Invitation: "Fastest Growth in AP-Economic Freedom Index 2011"

“FAPCCI Industrial Job Fair 2011” inaugurated today

Mr. Devendra Surana, Senior Vice President of FAPCCI and Mr. R.T. Takkar, General Manager, Oriental Bank of Commerce jointly inaugurated “FAPCCI Industrial Job Fair 2011” today at Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad. Mr. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Vice President, FAPCCI, Mr. S.Subba Rao, Chairman, HR & Industrial Development committee are also participated at the event.

Pitti Laminations Limited, RedOx Laboratories, Lead Edge Papers Private Limited, Automotive Manufacturers, Smaat Aquaa Technologies Pvt Ltd, Organization Development Consultants, Zetatek Industries Limited, Allen Reinforced Plastics (P) Ltd, BizzDial.Com, Coromandal Paints, JobsChronicle.Com, Aakriti Infra Projects Pvt Ltd, Vittal Technologies, Reliance Cellulose Industry are participated at the job fair.

Total 3,200 participants are registered at the job fair and numbers of vacancies are close to 550. Candidates from various streams including, B Tech, ITI, MBA, BE, M Tech are participated at the fair.

“FAPCCI Excellence Awards 2011” on 28th July 2011

Hyderabad, 28^th July 2011.

Mr. VS Raju, President of FAPCCI announced the 94^th Annual Function of the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) and presentation of “FAPCCI Excellence Awards – 2011” to day at Federation House.

FAPCCI has instituted Excellence Awards to foster and enhance excellence in important national endeavor in economic and social sectors that are of particular relevance to the state of Andhra Pradesh. Every year FAPCCI honors industrial and commercial organizations, distinguished and eminent personalities, who have made outstanding contribution in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The Awards will be presented by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sri N. Kiran Kumar Reddy on 28 July 2011 at KLN Prasad Auditorium, Federation House at the Annual Function of FAPCCI.

“We received 120 entries for the 19 awards. This year we have added two new entries for special innovations in science and technology” FAPCCI President Mr V S Raju said.

Mr. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Vice President, FAPCCI, Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, FAPCCI and Mr. B.G Shastry, Past President and Awards Committee member also addressed to the media.

Radiation Processing Technology for Food Safety

The Seminar on “Radiation Processing Technology for Food Safety & Security” started off on 16th July at Federation House, Hyderabad. The Seminar was inaugurated by Mr. C.R. Biswal, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government, Industries & Commerce Dept, Government of Andhra Pradesh and Mr. V.S Raju, President, FAPCCI.

Mr. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Vice President, FAPCI, Mr. P.B. Kaginalli, Managing Director, Gamma Agro-Medical Processings Pvt. Ltd., Hyd., Prof. Surendra Kumar Sood, Scientist, Food Technologist, Hyderabad, Dr. S. Ranganathan, Scientist, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Dr. Dilip Babu, Scientist, ANGRAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Mr. K. Bhakara Reddy, Chairman of Agriculture & Agro Industries Committee; FAPCCI and M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, FAPCCI also spoke at the seminar.

Mr. C.R. Biswal said IN HIS Chief Guest address is that the Radiation processing of food stuffs is a universally accepted technology and used in scientific and commercial applications in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Medical Sciences, and Pharmaceuticals etc. One of the most important applications is in the post-harvest handling and management of food stuffs. This process improves food conservation, food hygiene and paves the way for higher food exports. It eliminates quarantine barriers at the port of importation. It enhances the shelf life of food products and facilitates in packaging, storage, transport and distribution of foodstuffs for the end consumer usage. Radiation processing is useful in preservation of food items since it destroys organisms that cause spoilage, thus extending shelf life.

