegation from Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI). Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, in his Welcome Address, said that Singapore is emerging as a gateway for Indian companies to reach out to the whole of ASEAN and Asia-Pacific Region. Mr. Predeep Menon, Executive Director & CEO of SICCI and Mr. P.S. Somasekharan, Partner, MGI N. Rajan Associates, Singapore, also spoke on the occasion. Mr. N.V. Srinivasan, Chief Consultant, N.V.S. & Associates, Chennai, also made a Presentation on "How to do business in India"
The meeting was attended by about 60 people which included members and non-members, businessmen, industrialists and educationists in Chennai.
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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Singapore 2008 (October 09-11, 2008)
L to R: Mr. K.M. Devadas, Director, Balaji Mariline Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi; Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director; Mr. S. Venkat Ramanujam, Treasurer and Mr. P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary of the Chamber.
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The PBD jointly organized by the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI), the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), supported by the Governments of Singapore and India, was held at the Suntec International & Convention Centre at Singapore, from 9th to 11th October, 2008. The India-ASEAN-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IASLCCI) was also a partner organization for the event.
The Chamber led a 5-member Business Delegation for this event. The Delegation, led by Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber, included Mr. K.M. Devadas, Director, Balaji Mariline Pvt. Ltd., Mr.S.Venkat Ramanujam, Secretary; Mr.C.Ravindran, Member and Mr.P.Gopalakrishna, Secretary of the Chamber.
Mr. Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, addressed the Delegates at the Welcome Reception cum Networking Dinner. Being a business-focused Conference, valuable opportunities for businesses were also identified and discussed. These discussions spanned the myriad of industry-specific forums which included Science & Technology, Tourism & Hospitality, Finance & Banking as well as Youth and Education. ********************************************
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Seminar on "India's Free Trade Agreements and Business Opportunities in ASEAN and Sri Lanka" (04-07-2008) |
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A one-day Seminar on “India’s Free Trade Agreements and Business Opportunities in ASEAN and Sri Lanka” was organized by the Chamber on 4th July, 2008 at Hotel Taj Coromandel, Chennai.
Inaugural Session
The Seminar was inaugurated by Dr. A.C. Muthiah, a distinguished industrialist and Chairman of SPIC Group of Companies in Chennai, who has played a very important role in the building up of relations within India and the region. He is the former President of FICCI, New Delhi. Dr. Muthiah referred to the age old relations between India and South East Asia and touched upon the various issues that needed to be addressed for speeding up the implementation of the Free Trade Agreements with ASEAN, Thailand, Singapore and Sri Lanka. He said that for the FTAs to be successful and workable, there should be an overall uniformity in adopting norms both by the importing and exporting country and this should be reflected in the trade agreements.
Mr. B. Sriram, Associate Director, Ernst & Young, Global Tax Advisory Services, Chennai, in his presentation on “FTAs and tax implications” highlighted the relevance of FTAs and the tax implications involved and the differing effects of FTA which are favourable/unfavourable to the exporter and importer.
Presentations of Case Studies were also made by the following executives, who highlighted the activities and achievements of their organization, with a special focus on their business relations with ASEAN and Sri Lanka:
Brochures and pamphlets of their company were distributed to all the participants.
Mr. N. Srikanth, Vice-President of the Chamber, summed up the proceedings of the Seminar and proposed a hearty vote of thanks.
The Seminar was co-sponsored by M/s SriLankan Airlines; Srinivasa Shipping & Property Development Ltd. and Teledata Informatics Limited.
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Informal Meeting with Board of Investment, Thailand Delegation (07-03-2008) |
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Office Bearers of the Chamber with the BOI Delegation. |
Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, presenting a Memento to Ms. Sisirak Busayarat, Executive Investment Advisor, Board of Investment, Thailand. | |||||||||||
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The following Delegation from Thailand Board of Investment & Bangkok Bank, visited Chennai on 6th and 7th March, 2008 to meet IT and Pharma companies and invite them to invest in Thailand.
