India would be the No. 1 in Medical Tourism by 2015: Padmabhushan Dr. PM Bhargava, Founder & Director, CCMB

FAPCCI in association with i-Transition Worldwide, Texas, USA organized an International Conference on Indian medical tourism conference & alliance - IMTCA 2012  on 2nd November 2012 at The Park Hotel, Hyderabad.  Padmabhushan Dr. P. M. Bhargava, Founder Director, CCMB was the chief guest for this occasion and Dr. A Dharma Rakshak, Director of Nizams Institute of Medical Science was the key note speaker. 

Few Important points from speeches by the Hon’ble guests:

Dr. Bhargava speech-

Indian medical tradition has 2500 years great history. Ayurveda, Siida Vaidya and Unani were the most popular Indian medical traditions and Girijana vaidya also another great medical tradition. Ayurveda, Sidda vaidyam and Unani was documented. 

India has 40,000 medical based plants, and we developing more than 20,000 drugs in various levels. Texal is the most popular and most used drug world over, developed by Indian traditional medical system. 

India can be world leader in general medical surgery, Infertility and Traditional medicine by 2015. 

Private hospital must avoid unnecessary prescriptions, tests and services to the patients. Some of the hospitals are giving very good services to the needy patients, but many other hospitals concentrating on money making. Those kinds of hospitals are suggesting unwanted tests, giving unnecessary drugs to the patients. 

Indian nurses are the best amongst the world in terms of service, particularly Keralites. 

Dr. Dharma Rakshak speech-

Arogyasri expands the best medical services from urban to rural, particularly below poverty line people across. 

Unani and Homeopathy have great potentiality in Hyderabad. 

Sustainable employment is available in healthcare industry in Hyderabad. 

From last two decade Hyderabad hospital industry is growing very fastely with rate of 12% 

Mr. Devendra Surana speech-

The IT, Education and Healthcare industries are the major drivers in Hyderabad in terms of industrial, economical, infrastructure and social development  

Images:: Interactive Meeting with Mr. N. Krishnamurthy, Registrar of Companies

Turkey aims to raise the trade volume with India to 10 billion: Ms Ceylan Özen Eriºen

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry in association with Office Of The Consulate General Of Turkey organized an Seminar on ‘Economy and Business Opportunities in Turkey’ on 16^th October 2012 at Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad. Ms Ceylan Özen Eriºen, Consul General, Consulate General of Turkey was the Chief Guest for this occasion.

Ms. Fariha Ansari, Advisor, Investment Support & Promotion Agency, Turkey, Mr. Mehmet Ali Sheker, General Secretary, Indo Turkish Business Association, Mr. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Senior Vice President, Mr. Shyam Sunder Pasari, Chairman, International Trade Relations Committee, Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, FAPCCI where the other speakers. 

Ms Ceylan Özen Eriºen, Consul General, Consulate General of Turkey said that the bilateral trade between India and Turkey was only 505 million dollars in the year 2000, but has reached 6.255 billion dollars in 2011. Turkey aims to raise the trade volume with India to 10 billion dollars within a few years.  In 2011, Turkey’s exports to India totaled only 756 million dollars whereas India's exports to Turkey were worth 6.5 billion dollars.  India’s exports to Turkey include petroleum products, vaccines, cotton yarn, synthetic yarn, organic dyes, organic chemicals, denim, steel, granite, antibiotics, carpets, tobacco, cars, sesame seed, TV cathode ray tubes, mobile handsets, clothing and apparel, tractors, aluminium, polypropylene. Turkey’s exports to India include poppy seeds, auto components, marble, textile machinery, denim, carpets, cumin seeds, copper ores and concentrates, flat rolled iron and steel and gold, silver, inorganic chemicals, jewelery.

Mr. Srinivas Ayyadevara explained the business opportunities in the State and he said that the 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 visiting dignitaries to kindly impress upon the Turkish Businessmen and invite them to our State for exploring the business opportunities.