Mr. Biswal said the safety and nutritional adequacy of irradiated foods for human consumption is well established. India is one of the few countries that have the expertise in the deployment of radiation technology. Food safety is a important topic worldwide. Irradiation is a proven and effective post-harvest method to reduce losses, eliminate food-borne pathogens in foods and enables the control of insects and pests, including pests of quarantine, in agricultural commodities. The technology helps developing countries in their efforts to improve food safety and quality and to facilitate trade in foodstuffs. Irradiation is a direct, simple and efficient one-time process. Good numbers of countries are using this process in food processing industries and institutional catering. In 1986, the Government of India set up a National Monitoring Agency to oversee commercial application of radiation processing of food. In 1991 the Atomic Energy Act was amended and Atomic Energy (Control of Irradiation of Food) Rules were framed. In 1994, Government of India amended Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (1954) Rules and approved irradiation of onion, potato and spices for domestic market. Additional items were approved in 1998 and 2001. In 2004 the Ministry of Agriculture amended its quarantine regulation to include irradiation as a quarantine treatment. Then BARC has also approached the Ministry of Health for providing generic or class-wise approval for radiation processing for agricultural and food commodities. Preservation of food by ionizing radiations involves controlled application of energy of ionizing radiation such as gamma rays, X-rays, and accelerated electrons on agricultural commodities, foods and food ingredients for improving their storage life, hygiene and safety.

As far as Food Processing and Horticulture Sectors are concerned, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, National Horticulture Mission and National Horticulture Board are providing financial assistance for setting up and modernizing the processing units and creation of infrastructure and development of human resources in addition to other promotional measures to encourage the growth of the Food sector. They are also providing financial assistance to the private sector and Government Agencies for setting up cold chain infrastructure including refrigerated transport vehicles and different kinds of cold storages under various schemes.

It may be mentioned here that the State Government is providing storage support under the Central Sector Schemes of Development and Strengthening of Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure, Grading and Standardization being implemented by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection. Government of Andhra Pradesh is also providing Incentives and Concessions to the Food Processing Industries.

Mr. Biswal also said that the Food Processing is declared as Small Industry and is eligible for relief from minimum electricity charges during off season when the unit is not functioning. 25% cost of external infrastructure for power, water, approach roads and other infrastructures limited Rs.2.00 crores. Reimbursement on State Goods & Services Tax for Mega Food Parks during the construction period for a period of 2 years limited to a maximum Rs.2.00 crores. Reimbursement power cost @ Rs.1.00 per unit (upper ceiling) on the proposed revised rates (2010-11) for 5 years. In case, decrease in power tariff, the reimbursement will be reduced proportionately. All eligible industries/enterprises under Food Processing will also eligible for other benefits as per the Industrial Investment Promotion Policy 2010-15.

He urges the investors to take advantage the liberal incentives being provided by the Government and invest in food processing units. To-day Food Processing Industry is a sunrise industry and has immensial for growth and therefore this industry offers unique opportunity for investment

Mr. V.S. Raju, President, FAPCCI said in his welcome address is that the Food preservation is a need to have supply of food throughout the year particularly during crop failure/natural disaster and to supply food across a large area where it is not produced. Food is most precious commodity on earth to the human life. Life is not sustained without adequate food. Therefore, food security and preservation are more important.

He said that the Rapid urbanization, depletion in the quantum of arable land, uncertain agro-climatic conditions, primitive practices of harvesting and storage of food grains and long distances between harvesting and consumption centers have only added to the necessity for better preservation and effective utilization. About 20-40% of our agricultural produce is lost due to spoilage by pests, insects and microbes. Microbial contaminants cause human illness and produce toxins also renders food unsafe for consumption. Therefore Radiation Technology is essential to preserve agricultural commodities and food products.

Mr. Raju also said that India is the world`s second largest food producing country and has the potential to be the world`s number one country. After achieving self-reliance in agriculture production through “green revolution “we are not only in a position to feed our own people, but also in a position to export agricultural produce. In this connection, Radiation technology has played a significant role in increasing shelf life. Food preservation by radiation involves application of nuclear energy to agricultural commodities, for improving their storage life, hygiene, and for overcoming quarantine barriers to international trade. It facilitates packing, storage, transport and distribution of food. Thus, radiation processing can be supplementary and sustain agriculture, horticultural and food products.

