Sunlight is one of India’s National Resources

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FAPCCI) & Solar Energy Manufacturers Association and Solaria Corporation jointly organized a Workshop on “Solar Power Generation in AP – Issues, Challenges and Initiatives” on 8^th December 2011 at Surana Udyog Auditorium, Red Hills, Hyderabad. Mr. Suvi Sharma, President, Solaria Corporation, Fremont, CA, USA was the chief guest for the occasion.

Mr. V.S. Raju, President, FAPCCI, Dr. E.V.R. Sastry, Former Advisor, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Member, Energy Committee, FAPCCI, Mr. Devendra Surana, Sr Vice President, FAPCCI, Mr. V. Anil Reddy, Chairman, Energy Committee, FAPCCI, Mr. Sree Ramaraju, General Manager, NEDCAP, Mr. Vishnuvardhan Reddy, CEO, Cirus Solar, Mr. Prasad Sharma, Faculty, REC and Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General are the other speakers at the occasion.

Mr. Suvi Sharma in his inaugural said that the Sunlight is one of India’s National Resources. Better than US, Spain and Germany. India’s solar industry growing rapidly, averaging 65% with compound annual growth rate for the past 5 years. Solar industry generating employment opportunities’ in very fast and its growth rate a ten times faster than the rest of the countries.

Mr. Sharma also stated that India’s energy consumption has been increasing at one of the fastest rates in the world due to population growth and economic development. Primary commercial energy demand grew at the rate of six per cent between 1981 and 2001. India ranks fifth in the world in terms of primary energy consumption, accounting for about 3.5% of the world commercial energy demand in the year 2003. Despite the overall increase in energy demand, per capita energy consumption in India is still very low compared to other developing countries. India is well-endowed with both exhaustible and renewable energy resources. Coal, oil, and natural gas are the three primary commercial energy sources. India’s energy policy, till the end of the 1980s, was mainly based on availability of indigenous resources. Coal was by far the largest source of energy. However, India’s primary energy mix has been changing over a period of time. Renewable energy sources offer viable option to address the energy security concerns of a country. Today, India has one of the highest potentials for the effective use of renewable energy. India is the world’s fifth largest producer of wind power after Denmark, Germany, Spain, and the USA. There is a significant potential in India for generation of power from renewable energy sources, small hydro, biomass, and solar energy. The country has an estimated SHP (small-hydro power) potential of about 15 000 MW. Other renewable energy technologies, including solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, small hydro, and biomass power are also spreading. Greater reliance on renewable energy sources offers enormous economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Mr. V.S. Raju said that the India has great potential in solar power."About 5,000 trillion kWh per year of energy is over India's land area." From an energy security perspective, solar is the most secure. "The objective of the National Solar Mission is to establish India as a global leader in solar energy."India is particularly well positioned to reap the advantages of solar power, which is clean, free, forever and everywhere."

Mr. V. Anil Reddy in his introductory remarks said that India has the potential to become a solar superpower. It has a lot going for it. On average, the country has 300-320 sunny days a year. The average solar insolation in a city like Mumbai is about twice that in New York, Berlin or Tokyo. On the other hand, a huge shortage of power exists. According to the Central Electricity Authority, there is a 10% to 12% power shortage in the country. Power cuts in urban areas go on for hours. They are longer in rural areas, where large parts aren't even electrified.

Helath Talk on – “Obesity”

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) in association with Global Hospitals jointly organized a Health Talkg on “Obesity” on 7^th December 2011 at Surana Udyog Auditorium, Red Hills, Hyderabad. Dr. Kona Laxmi Kumari, MS (Gen Sur), FICS, FIAGES was the chief guest for the occasion. Mr. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Vice President, FAPCCI, Mr. B.V. Rama Kumar, Joint Secretary, FAPCCI also spoke at the occasion.

India, Israel to enter into free trade agreement

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) in association with The Embassy of Israel and Indo Israel Chamber of Commerce & Industry jointly organized a meeting on “Indo-Israel Relations” on 6^th December 2011 at Surana Udyog Auditorium, Red Hills, Hyderabad. His Excellency Mr. Alon Ushpiz, Ambassador of Israel to India was the chief guest for the occasion.

