US committed to provide best services to the Indian Business: Her Excellency Ms. Katherine Dhanani, Consul General, USA

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry in association with Consulate General of United States of America organized an Interacting Meeting on “Business Opportunities in USA & Latest Development in Visa Services” on September 24, 2012 at Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad. Her Excellency Ms. Katherine Dhanani, Consul General of United States of America was the Chief Guest for this occasion.

Mr. Elvin John, Vice Consul, Ms. Carla Benini, Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Manav Jain, Acting Consular Chief, Mr. Radhakishore Pandrangi, Senior Commercial Specialist, Mr. Devendra Surana, President, FAPCCI, Mr. Shyam Sunder Pasari, Chairman, International Trade Committee and Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, FAPCCI were the other speakers at the occasion.

 Her Excellency Ms. Katherine Dhanani said – US - India has very positive business and economical ties in many sectors. US always want to support and enhancing bilateral ties for the better outcome. In recent years USA and India have signed bilateral agreements in Cooperation on Energy and Climate Change, Cooperation on Science and Technology, Security and Regional Cooperation and Cooperation on Public Health and Research. The United States is always helping to promote India in the global platforms. 

The Indo-US Vaccine Action Program (VAP) has been implemented since July, 1987 and recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.  Through bilateral agreement between the United States and India, the VAP is being extended in 2012 for an additional five years with a particular focus on tuberculosis, human immunology, rotavirus and many other globally important infectious diseases.  This includes development of vaccines for Malaria, Dengue and translational research in vaccinology she said.
 
We, at FAPCCI had meetings with the several US Delegates, Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Science, California, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, Tuskegee University, Alabama, US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC).  These meetings have provided valuable inputs and the information on opportunities therein Mr. Devendra Surana said.

 Mr. Radhakishore Pandrangi, Senior Commercial Specialist the US visas now simplified and it’s just a click away. The United States is implementing a new visa processing system throughout India that will further standardize procedures and will simplify fee payment and appointment scheduling through a new official website. Now, visa applicants can be able to pay application fees via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) or with their mobile phones. They can also pay in cash at more than 1,800 Axis bank branches. The Business Executive Program (BEP) vets and registers established, reputable firms to make it easier for certain employees to seek nonimmigrant visitor visas for business travel at reserved appointment times. Business Executive Program (BEP) members are allotted a set number of appointments each day.

Mr. Devendra Surana thank the US Consulate for simplifying the process of applying for US visas, by announcing interview waiver program for those applying for visa renewal within four years of its expiry and the children below the age of seven years need not be present at the consulate for interviews, etc.  This interactive meet is arranged with a view to understand the process and the several initiatives taken for the promotion of business and tourism.   I am sure, under your dynamic leadership, more and more such initiatives would be taken, for increasing the business and tourism between the two countries, particularly with Andhra Pradesh.

Trade and commerce form a crucial component of the rapidly expanding and multi-faceted relations between India and US.   The presence of US Consulate, US Commercial Services, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and American Chamber of Commerce has played a vital role in furthering the trade between the two countries, especially with Andhra Pradesh.  I request the US Consulate to send us the information pertaining to trade and industry, especially on visa services, for disseminating the details among the members of FAPCCI.

Pennsylvania has more than 5,811 foreign owned businesses: Mr. David Briel, CDI

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry in association with Center for Direct Investment, PA Department of Community & Economic Development, Office of International Business Development, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, USA organized an Seminar on “Pennsylvania: Your Gateway to North America” on September 24, 2012 at Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad. Mr. David Briel, Executive Director, Center for Direct Investment (CDI), PA Department of Community & Economic Development, Office of International Business Development and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, USA was the Chief Guest for this occasion.

Mr. Devendra Surana, President, FAPCCI, Ms. Sushama Kanetkar, Authorized Representative Director of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Bangalore, Mr. Shyam Sunder Pasari, Chairman, International Trade Relations Committee, Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, FAPCCI were the other speakers at the occasion.

Mr. Devendra Surana said in his welcome address is that the Andhra Pradesh is India's fourth largest State gets much of its revenues from the Services sector and Agriculture.  Andhra Pradesh ranks second in India in terms of mineral wealth.  Our State has well-developed social, physical and industrial infrastructure and virtual connectivity, It has emerged as a key state for the knowledge-based industry including IT, Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology.  Over 70 of the 500 top global corporations are present in the State.  