Seminar on “Indian MSME Report – 2011”

The Seminar on “MSME Development – Dissemination Meet” and “Research report on “Indian MSME Report – 2011” started off on 12th July at Federation House, Hyderabad. The Seminar was inaugurated by Mr. Chukka Kondaiah, Director General (Retd), NI-MSME. Dr. B. Yerram Raju, Regional Director, PRMIA-Hyderabad, Dr. P.M. Mathew, Senior Fellow and Director, ISED, Cochin, Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, Mr. M. Sreerama Murthy, Chairman, IDC, FAPCCI and Federal Bank Representative, Mr. Samavedam Vasudevudu spoke at the seminar.

Speakers at an MSME Meet at Hyderabad, demanded greater attention for the sector under the forthcoming 12^th Five Year Plan. The previous Plans have not given due emphasis on revitalization of the sector, against the new challenges of globalization. This should not be repeated, they said.

Mr. Chukka Kondaiah said that the SME is the back bone for any national economy. 90% of SMEs accounts for 60 – 70% GDP were recorded in major and many countries.

Mr. Chukka Kondaiah explained the national challenges as follows.

• India youngest country: 728 millions less than 35 years age group (70%)

• Unemployed: More than 300 million

• Need for upgradation of technical skills: A few million

• Requirement of skill/technical training to a large number

• Need for development of technical institutions with practical orientation

• Identification of entrepreneurs and groom them to become successful entrepreneurs at least 5% of unemployed youth in the country per annum (15 million)

Mr. V.S. Raju, President, FAPCCI said in his welcome address is that the World over, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises shortly known as MSMEs have been recognized as engines of economic growth. In India, MSMEs are the second largest source of employment after agriculture. They account for almost 40 percent of industrial production, 95 percent of the industrial units, 34 percent of the exports and manufacture over 6000 products. It is estimated that to create one job in the MSME sector, only Rs.72, 000 is required as against Rs.5.5 lakh required in the large organized sector.

In the scenario of global recession the roles of MSMEs assume significance. It is estimated that to achieve the target of 10 percent growth during 2011, the MSME sector needs to grow at 12%. However, if we compare the growth of MSMEs in India with those in the neighboring countries in South East Asia like Japan and China, it is found that we lag far behind. There are some major hurdles which do not allow this sector to flourish as desired.

The first major hurdle for this sector is the low credit availability. It is estimated that the unorganized sector comprises 95% of the total industrial units employing more than 65 million people. Yet, only 8% of the total bank credit finds its way into this sector. Though credit to MSMEs fall under the category of priority sector lending, lending to other sectors such as home loans, education loans etc., the percentage share of credit to MSMEs is falling. This is a dangerous situation and should be rectified immediately.

The second major hurdle is lack of technological innovation and knowledge of market demands. Most of the household units still work on obsolete technology because of which not only the cost of production is high but the product also fails to meet market demand in terms of quality and appearance. Because of liberalization the MSMEs are facing stiff competition from imports and therefore need technological up gradation said the FAPCCI’s President Mr. V.S. Raju.

Dr. B. Yerram Raju said in his key note address is - in a knowledge-based economy, competitiveness of enterprises, including SMEs, is increasingly based on ability to provide high-value-added products at a competitive price is a major competitiveness’ for SME sector. Globalization and trade liberalization has made it crucial for most enterprises, including SMEs, to become internationally competitive even when operating wholly in the domestic market.

This innovative nation-wide programme of contacting micro small and medium enterprises at their location around the country was opened at Hyderabad. The programme designed and implemented by Institute of Small Enterprises and Development Cochin, covering over 20 MSME dominant centers of the country, will take place on a series until the first week of October this year.

The annual series, with Federal Bank as its key National Partner, is part of a wide national programme, with the Union Ministry of MSME, and various national and international partners.

The event at Hyderabad organized jointly with the State Department of Industries and Commerce, and the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

India MSME Report 2011, the product of Institute’s prestigious annual state of the- sector reporting, was released earlier at the Commonwealth India Small Business Competitiveness Conference at Bangalore last month.

FAPCCI Industrial Job Fair - 2011

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) inviting the MSMEs and Large industries to participate in State Level “FAPCCI Industrial Job Fair – 2011” from 26-27 July 2011 at Federation House, FAPCCI Marg, Red Hills, Lakdi-Ka-Pul, Hyderabad.