Mr. Ponnala Lakshmayya, Minister for Information Technology and Communications, Govt. of AP, Mr. V.S. Raju, President, FAPCCI, Mr. Ken Udai Sagar, President, Indo-Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Mauneer Akbaria, Consulate general of Israel, Mr. Mr. Devendra Surana, Sr Vice President, FAPCCI, Mr. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Vice President, FAPCCI, Mr. Shyam Sunder Pasari, Chairman, International Trade Committee, FAPCCI and Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General are the other speakers at the occasion.

Mr. Alon Ushpiz in his inaugural said that the India and Israel being at an advanced stage of finalizing a free trade agreement, the bilateral trade is likely to touch $15 billion from around $5 billion now. We have concluded three rounds of talks relating to FTA and the fourth round is likely to be taken up in January next. You must understand that FTA is amongst the toughest subjects to deal with and has many aspects before being finalized, including the items to be included. Therefore, we see this being concluded by December 2012 paving way for acceleration of trade between the two nations.

Mr. Ushpiz also said that there are expectations that the bilateral trade would go up to $15 billion between the two. The pesticides and fertilizers, a part of holistic development of agriculture, would be major thrust areas. An R&D centre on pesticides that helps guide in optimum use and increased production is likely to come up in India.

Mr. Ponnala Laxmaiah said about Indian economy and industrial development strategy. He said that the Indian economy which is a resilient economy with a wide base of agriculture, mining, manufacturing and services is now ranked as the 4th largest in the world by purchasing power parity and has been growing rapidly in recent years. In fact, the Indian economy has been growing at an average growth rate of about 8% in the last six fiscal years. Expected growth rate in FY 2009-10 is around 7%. According to a study by Goldman Sachs, Indian economy is expected to continue growing at the rate of 5% till 2050.

Mr. V.S. Raju said that the field of agriculture, Indo-Israeli cooperation on both the public and private levels encompasses wide-ranging projects, including water management, dairy farming, horticulture and floriculture. Additionally, India and Israel have expanded tourism and cultural exchanges in recent years. Israeli companies have really made progress in the field of agricultural technology, water management and biotechnology. In Israel 75 per cent of wastewater is recycled and used for agricultural purposes. We also have the world’s largest desalination plant. India also faces a similar problem and this technology can be put to use here.

Mr. Shyam Sunder Pasari in his introductory remarks said that FDI inflows from Israel to India from April 2000 to March 2011 totaled US$ 53.14 million placing it at 38th rank (0.04% of total FDI inflows to India). The traditional business thrust is in diamonds, agriculture, chemicals, information & communication technology and pharmaceuticals remained strong. There is a growing interest from Israeli companies in clean energy, water technologies, biotech, nanotech, homeland security, real estate, infrastructure and financial services.

FAPCCI Delegation to Iran

A delegation of FAPCCI members representing various business areas like civil construction, refractory’s, shipping & metal processing, engineering technologies, automobiles, legal consulting, financial consultancy, language learning technologies, chartered accountants etc., visited Iran to attend a two day international seminar on Investment Opportunities in Iran, held at Tehran during 23-24^th Nov -2011. The seminar was organized by the Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance in Iran in co-operation with the Euro Convention Association from Belgium. The FAPCCI delegation left Hyderabad for Tehran on 22^nd Nov-2011 and returned on 27^th Nov-2011. It is heartening to note that FAPCCI delegation was the biggest delegation from India having varied portfolios of business interests and rich experience in their respective fields.

The seminar was inaugurated by His Excellency Mahmoud Ahmadinejad President of Islamic republic of Iran and was attended by more than 1000 delegates. During the opening session the ministers representing petroleum, Industry, Mines, Trade, Foreign affairs, Power, Transportation, Urban-Infrastructure, Economic Affairs, Finance & Commerce, Portfolios addressed, highlighting the business potential in Iran for foreign investment in respective portfolios.

During the afternoon Exclusive technical sessions were held focusing on oil, gas and petro chemicals, mining and industry, agricultural and fisheries, tourism and free zones wherein the CEO’s of concerned departments of Govt of Iran made elaborate presentations highlighting business opportunities.