Investment opportunities are abundant specifically in the manufacturing sector which includes food processing, floriculture, agro processing, petrochemicals, metals, textiles, leather, mining, transport equipment, telecom and so on.  The infrastructure sector is rife with opportunities, be it the areas of power, ports, roads, bridges, telecom facilities, development of coasts, waterways… Financial services, R&D and Tourism, particularly medical tourism, offer plenty of scope for investment.  I request you to kindly impress upon the Pennsylvanian Businessmen and invite them to our State for exploring the business opportunities Mr. Surana said.

Mr. David Briel, Executive Director, CDI, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania said the Pennsylvania has already become a favored business base for more than 5,811 foreign owned business, 1,374 industries with 2,53,655 supporting staff and is the best connectivity with the key markets of the US and Canada. Well-endowed with a an extensive highway system modern freight railroad system and three major ports providing access to the Atlantic Ocean, Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico and six international airports moving enormous cargo and passengers. India itself has a significant presence with a variety of investors in manufacturing and services operating from the State with very high employment opportunities. The key sectors where the US State distinguishes with opportunities are energy, food processing, biotechnology and aerospace.

Mr. Briel said India's significant economic strength has yet to be understood by many US states and CDI's mission was to understand the country as well as impress upon its investors to discern Pennsylvania's advantages for investments. Pennsylvania's economy is characterized by a different sectoral strength consisting of industrial manufacturing, advanced technologies and service business.

The US national universities to complement the readymade input source of education for industrial development, the State with a well- planned economic stimulus packages has emerged as one of the strongest economies of the world. The robust economy with a Gross State Product at $569.8 million has been attracting large foreign direct investments from various countries, including United Kingdom, Japan and Germany providing Indian investors a wide variety of opportunities and markets.

Ms. Sushama Kanetkar, Authorized Representative Director of the Commonwealth of  Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Bangalore said powered by a team of investment specialists in Harrisburg, the Capital of Pennsylvania, and with ten authorized foreign investment representatives around the world, including one located in Bangalore for India, Pennsylvania has become a compelling investment attraction for many an investor. 

FAPCCI welcomes Government move on FDI in Retail

The FAPCCI welcomes Government move on FDI in Retail. One of the biggest problems being faced in India is the very poor infrastructure for moving the produce from the producer to the consumers. The farm to fork ratio in India is one of the highest and this needs to be reduced. The big push for organized retail including foreign participation will ensure that there is sufficient investment and a critical mass to provide the infrastructure and technological knowhow. Today the wastage in transportation of some perishable goods is as high as 50% with proper planning and infrastructure. This can be reduced to less than 10%.

The country will benefit from the learning’s all over the world to ensure the fastest absorption and the biggest momentum to benefit both the producers and consumers. Twice earlier bogies were raised once about computerization in 1970’s and 1980’s and opening up Indian economy in 1990’s. We find FDI in retail to be next in line.

We all know that computerization has not only increased employment but also generated one of the highest paying jobs in the country and today everybody in the world is afraid of being outsourced to India. Similarly with our economy opening in 1990’s there was a lot of hue and cry that all the business will be owned by foreigners.  On the other hand we find that over the last 15 years home grown Indian companies have gone abroad and brought huge multi nationals. Similarly once FDI in retail is implemented our entire country will absorb the technology and knowhow. This will improve our efficiency and reduce our transaction cost across the supply chain. This is a very important first step in the development of our own home grown retail chain. We are very sure that within a few years of policy being implemented we will find a lot of Indian retail chain opening large establishments all over the world including the developed world.

FAPCCI & Bamboo Mission organized “World Bamboo Day” celebrations

 The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry in association with Bamboo Mission of India & Bamboo Society of India jointly organized “World Bamboo Day” celebrations on September 18, 2012 at Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad. Mr. Kameswar Ojha, Mission Director, National Bamboo Mission, New Delhi was the Chief Guest for this occasion.