1. Mrs. Sisirak Busayarat, Executive Investment Advisor, Office of the Board of Investment, Thailand 2. Ms. Sudhasinee Smitra, Senior Investment Promotion Officer, Office of the Board of Investment, Thailand 3. Ms. Sanlaya Akshsramat, Senior Investment Promotion Officer, Office of the Board of Investment, Thailand 4. Mrs. Weena Dhanasiri, Senior Investment Promotion Officer, Office of the Board of Investment, Thailand Ms. Sakchai Luangsakthitkul, Senior Investment Promotion Officer, Office of the Board of Investment, Thailand 5. Mr. Kritawit Madhayamankura, Senior Investment Promotion Officer, Office of the Board of Investment, Thailand 6. Ms. Jirana Osothsilp, Senior Vice President, Bangkok Bank 7. Ms. Siriphan Kitiprawat, Assistant Vice President & Assistant Manager, Bangkok Bank 8. Ms. Linda Kaewrak, Analyst, Bangkok Bank 9. Ms. Korapin Sri-umpolchan, Analyst, Bangkok Bank
At the Informal Meeting organized by the Chamber, with the members of the Delegation on 7th March, 2008 at Hotel GRT Grand, Chennai, Mrs. Sisirak Busayarat, Investment Advisor, and Mr. Kritawit Madhayamankura, Senior Investment Promotion Officer, BOI Thailand, said the purpose of their visit is to attract Indian entrepreneurs to invest in Thailand in the following industries / services:
~ - Agriculture and agricultural products ~ - Mining, ceramics and basic metals ~ - Light industry ~ - Metal products, machinery and transport equipment ~ - Electronics and electrical appliances ~ - Chemicals, paper and plastics ~ - Services and public utilities
They narrated that Thailand’s political stability has long provided foreign businesses a high degree of confidence in the country and security for their operations. The country’s abundant natural resources and skilled workforce coupled with additional support from the Thai Government, provide investors with the critical inputs for successful ventures in key sectors.
The BOI offers the following incentives and procedures:
~ - Corporate Income-tax exemption for 3 to 8 years ~ - Exemption or reduction of import duties on machinery ~ - Exemption or reduction of import duties on raw materials ~ - A subsequent 50% reduction of the corporate income-tax after the expiration of the exemption period ~ - Double deduction of public utilities costs ~ - Special deduction of infrastructure construction / installation costs.
They explained that although tax incentives are generally based on investment location, some activities are considered priorities and granted maximum tax incentives (8-year tax holidays and exemption on import duties on machinery) regardless of location. Specific packages have been designed for key sectors, with a view to accelerating industrial cluster development.
Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President, and Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber, invited the Delegation to visit Chennai again at a convenient date for a formal Seminar where members of the Chamber would have an opportunity to understand the various incentives offered for Indian investors for projects in Thailand. It was also suggested to bring a business delegation to Chennai for interaction to enable the Chamber to organize similar delegation to Thailand for development of business relations.
Mr. Venkat Ramanujam, Treasurer and Mr. P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary of the Chamber, also participated in the meeting. ********************************************
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Seminar on Trade Relations with ASEAN and Sri Lanka and Release of Chamber’s Handbook on ASEAN-Sri Lanka-India (January 21, 2008)
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Mr. T.C. Venkat Subramanian, (left), Chairman & Managing Director, Export-Import Bank of India, Mumbai, handing over the first copy of the “Handbook on ASEAN-Sri Lanka-India” to Mr. Ajit Singh, (right), Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Singapore, Chennai. Mr.C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber, is in the centre. |
Mr. T.C. Venkat Subramanian, Chairman & Managing Director, Export-Import Bank of India, Mumbai, addressing the delegates. Seated (L to R): Mr.P.Gopalakrishna, Secretary; Mr.C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of the Chamber; Mr. Ajit Singh, Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Singapore, Chennai; and Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber. |
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The Chamber’s “Handbook on ASEAN-Sri Lanka-India” was released by Mr.T.C.Venkat Subramanian, Chairman & Managing Director, Export-Import Bank of India, at the above Seminar, organized by the Chamber at Hotel Accord Metropolitan, Chennai. The first copy was received by Mr. Ajit Singh, Consul General of Singapore in Chennai.