Best business destination become problematic: Speakers at Hyd Investment Forum- 2012

A decade ago Andhra Pradesh is a one of the best destination in the country, but now becomes one of the biggest problematic State for investments, few industrialists said in a “Hyderabad Investment Forum 2012” organized today (October 11, 2012) at ISB Campus, Gatchibhowli, Hyderabad. The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry in association with Indian School for Business and VC Circle, New Delhi jointly organized this interactive meeting on “Hyderabad Investment Forum 2012”, where hundreds of Industrialists, entrepreneurs, business experts and business consultants have participated. 

Industries, entrepreneurs, business experts are suffering with heavy power problem in the State of Andhra Pradesh. Through this power problem many of industries is closing their unit’s sometimes whole industries. The industries are also suffering from the Telangana issue and uncertainty in the Government many entrepreneurs have felt. 

Mr. Devendra Surana, President, FAPCCI felt that the Andhra Pradesh with its liberal labour laws, proactive policies, large pool of technical manpower, rich mineral resources and specialized industrial parks with SEZ status is the preferred destination for investors.  Andhra Pradesh is strategically located and is considered as gateway to East & South East Asia.   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 industrialist’s also looking Government support in terms of long term action plans to support industrial sector.

Mr. Suresh Chukkapally said that the urbanization playing a key role in India’s business development and 30% of Indian population living in the cities. Water management, power and land acquisition are the key factors to fulfill people’s needs in the urbanization he said.

Re use and recycle management will give additional support in water management and clean technology Mr. Sudhesh Menon told at the discussion.

Real Estate and urban industrialization is the most prominent sectors and growing predominantly Mr. Mudi Kapoor said.

Mr. Abhay Deshpande - Founder & CEO, Martjack, Ms. Anjuli Sivaramakrishnan - Partner, Kochhar & Co, Mr. Aluri Srinivasa Rao - MD, Morgan Stanley Private Equity, Mr. Deepak Shahdadpuri - Founder & MD, Beacon India Private Equity, Mr. Devendra Surana - MD, Bhagyanagar India Limited (President, FAPCCI), Dr. Ravindranath Kancharla - Chairman & MD, Global Hospitals Pvt. Ltd, Mr. J A Chowdary - Angel Investor (Chairman, Talent Sprint Pvt. Limited), Mr. Karthee Mandasamy - MD, Qualcom Ventures, Mr. Konda Vishweshwar Reddy - MD, Citadel Research and Solutions, Mr. Mudit Kapoor - Assistant Professor, Economics & Public Policy, Indian School of Business, Mr. Parag Dhol - MD, Inventus Capital Partners, Mr. Raj Seelam - MD, Sresta Natural Bioproducts Pvt. Ltd, Mr. Ranjith Boyanapalli - Founder and CEO, Buytheprice.com, Mr. Richard B. Saldanha - Executive Director - Private Equity, Blackstone, Mr. Sateesh Andra - Managing Partner, Ventureast, Mr. Sandeep Reddy - MD, Peepul Capital Advisors, Mr. Santanu Paul - MD & CEO, TalentSprint, Mr. Sanjeev Sehrawat - Sr Director - PE, ICICI Venture, Mr. Sofi Bergkvist - Senior Researcher, Center for Emerging Markets Solutions, ISB, Mr. Sudesh Menon - CEO, Waterlife India Pvt. Ltd, Mr. Sunil Kumar - Director, Ascent Capital, Mr. Suresh Chukkapalli - Founder & Chairman, Phoenix Group, Mr. Vamshi Reddy - Co-founder & CEO, Apalya Technologies, Mr. Venu Donepudi - Founder & Managing Director, CarZ, Mr. Vijay Mahajan - MD, Bhartiya Samruddhi Finance Ltd, Mr. Vikram Vuppala - Founder & CEO, Nephroplus and Mr. Vishwanath Alluri - Founder, Chairman & CEO, IMI Mobile Pvt. Ltd was the key speakers at the occasion. 