Dr. M.R. Bhanja IFS, Addl. Prl. Chief Conservator of Forests, Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Rajendran, Megaserve Energy Systems Pvt Ltd, Dr. N. Barathi, CEO, Growmore Bio-Tech, Bangalore, Mr. R.K. Mehta, Chairman, Bamboo society of India, Mr. Devendra Surana, President FAPCCI and Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, FAPCCI where the other speakers at the occasion.

Mr. Kameswar Ojha said that the Over one and half billion people in the world live in bamboo houses. Bamboo and related industries provide income, food and housing to over 2.5 billion people in developing countries and 10 million people depend on bamboo as a livelihood source Employment to 71.25 m man days. The world trade in bamboo is currently estimated at 15 billion US dollars every year. The majority of bamboo is harvested by women and children, most of who live at or below subsistence levels in developing countries. In India Bamboos occupy 8.90 million ha of forest lands. Sporadic clumps are grown and available in agricultural lands, homesteads etc. Though 135 species of bamboos, including some exotics are reported as available in India, only three species constitute 78% of the growing stock. Clump forming bamboos are 67.3% of the total growing stock. Of all the clump forming bamboos Dendrocalamus strictus 45%, Bambusa bamboos is 13% D.hamiltoniiis 7%, B.tulda is 5%, B.pallida is 4% and all other species put together is 6% of the total growing stock. Melcocanna bambusoides, which is the non-clump forming bamboo, accounts for 20% of the growing stock and is found mostly in North Eastern states.

The forest areas containing bamboos are 8.96 million ha constituting 11.71% of the 74.96 million ha of forest area of the country 66% of the growing stock of bamboos is available in the seven Northeastern states and the balance 34% is in the rest of the country. The states having major growing stocks of bamboos are Assam-16%, Manipur and Mizoram 14% each, Arunachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh each 12%; Orissa 7%, Meghalaya 6%, Nagaland, Maharashtra 5% each and the balance in the remaining states Mr. Ojha said.    

Mr. R.K. Mehta, Chairman, Bamboo society of India made few recommendations is that the Productivity of bamboo cultivation can be increased by four times by selecting proper planting material and by following latest silviculture practices and agriculture practices. Bamboos can be safely and efficiently used as fuel by biomass energy producers and Government was requested to facilitate the biomass energy producers to use large stock of bamboos available in the forest, to activate 120 MegaWatt capacities which is ideal for want of biomass. There is a scope of setting up number of SME’s near bamboo forests to process available forest bamboo in to value added products etc.

FAPCCI's Business 2 Business Portal launched

Meeting with Dr. B.K. Gairola, Director General, National Informatics Centre, Ministry of Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Government of India on e-Governance and Industrial Growth held on 15th September, 2012 at 4.30 pm at Federation House, FAPCCI Marg. In this occation Dr. Gairola launched FAPCCI's Business 2 Business portal http://b2b.FAPCCI.in and http://b2b.FAPCCI.net. 

Sri M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, FAPCCI welcomed the Chief Guest and initiated the meeting.

Sri Devendra Surana, President, FAPCCI in his address stated that AP is forefront in initiating e-Governance measures to provide better, more efficient and responsive services to the citizens.

Dr. Ashok Kedia, Chairman, Information Technology Committee, FAPCCI in his introductory remarks stated that it is apparent that the diffusion of e-Governance in an industry has an impact on the structure of the value chain in supplying the Services, and or products to the final end users.

Sri A.S. Kumar, Dy Secretary General, FAPCCI have introduced the Chief Guest Dr. B.K. Gairola, Director General, National Informatics Centre. 

Dr. B.K. Gairola, has launched Online B2B Digital Exchange Portal of FAPCCI which will connect ultimately several lakhs of industries on a common platform to serve their business needs and pave way to promote Digital commerce between a large number of SMEs and large sector industries.

He gave a detailed power point presentation on e-Governance and Industrial Growth where he stated that if government has Confederated structures with different control centers, the businesses have enterprise architectures and have typically a singular control.

He stated that Industry – both manufacturing and services have to look at e-Governance as an opportunity for multiple reasons. In next 10 years this market is expected to reach $ 150 bn
 Today’s  burning need is to ‘accelerate’ the pace of e-governance.