Mr.T.C.Venkat Subramanian, who was the Chief Guest at the Seminar, in his address said, that in the first eight months of the current year, India’s exports to China and Sri Lanka declined while imports from China increased. “It was a different scenario three years ago. China has started making machinery and power equipment for the Indian market. Perhaps, India and the ASEAN are having the same kind of products in the export basket and are competing against each other. We have to analyse the components and make continuous efforts to increase our exports”.
“Firms from Bangalore and Chennai have invested in Sri Lanka. However, those living in the northern and western regions have less awareness of Sri Lanka. We are planning to conduct seminars to create awareness and to strengthen linkages with the island nation. Sri Lanka can be used for conducting seminars and conferences, while people from the ASEAN region can use Mumbai for health check, as it is cost effective here,” he said.
Mr.C.S.Muthu Subramaniyan, President of our Chamber, in his welcome address, said that the trade between India and the ASEAN is likely to touch the $50 billion mark by 2010 from the present $ 30 billion. He added that the 1.5 billion population in ASEAN plus India would help to increase trade volume. “This is the largest trading block in the world. It is bigger than that of China, the U.S. and Europe. We have Free Trade Agreements with Singapore, Thailand and Sri Lanka, and some are expected to be signed this year. At times, population can be a problem, but it also provides a huge market to explore and expand”
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A section of the Audience |
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The President also said that the Handbook contains profiles of the ASEAN countries, Sri Lanka and India, investment and government policies, details of business activities, trade agreements within the region, contact details, website ids of important Government and trade organizations, etc.
Mr. Ajit Singh, in his address, reviewed the growing trade relations between India and Singapore and congratulated the Chamber for bringing out the Handbook for the benefit of the trading community.
Mr. P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary of the Chamber, announced that the Handbook can be had from the office of the Chamber at a subsidized rate of Rs.750/- for members and Rs.1,000/- for non-members.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber, narrated in brief the business activities between India and ASEAN and Sri Lanka and stressed the need for early finalisation and implementation of FTA between India and ASEAN for rapid progress of trade relationship between the region. He thanked the organizations, which supported the Handbook by releasing their advertisement and also Beardsell Limited and Hatsun Food Products for co-sponsoring the Seminar.
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Seminar on "Connecting Singapore" (18-04-2007)
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Mr. Ajit Singh, Consul General of Singapore, Chennai and Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber |
Seated (L to R) : Mr. Vimal Harnal, Area Director, Contact Singapore, Chennai; Mr. Foo Chai Woo, General Manager - S.I., Singapore Airlines,Mumbai;Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President, Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber; Mr. Kiran Bhandari, Area Director - Southern India, Sri Lanka and Maldives, Singapore Tourism Board, Chennai; and Mr. Nordin Yatim, Area Director, International Enterprise Singapore, Chennai |
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A half-day Seminar on “Connecting Singapore” was organized by the Chamber on 18th April, 2007 at Hotel Residency Towers, T. Nagar, Chennai. It was inaugurated by Mr. Ajit Singh, Consul General of Singapore in Chennai. Interesting presentations were made by senior officials of Singapore Tourism Board, International Enterprise Singapore, Contact Singapore, Singapore Airlines and Zak Trade Fairs & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd.
Mr. Singh, in his Keynote Address, expressed that more than the topic “Connecting Singapore’, he would like to call it “Entrench Singapore India Relationship”. He said that Singapore has traditional links with India and it is not just about economics and business. It is broad based. He added that Singapore would like India to continue to be its partner in Singapore’s growth story as much as Singapore would like to be a part of India’s growth.
Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of our Chamber, in his Welcome Address, said that the Seminar was organized to bring together four Singapore organisations on one platform to give the business community an opportunity to understand the specific role of these institutions and how the corporate community in the city can gain by closely interacting with them for improving their operations in this great business destination
The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. P. Gopalakrishna, Secretary of the Chamber.
Technical Sessions
Mr. Kiran Bhandari, Area Director, Singapore Tourism Board, Chennai, unfolded the ‘Uniquely Singapore’ story in his presentation on Tourism and Education opportunities available in Singapore.
A presentation on the ‘Role of IE Singapore in Singapore-India Economic Relations’, using the 3C” framework of assistance - ‘Competency, Connections and Capital’ was made by Mr. Nordin Yatim, Area Director, International Enterprise Singapore (IES), Chennai.
Mr. Vimal Harnal, Area Director, Contact Singapore, Chennai, in his presentation on ‘Living and Working in Singapore’ narrated the activities of his organization and welcomed Indian professionals to make Singapore their home.
While Mr. Foo Chai Woo, General Manager – India, Singapore Airlines, Mumbai, spoke on the opportunities of flying with Singapore Airlines, Mr. Bharat Mahadevan, Manager – Southern India, Singapore Airlines, Chennai, made a presentation on ‘Connecting India & Singapore’.
Mr. Syed Zakir Ahmed, Chairman, Zak Trade Fairs & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd., Chennai, made a video presentation on the 16-industry B2B and B2C ‘Zak Salaam India Expo’ being organized by his Company at Singapore from 15th-19th August, 2007.
Mr. C. Sarat Chandran, Director of the Chamber, co-ordinated the programme and proposed a vote of thanks.
The Seminar was co-sponsored by M/s Beardsell Limited, T.I. Group of Companies and Zak Trade Fairs & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd.
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Interactive Meeting on Business Opportunities in Myanmar (13-03-2007) |
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Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IASLCCI), lighting the lamp. |
New Delhi, releasing the Book on SME India 2007. |
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An Interactive Meeting on Business Opportunities in Myanmar and Roadshow on SME India 2007, were organized jointly by India-ASEAN-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IASLCCI) and Indo Myanmar Chamber of Commerce & Industries (IMCCI), on 13th March, 2007 at Hotel Comfort Inn Marina Towers, Chennai.
His Excellency, U Kyi Thein, Ambassador, Embassy of The Union of Myanmar, New Delhi, delivered the Keynote Address and inaugurated the Roadshow on SME India 2007. Mr. G.L. Goenka, President, IMCCI, delivered a Special Address on Business Opportunities in Myanmar.
H.E. U Kyi Thein, in his address, said that India and Myanmar are putting the final touches to a joint project, which will enable the north-east States to conduct trade directly with South-East Asia through Myanmar’s Sittwe port, by passing through Bangladesh and boost the bilateral relationship. “The seven sister states of the north-east, can use it to facilitate trade to Myanmar and beyond” he added.
Mr. Goenka, in his address, highlighted the growing trade relationship between India and Myanmar and invited businessmen and industrialists in this region to participate in SME India 2007 (Small & Medium Entrepreneurs Exhibition) to be held in Yangon, Myanmar, from 25th-28th November, 2007.
Mr. Kumar Jaisingh, Hon.Jt. Secretary, IMCCI, made a presentation on SME India Exhibition 2007 and the activities of the Chamber and gave clarifications.
Earlier, Mr. C.S. Muthu Subramaniyan, President of our Chamber, welcomed the participants. In his address, he expressed his confidence that concrete measures being taken by H.E, the Ambassador of Myanmar and IMCCI will further develop the trade and industrial relationship between the two countries.
Mr. K. Gurumurthy, Vice-President – South, IMCCI, proposed the vote of thanks.