During the second day technical sessions in the areas of Banking and Insurance, Privatization of capital market, power and renewable energy, transportation and urban constructions were held, with detailed presentations. In the afternoon B2 meetings were held during which the delegates from various countries had one to one meetings with their counter parts from Iran, had extensive discussions to work out business avenues and modalities for business tie-ups.

During the visit the FAPCCI delegation had significant meetings with Tehran Chambers of Commerce, Industries and Mines, Embassy of India in Iran and Vice Minister & President of Organization for Investment, Economic & Technical Assistance of Iran (OIETAI).

FAPCCI delegation had a meeting with the members of Tehran Chambers of Commerce, Industries and Mines (TCCIM) on 22^nd Nov- 2011 evening at Chambers office. From TCCIM, Dr. Yahya Ale-es-hagh, President, Mr Ali Akbar Javidan, Deputy Secretary General & Head of International Affairs, Mr Massoud Maleki, Director of Asia & Oceania International Dept., Mr Hosseom Nozzari, Director of Protocol & Logestics International Dept, Mr Hedayatollah Rezaei, The Head of Europe-America Dept. of Int’l Affairs and senior officials representing various business portfolios were present. On behalf of FAPCCI delegation, Shri V.S. Raju, President FAPCCI and the leader of the delegation, during his address highlighted the close cultural affinities between India and Iran and also the existing trade and business relations between the two countries. He also elaborated the developments in the State of Andhra Pradesh and its strengths in areas like Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Automobiles, Engineering & Electronics etc. He has also mentioned about other supporting facilities like Industrial Infrastructure, virtual connectivity, the most modern airport and ports infrastructure in the state etc. which are pre requisites for any foreign investment. Later each member of the delegation briefly introduced his personal profile, areas of business interest and competencies. The members of TCCIM also reciprocated the same. The meeting was ended with high appreciation from the president of TCCIM, for participating in the summit and expressed the hope for stronger bilateral trade between India and Iran in the future.

On 24^th Nov-2011 evening FAPCCI delegation had an elaborate meeting at Embassy of India. Initially Shri Bharat Babu, Counselor Embassy of India interacted with FAPCCI delegates and enquired about their one to one interactive meetings with their counter parts in Iran during the summit and also the business development potential. Later His Excellency Sri D.P. Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Islamic Republic of Iran, addressed the FAPCCI delegates elaborating on present socio-economic and industrial scenario in Iran and guided the delegates as to how to proceed further for business promotion in Iran and also for encouraging business investment by the Iranians in State of Andhra Pradesh. The meeting was highly informative and all the delegates conveyed their appreciation and also sincere thanks to the Ambassador and counselor, and Indian Embassy.

The President & Dy Secretary General of FAPCCI had an exclusive meeting with His Excellency Behrouz Alishiri, Vice Minister & President, Mr Sadegh Akbari, Director General of Foreign Economic Relations of Organization for Investment, Economic & Technical Assistance of Iran (OIETAI) in the fore-noon of 24^th Nov-2011, wherein the President FAPCCI has given a brief account of business potential and the scope for Foreign Investment In the State of Andhra Pradesh.

The members of FAPCCI may glad to know that business dialogue is in progress in areas like urban construction, mining, cement, automobiles, renewable energy systems, technical consultancy services for rehabilitation of highway bridges, infrastructure facilities etc, between FAPCCI delegates and Iranian counter parts, are likely to progress further.

The FAPCCI delegation to Iran was co-ordinated by Sri A.S. Kumar, DSG, FAPCCI.

Meeting on “Packaged Drinking Water Licensees”

The Bureau of Indian Standards in association with the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) organized a meeting on “Packaged Drinking Water Licensees” on 5^th December 2011 at Surana Udyog Auditorium, Red Hills, Hyderabad. Mr. K. Anbarasu, Dy. Director General, B I S, Chennai was the chief guest for the occasion.

Mr. V.S. Raju, President, FAPCCI, Dr. R.S. Sarma, Scientist ‘F’ & Head, BIS (H B O), Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General and key speakers Mr. B. Ramakrishna Rao, Mr. T. Nagamani, Mr. P. Prem Sajani, Mr. D Prem Kumar, Mr. P. Srinivasa Rao are the other speakers at the occasion.