He also explained Governance objectives as:
►   Inclusive growth
►   Social equity & development
►   Security & welfare
►   Transparency & accountability
►   Participative decision making
►   Improved governance

He further stated that Governments of the day are believing that Information can be a tool for socio-economic development.

Sri B.V.Sarma, Dy Director General, State Informatics Officer,  Sri CSR Prabhu, Dy Director General, National Informatics Centre, Andhra Pradesh and other senior officers of the Department have participated in the meeting.

The meeting ended with vote of thanks by Sri M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, FAPCCI.

Project Panchdeep is a unique healthcare program: Mr. AK Srivatsava

 The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry in association with Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) organized an Awareness Program on “PROJECT PANCHDEEP” - A Unique Healthcare Administration Program on September 13, 2012 at Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad. Mr. A.K. Srivastava, Additional Commissioner & Regional Director, ESI Corporation was the Chief Guest for this occasion.

Mr. Devendra Surana, President, FAPCCI, S. Krishna Murthy, Deputy Director, ESI Corporation, Mr. Arun Kumar Dukkipati, Advisor, HR & IR Committee, Mr. S. Subba Rao, Chairman, HR & IR Committee, Mr. V. Kumar, Co-Chairman, HRD Committee, FAPCCI, Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, FAPCCI others was the other speakers.

 Mr. Devendra Surana, President, FAPCCI said in his welcome address is that the Employees' State Insurance scheme is a self-financing social security and health insurance scheme for Indian workers, earning less than Rs. 15,000 per month salary. The employer contributes 4.75 percentages and employee contributes 1.75 percentages, total share 6.5 percentage of the salary. This fund is managed by the ESI Corporation, which oversees the provision of medical and cash benefits to the employees, through its large network of dispensaries and hospitals throughout India. ESI provides insurance security to 12.5 million employees working in about 400,000 employer’s organizations. Total beneficiaries as of 2008-09 are above 50 million. The employees registered under the scheme are entitled to medical treatment for themselves and their dependants, unemployment cash benefit in certain contingencies and maternity benefit in case of women employees. In case of employment-related disablement or death, there is provision for a disablement benefit and a family pension, respectively.

Mr. A.K. Srivastava, Additional Commissioner & Regional Director, ESI Corporation said that theProject Panchdeep is a unique healthcare program for the employees. Project Panchdeep aimed at automating healthcare services for over 6 crore beneficiaries spread across the country. Project Panchdeep provides online facilities to employers and insured people for registration, payment of premium and disbursement of cash benefits. It also automates Medicare services to all insured people. This has not only brought in complete transparency in the system, it has empowered the stakeholders like never before. Each day close to 75 thousand people are benefiting from Project Panchdeep.

India & Kenya Bilateral Trade worth $8 billion by 2015: Mr. Sumiyuki OTSUKI, JDI

 The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry in association with Embassy of Kenya & Japan Development Institute (JDI) Organized an Interactive Organizing an B to B Meeting with Kenyan Delegates and Hyderabad Entrepreneurs on “Bilateral Trade & Investments” on September 11, 2012 at Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad. Mr. Sumiyuki OTSUKI, Regional Development & Market Analyst, Japan Development Institute (JDI) was the Chief Guest for this occasion.

Mr. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Senior Vice President, FAPCCI, Ms. Grace Fikirini, KIBT, Mr. Soloman Kiawa, Mr. David Tamina, EPC, Mr. Austin S. Macheso, Ms. Mercy Kiyogora, CEO, Integrity Management Advisory Center Ltd, Mr. Steven Kirui, Director, KIBT, Mr. Shiv Kumar Rungta, Vice President, FAPCCI, Mr. Shyam Sunder Pasari, Chairman, International Trade Committee, FAPCCI and  Mr. A.S. Kumar, Deputy Secretary General, FAPCCI was the other speakers.

