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.

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.