The theme of the job fair is to facilitate “face to face” interactive meetings with job seekers and Industry employers across the State. The fair is a best place that will help those who are looking for meaningful and challenging jobs and the employers who are searching capable, competitive and well qualified employees.

The MSMEs and Large industries who are looking experienced and new employees for their requirements from technical, marketing and administrative areas are welcome to participate in this job fair.

The job fair is most useful for the industries who are into Agriculture, Agro Products, Banking, Dairy & Dairy Products, IT, Electronics, Infrastructure, Jute & Handicrafts, Poultry & Hatcheries, Gem & Jewellery, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology Industries.

Interested companies and businessman may contact Mr. Venkat, Asst. Director, FAPCCI on 9550545035 or E Mail: venkat.fapcci@gmail /venkat@fapcci.in for details. Last date for registration is 15th July 2011.

Certificate Course in “Business Credit Management”

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) conducting a certificate course in “Business Credit Management” from 13th July to 16th June 2011, from 4 pm to 6 pm, at JS Krishna Murthy Hall, Federation House, FAPCCI, Red Hills, Lakdi-Ka-Pul, Hyderabad.

This course will cover important aspects of management of Credit both Long term and Short term credit for sustenance and growth in business. Topics like Different sources of Long term Funds, Debt /Equity Ratio, DSCR, ISCR, Security for Term Loans – Registration of Charges against Fixed Assets. Liquidity vs. Profitability, Managing Liquidity thru Business Credit, Different sources of Short term Business Credit, Working Capital Finance from Banks and Accounts payable and Accounts Receivable Management, Export Credit Management, and MIS Reports on Credit Management etc, will also be covered here.

This course will be useful to Students pursuing Management/Professional studies and Executives involved in Accounts, Finance, Purchase and Marketing functions and Chief Executives, General Managers, Managing Directors and full time Directors of Micro, Small and Medium Companies.

Candidate desirous of joining the course may contact Mr. JR Kumar, Faculty Director on 9885921599 for registration or E-mail: fapcci.jrkumar@gmail.com.

Seminar on “US - Green Card: EB5 Immigrant Visas”

The state level seminar on “US - Green Card” focused on ‘Business Immigration "Getting a Green Card through Investment: EB5 Immigrant Visas" started off on 7th July at Federation House, Hyderabad. The Seminar was inaugurated by Mr. Gregory Wing Co founder of the Green Card Fund. Mr. V S Raju, President, FAPCCI, Mr. Satish Kholey, Managing Director, India Operations – Green card Fund, Mr. Tapaswi Kumar Gupta, Foxmandal Little, Mr. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Vice President and Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, FAPCCI, Mr. A.S. Kumar, Deputy Secretary General also present.

Mr. Gregory Wing, Co founder of the Green Card Fund invited Indian investors and businessmen to get the US Green Card and Citizenship through their investments in reputed industrial sector in the US. He said that the US now started encouraging foreign nationals to become US Citizens and US also offering many Visa & Citizenship programmes and business opportunities’ to foreign investors. The US EB-5 Business Visa offering US Green Card for entire investors family and US Citizenship in later years.

Mr. Gregory Wing explained his keynote address is that the Foreign investors may qualify to obtain permanent residence in the United States, ‘green cards’, through an investment of US $500,000 thousand - $1million dollars. The amount of investment capital required depends on various factors, such as investing in a completely new enterprise, existing enterprise, troubled enterprise, or an economic development project of a regional center. Multiple investors may invest in the same enterprise at the inception of the enterprise. The meaning of ‘capital’ is defined in case laws and the Immigration and Naturalization Act. Certain loans, mortgage agreements, promissory notes, security agreements may be included in the minimum capital requirement while others are not. It is critical to understand the difference. Please consult with us before making any investments through skholay@greencardfund.com.