Mr. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Senior Vice President, FAPCCI said in his welcome address is that the Andhra Pradesh is India's fourth largest State gets much of its revenues from the Services sector and Agriculture.  Andhra Pradesh ranks second in India in terms of mineral wealth.  Our State has well-developed social, physical and industrial infrastructure and virtual connectivity, It has emerged as a key state for the knowledge-based industry including IT, Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology.  Over 70 of the 500 top global corporations are present in the State.   Investment opportunities are abundant specifically in the manufacturing sector which includes food processing, floriculture, agro processing, petrochemicals, metals, textiles, leather, mining, transport equipment, telecom and so on.  The infrastructure sector is rife with opportunities, be it the areas of power, ports, roads, bridges, telecom facilities, development of coasts, waterways… Financial services, R&D and Tourism, particularly medical tourism, offer plenty of scope for investment.  I request the delegation members to kindly impress upon the Kenyan Businessmen and invite them to our State for exploring the business opportunities.

Mr. Sumiyuki OTSUKI said that India is Kenya’s sixth-largest trading partner. Bilateral trade grew by 57% to reach US$ 2.4 billion in 2010-11 and we expecting US$ 8 by 2015. Nearly US$ 2.3 billion constituted India’s exports to Kenya.  The Indian exports to Kenya during January-May 2012 was US$ 893 million (13% of total Kenyan imports, largest exporter to Kenya), while Indian imports from Kenya during the first quarter of 2012 amounted to US$ 22 million. Main Indian exports to Kenya include pharmaceuticals, steel products, machinery, yarn, vehicles and power transmission equipment. Main Kenyan exports to India include soda ash, vegetables, tea, leather and metal scrap. 

Several Indian firms have a business presence in Kenya as well as the Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and HDFC.  Many Kenyans study in India. Nearly 15,000 visas are issued by the High Commission annually. Many Indians travel to Kenya for tourism as well as on business.  We invites investments in the areas of Agriculture, Infrastructure, Tourism, Energy, Manufacturing, Health, Financial and other related services, ICT and Building & construction etc Mr. OTSUKI said. 

FAPCCI Meeting with Iran Deputy Governor General

 Addressing the members of FAPCCI, Hon’ble Deputy Governor General, Khorasan Province, Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Mr.Abbas Niyavand suggested for taking up with the Government for a direct flight from Hyderabad to Iran, for further increasing the trade between the two countries.  He also suggested for creation of a group to have exchange programs, for mutual benefit.  He also suggested for continuing the Iran Help Desk at FAPCCI and similar Desk can be started at Chamber of Commerce in Iran.

 Khorasan being situated in the East of Iran, is attracting large number of tourists.  It has 6500 industries, and nearly 95% of them are from private sector.  The province's economy is based on agriculture (grains, beet, saffron, cotton and fruits), animal husbandry, light and heavy industry and rich mineral resources including natural gas.  The Khorasan Province has Special Council for regular interaction between the Govt. and Business, to sort out the issues.  There are tremendous opportunities in the areas of infrastructure, cement, mineral and iron ores, communication and information technology, etc.

Consul General of Islamic Republic of Iran, H. E. Mr. Mahmoud Safari Farkhud stated that with a view to enhance business relations, the Iran Help Desk has been set up in FAPCCI and the Consulate is also extending visa facility to its members.  The Consulate has also extended an invitation to the industrialists to visit Bushehr province, to explore business opportunities.  Iran has 20 billion dollars trade with the world, out of which 15 billion is with India. 

Earlier, Mr. Devendra Surana, President, FAPCCI stated that with a view to further leverage the potential of India-Iran synergies, FAPCCI is also planning to launch Chamber of Commerce for Iran Trade Promotion.   FAPCCI is working very closely with the Consulate General of Islamic Republic of Iran, Hyderabad, to promote the trade between the two countries by organizing interaction meetings with the business delegations on a regular basis. FAPCCI business delegations that visited Iran have entered into business contacts with their counterparts, he said.

Mr.V.S. Raju, Immediate Past President, Mr.Srinivas Ayyadevara, Senior Vice President, Mr.P. Prem Kumar and Mr. M.Sesha Sai, Co-Chairman, International Trade Committee, Mr. Ali A. Niroomand, Sr. Public Relation & Commercial Officer, Consulate General of Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr.A.S. Kumar, Deputy Secretary General and other industrialists were present at the meeting.

Mr. Shyam Sunder Pasari, Chairman,  International Trade Committee, FAPCCI proposed a vote of thanks.