Panama invites investments to Agri-Biotech, Pharma and IT sectors

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) in association with The Ministry of Science & Technology, Republic of Panama the bilateral trade meeting on “Indo-Panama Trade and Technical Relations” on 3^rd December 2011 at J.S.K. Hall, Red Hills, Hyderabad. Dr. Ruben Dario Berrocal Timmons, Minister for Science & Technology, Republic of Panama was the chief guest for the occasion.

Dr. Kosagisaraf Jagannatha Rao, Director, The Institute for Scientific Research and High Technology Services -AIP, Republic of Panama, Mr. V.S. Raju, President, FAPCCI, Ms Guerrero Monteza Claudia Marianela, Director for International Co-operation, Ms. Cecilia Cardenas, Administrator, INDICASAT-AIP, Mr. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Vice President, FAPCCI, Mr. Shyam Sunder Pasari, Chairman, International Trade Committee, Mr. K.V.S.S. Sairam, CEO & President, Prathista Industries Ltd., Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General are the other speakers at the occasion.

Dr. Ruben Dario Berrocal Timmons in his inaugural invited Indian investments to Panama to invest in Logistics, Tourism, Agriculture, Financial Services, Science and Technology, Pharma and Agri-Biotech sectors. He said that the Panama’s main focusing on sectors like Logistics, Tourism, Agriculture, Financial Services, Science and Technology, Pharma and Agri-Biotech with the greatest potential will generate more than 500,000 new jobs over the next decade. The development plan prioritizes the stabilization of public finances. Panama aims to improve on its Investment Grade credit rating and will ensure that the level of public debt stays below 30% of GDP over the next 10 years. Significant investments in the education, health, public safety, and transportation sectors will increase the standard of living and benefit the residents of Panama. During the next five years, this investment will be primarily focused on infrastructure development that will generate jobs and stimulate growth on a path towards sustainable development.

Dr. Ruben also said that - high grow rates resulted from the reactivation of regional trade sector growing with high rated results and the last year grow rate is 16%. Port activity registered an important jump with a 27% increase. Container movement expanded 32% while air transport grew 16% in 2010. Panama also has become the main cruise terminal in Latin-American. The Panama’s infrastructure network connecting the main centers of production taking advantage of the country’s geographic position. The Panama Canal is the main international trade engine. Over 14,000 vessels transit this waterway each year, 300 million tons through more than 120 routes with 210 million tons of cargo in 2010 alone.

Mr. V.S. Raju in his welcome address complimented the Institute for Scientific Research and High Technology Services –AIP, for being one of the premier institute with the most complete infrastructure in Panama for scientific research in the fields of Biomedicine, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry of Natural Products, Pharmacology, Biodiversity, Immunology, Neurosciences, Toxicology, Parasitology, Clinical Trials and other related areas. Panama is the first country in Central America where India has a resident Mission. Panama also has a Mission in New Delhi. Panama is one of the key countries in Latin America and Indian businessmen should explore this market more vigorously. Already a large number of Indian businessmen present in Panama engaged in wholesale and retail activities. There is lot of scope for Indian businessmen in various sectors including engineering, construction and hydro power.

Mr. Shyam Sunder Pasari in his introductory remarks said that India’s main exports to Panama are apparel and clothing accessories, rubber and its articles, electrical machinery and equipment, articles of iron and steel products, tobacco items, etc. On the other hand, India imports mineral oils and products, ships, boats and floating structures, aluminum and articles from Panama. India’s exports to Panama have been increasing over the years. It amounted to US$63 million in 2005-06 and increased to US$123 million in 2008-09 before declining to US$78 million in 2009-10.

India is no 1 in milk production, worldwide: Mr. S. Bhale Rao, Principal Secretary, Govt of AP

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) in association with Dept of Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development, Govt. of AP & NABARD

Jointly organized the State level Workshop on “Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Opportunities in Andhra Pradesh” on 2^nd December 2011 at K.L.N. Prasad Auditorium, Red Hills, Hyderabad. Mr. S. Bhale Rao, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to Government, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, Government of Andhra Pradesh & Chairman APDDCF was the chief guest for the occasion.