Mr. Gregory explained the privileges for investors, is that the investor qualifies for a green card through investment, then his/her spouse and children under age twenty-one may get green cards as accompanying relatives. He may live anywhere in the U.S. and stay as long as his desire and he may travel in and out of U.S. After he has held green card for at least five years, then the investor along with his family can apply for U.S. citizenship.

He also said that the funds for the investment must come from a lawful source. Lawful sources of funds include: earned personal income, profits from the sales of a property, stocks or bonds, profits from business, a loan secured by personal assets of the immigrant investor, business transactions, gifts, and inheritances. To prove the source of investment funds, USCIS requires five years of tax returns, five years of bank records, proof of ownership in any businesses, financial statements for each business, and business licenses. The idea is to present a track record of an honest course of dealing. If your capital came from a specific transaction, such as sale of a house, inheritance or gift, you must prove the transaction occurred by providing an official document, such as a closing statement or contract, or other official documents.

Mr. Satish Kholey, Managing Director, India Operations – Green card Fund explained the investment opportunities for Indian investors.

FAPCCI is working closely with Indo-US bilateral trade is set to touch USD 100 billion in the next two-three years. In 2010 trade between India and its biggest trade partner stood at USD 50 billion today. In the last fiscal India exported USD 30 billion worth of goods and services to US against importing USD 20 billion from the US said the FAPCCI’s President Mr. V.S. Raju.

Industries are Invited

Workshop on “Resins: Challenges & Opportunities”

The first Region level workshop on “Resins: Challenges & Opportunities” focused on ‘Innovative, Green Initiatives & Sustainable growth’ started off on 2nd July at Federation House, Hyderabad. The Conference was inaugurated by Dr. Ramajuj Narayan, Scientist (Organic Coatings & Polymers), Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) and Mr. V S Raju, President, FAPCCI with other delegates including Mr. B. Chandrachud, President, IRMA, Mr. Ashok Goklani, Vice President, Mr. Bhupendra Sankariya, Secretary from national committee and Mr. Nilesh K. Jain, Chairman, Southern Region of IRMA and manufacturers & members of Indian Resins Manufacturers Association (IRMA).

Dr. Ramanuj Narayan said his keynote address is that the today resin manufacturers require innovative and green initiatives for sustainable development. Identity, Institute interactive strengthening will provide the small and medium scale industries to bridge the relevant technical gap and will be helpful is developing the world class resins. To reach to global R&D and testing of the product is very important and it is the theme on which IRMA is organizing a technical seminar today. Another important aspect of resin development is the use of natural and renewable resin us will newer chemistry and methodology for greener and sustainable future. The public awareness on resin, recycling of polymers, waste utilization, energy minimization is the manufacture which will be taken up by IRMA in near future. All the other issues related to resin industry are addressed by IRMA on common platform provided for members.

Mr. V.S. Raju said that the Resins usually originate from viscous substances of plant and it is one of the commonly found in clear to translucent yellow or brown colors and solid or semisolid substance. Resins are widely used in inks, lacquers, adhesives, varnishes, pharmaceuticals and synthetic plastics.

India’s exports have registered a growth of 56.9% during May 2011, at US $ 25.9 billion. During the period April-May 2011, exports have reached a level of US $ 49.8 billion at a growth of 45.3% while the imports were US $ 73.7 billion with a growth of 33.3% and a trade deficit of US $ 23.9 billion, during the same period. India’s imports in May 2011 were US $ 40.9 billion. Balance of trade for the month of May 2011 stood at – 15 billion US dollar.

New Committee for Southern Region of IRMA was elected

New Committee for Indian Resins Manufacturers Association (Southern Region) was elected today at the region managing committee meeting at Federation House.

Mr. Nilesh Kumar Jain unanimously elected as Chairman, Mr Piyush Kumar Maheshwari was Vice Chairmen. Mr. Satish Kumar elected as Secretary, Mr. V. Chandra Shekhar as Joint Secretary, Mr. Suresh Agarwal as Treasurer and Mr. Rajesh Agarwal elected as Chairmen-Fund Raising, Mr. Kewal Chand jain as Membership Drive, Mr. C. Ramachandran as Chirman – Technical Programs and Mr. Rajiv Panday as Managing Member.