4.8 lakh passports issued in 2012: Dr. Srikar Reddy, IFS, Regional Passport Officer

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) in association with Office of the Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Authority organized an Interactive Meeting and Presentation on “Latest Developments in Passport Services and Future Proposals” today (October 11, 2012) at Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad. Dr. Srikar Reddy, IFS, Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Authority was the chief guest for this occasion.

Mr. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Senior Vice President, FAPCCI, Mr. Shiv Kumar Rungta, Vice President, Mr. Shyam Sunder Pasari, Chairman, International Trade Relations Committee was the key speakers at this occasion. 

Dr. Srikar Reddy said in his key note address is that the without having proper Indian nationals data, we are depending on police enquiry, that’s the reason littlie delay is taking place in issuing the new passports to the applicants. Now, we expecting an authentic data will be collected from the Aadhaar cards, after that all kinds of delays would be shorted it out.

The passport office started open door policy and Passport Seva Kendras and many initiatives have taken to solve the passport related issues and problems in the State of Andhra Pradesh. To solve the many organizational problems, we started passport melas, E-Seva submissions, three documents scheme, frequent emergency passport melas, same day services, and weekend extra work by staff, instant passport insurance adalat programmes etc Dr. Srikar Reddy said.

Now we started 77 Passport Seva Kendras across the country and 6 in the State. Through this new initiative we issued 4.8 lakh passports by September 2012 against 2.48 applications Dr. Reddy said. 

FAPCCI requesting the Govt. to remove VAT on diesel

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry in association with office of the Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Government of Andhra Pradesh organizing an interactive meeting on “Value Added Tax, Professional Tax and Other Enactments” today (October 04, 2012) at Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad. Mr. Suresh Chanda, IAS, Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Government of Andhra Pradesh was the Chief Guest for this occasion.

Mr. Devendra Surana, President, FAPCCI, Mr. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Senior Vice President, FAPCCI, Mr. Shiv Kumar Rungta, Vice President, FAPCCI, Mr. Ravindra Modi, Chairman, Trade & Commerce Committee and Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, FAPCCI are the other speakers at the occasion.

Mr. Devendra Surana, President, FAPCCI requested the Chief Minister and Government to remove the VAT on diesel, to strengthen the industrial sector in Andhra Pradesh. Because of uncertainty in the State and power problem, industry and commerce is suffering a lot- he said.

Mr. Devendra Surana in his welcome address stated that the Commissioner is very simple and very straight forward; he gives an immediate clarifications or guidance to us through mail. Commercial Taxes contributes more than 65% to the State Revenues. The department endeavors to transform into an enterprise friendly entity by introducing e-Registration, e-TP, e-Returns, e-Payments, e-Waybills and so on. And he also stated that we as the chambers look forward for implementation of GST Mr. Surana said.

Mr Suresh Chanda, IAS., Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Government of Andhra Pradesh in his address stated that it is always good to have interactions between trade bodies and Department. He informed that when once the dealer is filing returns through online, there is no necessity of paper filing. With regard to filing of Profession tax returns before 10^th of succeeding month, he stated that he will recommend to the government for 15^th. He said that the ordinance on textiles is waiting for the signature of the Hon’ble Governor of AP on 1% tax issue.

He informed that the department has taken many simplification measures like efiling of returns, e-Way bills and streamlining the Check Post etc. He has clarified many queries raised by members of FAPCCI.

Mr. Ravindra Modi, Chairman – Trade & Commerce Committee in his introductory remarks appealed to the Commissioner, that one of the representatives of FAPCCI may be considered in the Advance Ruling Authority for better understanding as in the case of State Level Committee (SLC) for industrial incentives.

He also stated, that FAPCCI is willing to conduct an awareness programmes along with Commercial Taxes Department at district level on a regular basis for better compliance of tax laws, minimizing disputes, sorting out the e-filing problems and other administrative issues.

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.