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Delegation from International Enterprise Singapore (IES) (10-10-2006) |
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 IES Delegation with the Chamber officials |
At a meeting organized by India-ASEAN-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IASLCCI), Mr. Allan Tay, Assistant Manager – Export Promotion, IES, said that the main purpose of their visit to Chennai was to promote trade and assist Indian companies to do business in Singapore with significance to the recently concluded India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). He urged the Chamber to take advantage of these benefits and make the Members aware of the immense business opportunities available in Singapore. Ms. Celine Sim, Senior Officer, International Partnership Division - Trade Promotion Group, IES, explained the benefits of a Representative Office (RO).
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She said that if a company wants to test out its business prospects, it can register as an RO as a temporary business facility before investing in a full-fledged business outfit. She also mentioned that attracting foreign companies to set up Representative Offices in Singapore is part of its International Enterprise Hub strategy. Mr. Ramakrishna Kukkila, Centre Director, and Ms. C. Vidhya, Marketing Officer, IES, Chennai, also attended the meeting. ******************************************** |
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Delegation from Sri Lanka Chamber of Small Industry (13-06-2006)
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The Chamber organized One-to-One Meetings for the Business Promotion Delegation from Sri Lanka Chamber of Small Industry at Hotel GRT Convention Centre, followed by a Dinner the same evening. Mr. S.R. Dhruvan, President of the Chamber, welcomed the delegation and Mr. Aloy R. Jayawardene, President of Sri Lanka Chamber of Small Industry, addressed the gathering. |
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Delegation from Sri Lanka Chamber of Small Industry (1-06-2006)
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 Mr. Suphot Yanthukij (seventh from left), Consul General, Royal Thai Consulate General , Chennai seen with delegates from BOI, Thailand, and Committee Members and officials of the Chamber. |
The Chamber arranged visits for the 8-member Board of Investment (BOI) Thailand Delegation to meet heads of connected organisations in Chennai and hosted a Dinner in honour of the Delegation on 1st June, 2006 at Hotel GRT Grand, Convention Centre. Chennai. |
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Business Match Making-cum-Dinner Session (22-05-2006)
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“Business Match Making-cum-Dinner Session” with 60-Member delegation from Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Hotel GRT Grand, Chennai was organised by the Chamber Mr. S.R. Dhruvan, President of the Chamber, welcomed the delegates and Mr. M. Rajaram, Chairman, Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Chua Thian Poh, President, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Mr. Ajit Singh, Consul General of the Republic of Singapore, addressed the Members. The Meet was attended by nearly 120 delegates representing different business sectors.
It was co-sponsored by M/s Beardsell & Co. Ltd., and M/s G M Pens International Pvt. Ltd., Chennai.
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MoU Between Singapore India Chamber of Commerce & Industry and India-ASEAN Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (11-04-2006 to 14-04-2006)
Connecting India Asia Pacific Business Summit 2006 (12-04-2006)
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The Chamber led a 12-member Business Delegation to the “Connecting India Asia Pacific Business Summit 2006” organized by Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Singapore, at Hotel Grand Hyatt, Singapore. The 10-Member delegation led by Mr.S.R.Dhruvan, President of the Chamber, included Mr.K.M. Devadas, Director, Balaji Mariline Pvt.Ltd., Mr.T. Palanivelu, Chairman, and Mr.M. Shahul Hameed, Managing Director, T J Reals Limited, and Mr. Abhishek Bachhawat, Director, Pushpa Thermoware Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai. Other Members of the Chamber who joined the delegation were Mr.J.Elango, Sr.Manager – Exports, Beardsell Limited, Mr.Mohamed Javid, Managing Director, Skyline Group of Companies, Mr. Raghu Kailas, Managing Director, Ucal Exports Private Limited, Mr.T.Sriraman, Managing Director, Soltech Equipments and Mr.Vinod Surana, Partner & CEO, Surana & Surana International Attorneys. Mr. C.Sarat Chandran, Director and Mr.P.Gopalakrishna, Secretary of the Chamber also participated. |
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