Dr. M.V. Reddy, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry, Hyderabad, Mr. P. Mohanaiah, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Mr. M.C. Jacob, General Manager, SBH, Mr. B.V.S.N. Murthy, DGM, Andhra Bank, Mr. S.S. Banik, Zonal Manager, Bank of India, Mr. Ayyadevara Srinivas, Vice President, FAPCCI, Mr. K. Bhaskar Reddy, Chairman, Agriculture Committee, FAPCCI, Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, FAPCCI, Mr. A.S. Kumar Deputy Secretary General, FAPCCI are the other speakers at the occasion.

Mr. S. Bhale Rao in his inaugural address stated that the dairy business is the most sustainable are in the world. India is not only a major milk producer in the world, but also the biggest exporter. Indians has exporting milk and milk products across the world. The major destinations for Indian dairy products are Bangladesh (23.1%), UAE (15.4%), US (15.6%) and Philippines (8.9%). In terms of products, SMP is the most important product accounting for about 63% of total export volume, followed by ghee and butter (11.7%) and WMP. Export figures clearly demonstrate that the Indian dairy export is still in its infancy and the surpluses are occasional. Indigenous milk products and desserts are becoming popular with the ethnic population spread all over the world. Therefore, the export demand for these products will increase and hence, there is a great potential for export.

He also said that minerals and nutrition based feed with green feeder is required for animals to produce quality milk. Cleanliness is most important for hygienic milk production. Israel using very advanced technology for animal healthcare.

Mr. V.S. Raju in his welcome address stated that Milk is widely considered as one of the world`s most sustained valuable protein food. As raw material, it is available for different uses and processed into an ever increasing variety of nutritional milk products viz. sweets, ice-creams etc. More than 70% of the populations live in rural areas and depend on agriculture and its allied activities predominately dairying for livelihood. Andhra Pradesh State is one of the leading state, which experimented with various new business models and encouraged large number of private sector dairies competing with each other.

Dr. M.V. Reddy said that the dairy industry is playing vital role in the world. India is the world’s largest milk producer, accounting for more than 13% of world’s total milk production. It is the world’s largest consumer of dairy products, consuming almost 100% of its own milk production. Dairy products are a major source of cheap and nutritious food to millions of people in India and the only acceptable source of animal protein for large vegetarian segment of Indian population, particularly among the landless, small and marginal farmers.

Mr. P. Mohanaiah said that the Government of India is the focal department for the scheme of Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS). The NABARD will implement the DEDS Scheme through Commercial Banks, State Cooperative Banks, SLDBs Regional Rural Banks and other agencies eligible for refinance from NABARD. The main objective of this program is To promote setting up of modern dairy farms for production of clean milk, To encourage heifer calf rearing thereby conserve good breeding stock, To bring structural changes in the unorganized sector so that initial processing of milk can be taken up at the village level itself, To bring about up gradation of quality and traditional technology to handle milk on a commercial scale and To generate self employment and provide infrastructure mainly for unorganized sector.

Mr. K. Bhaskar Reddy in his introductory remarks, explained a certain guidelines to the new dairy entrepreneurs that ample space is required for buildings, future expansion, parking of transport vehicles and for empty cans. The location of a plant should be close to the milk producing area in case of products manufacturing unit and if liquid milk is the main product it should be close to the consumer. The location of site should have proximity to road/rail facilities, service, such as water, electricity and effluent mains, social infrastructure. In respect of plant and machinery the section-wise equipment required, their specifications. Technical collaboration is required for manufacture or marketing of milk products. Infrastructure facilities are required for raw material and utilities. As far as Government Regulations concerned No license is required for setting up Dairy project in India. Only a Memorandum has to be submitted to the Secretariat for Industrial Approvals and an acknowledgement is to be obtained. However Certificate of Registration is required under the Milk and Milk Products Control Order 1992. Foreign Investment in dairying requires prior approval from the Secretariat of Industrial Approvals, Ministry of Industry, as dairying has not been included in the list of High Priority Industries. Automatic approval will be given upto 51% Foreign Investment in High Priority Industries.