Uae Foreign Minister Visits India

PUBLICATION OF THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA IN DUBAI

◆ SAATHI: Community initiative for parents of children with special needs ◆ SEZs: The new growth hubs of India ◆ Indian firms buy 143 companies in US

VOL. 1 ISSUE 4 JULY 2009 UAEUAE FOREIGNFOREIGN MINISTERMINISTER VISITSVISITS INDIAINDIA

Indian Minister of State for External Affairs visits Dubai FROM THE CONSUL GENERAL’S DESK India Matters is a monthly publication of the I am very happy to bring to you the fourth issue of India Matters. Consulate General of India India-UAE relations got off to a terrific start in June with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan (CGI) in Dubai. All rights visiting India and Minister of State for External Affairs Dr. Shashi Tharoor travelling to Dubai. reserved. No part of this journal HE Sheikh Abdullah was the first Foreign Minister to pay an official visit to India after the new government assumed may be produced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any contents office, while Dubai was the first stop of Dr. Tharoor’s maiden trip abroad as Minister of State for External Affairs. means – electronic, mechanical, HE Sheikh Abdullah met Indian Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and newly appointed Minister for External photocopying, recording or Affairs S.M. Krishna in New Delhi. He also called on Minister for New and Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah and otherwise, without the discussed ways in which bilateral cooperation could be enhanced. permission of the CGI Dubai. Dr. Shashi Tharoor met UAE Minister for Foreign Trade HE Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE Minister for Cabinet Affairs HE Mohammad Al Gergawi and UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research HH Sheikh Editorial correspondence and Nahayan Mabarak Al-Nahayan, during his brief stay in Dubai. He also took this opportunity to speak to the press and meet manuscripts can be addressed to Arab dignitaries as well as prominent members of the Indian Community at a reception held in his honour. He then pro- [email protected] ceeded to Yemen to attend the Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation ministerial meeting, where he again Content and design by IANS had the opportunity to meet HE Mohammad Anwar Gargash , UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and leader of the (www.ianspublishing.com) UAE delegation. on behalf of Consulate The Consulate launched a ‘How to prevent sunstroke’ information campaign this month with the aim of promoting General of India in Dubai. knowledge regarding heat-related ailments. The campaign coincides with the UAE Labour Ministry’s renewal of its midday break rule from July 1, which puts a halt on outdoor work for labourers from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Posters and leaflets, prepared in collaboration with the Association of Kerala Medical Graduates are being distributed to various contracting companies and employers of Indian labour. Any individual or organisation keen on distributing these posters and pamphlets are welcome to contact the labour section of the Consulate. UAE Foreign Minister visits India 4 UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan became the first Foreign Minister to visit India after the new Government took charge.

(Venu Rajamony) INDIA-UAE 6 Indian Minister of State for External Affairs meets UAE Ministers in Dubai

LETTERS TO EDITOR COMMUNITY India Matters is a wonderful publication, which elaborately showcases the latest developments and happenings in India, as New community initiative well as in the Indian community in the UAE. I am sure an endeavour like this will boost Indo-UAE socio-economic and business 10 relationships. SAATHI launched for parents Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani of children with special needs Director of Emiri Court BUSINESS & ECONOMY The third issue of India Matters is very interesting, and has topics pertaining to newly elected Congress cabinet members and the remarkable first woman Speaker of the Indian Parliament Meira Kumar. The magazine is making commendable efforts in promot- 14 Govt unveils 100-day ing bilateral business, and bridging the culture gap between UAE and India. agenda Mohammed Ahmed Kazim TRAVEL: NAUKUCHIATAL UAE Businessman President Pratibha Patil unveils 100-day action plan of the Government The Omar Abdullah interview in the June issue was rather interesting. I didn’t read it in any local publication. India Matters covers a wide range of information about the Indian Consulate and Embassy. The travel pages also make a good read. It is a 20 great way of showcasing India. I would like to congratulate the team for their efforts. BUSINESS & ECONOMY Srikant Ramamurthy 18 SEZs: India’s new Student Being from Luxembourg and living in the UAE for more than 15 years, I can proudly count many Indians in the expatriate commu- growth hubs nity as my friends. India Matters, published under the visionary guidance of HE Venu Rajamony, gives us an insight of what mat- India’s special economic zones have not ters in India and for Indians abroad. This magazine will foster the existing strong relations between India and the UAE. only shrugged off the global meltdown, but also emerged as major job generators, Jean-Marie Hoffmann apart from attracting billions of dollars in Executive Vice President investments and pushing exports. Banque Pasche SA Geneva

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Sheikh Abdullah meeting Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah (right) in New Delhi on June 12. The UAE has committed $50 million lowed by steady government support of per year over the next seven years to finance more than $2 million annually. renewable energy projects in developing “Since ages, India has had good relations nations as recommended by IRENA. The with UAE. The UAE Minister expressed UAE will also provide $135 million cash confidence that working together in the and in-kind support to IRENA during its renewable energy sector will bring India initial years of operation, fol- and UAE much closer,” New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah said. The UAE is competing with three European countries to host the headquarters of IRENA. The Minister, during his interaction with thje UAE Foreign Minister, said the developing countries were more in need of Delegation level talks between the UAE renewable energy. and India during the visit of UAE Foreign “The cost of development and use of UAE and India to enhance Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al- renewable energy should be made afford- Nahyan to New Delhi. able for its use by developing countries,” The two sides agreed to enhance coop- Abdullah said. economic, energy ties eration in the energy sector, especially in India has always maintained that it renewable sources of energy. was imperative to ensure development of n the first visit to India by a foreign of multi-faceted bilateral relations. Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah and Renewable energy has emerged as an sources of clean energy, he added. minister since the formation of the They also discussed a host of regional called on Vice President Hamid Ansari. important area of engagement between the The Minister said the Clean new Government in India, United and global issues, including terrorism and “The visiting dignitary also conveyed two countries. The UAE’s Foreign Minister Development Mechanism (CDM) financ- Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign the global economic downturn and focused that UAE was looking for more opportuni- asked for New Delhi’s support for locating ing for generating renewable energy should Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin on new avenues of cooperation, especially ties for investment in infrastructure and the headquarters of the International be made more attractive. IZayed Al-Nahyan called for scaling up eco- in the domain of trade and economy. other areas in India,” the Ministry of Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Under the CDM mechanism, developed nomic and energy ties and sought New Sheikh Abdullah lauded the role of over External Affairs said in New Delhi. Abu Dhabi. countries can invest in projects that reduce Delhi’s help to develop renewable energy. 1.5 million Indians in the UAE for their The UAE has invested over $4.5 billion Mandated by governments worldwide, emissions in developing countries. The UAE’s Foreign Minister, who con- contribution to the development of the in India and is among the top 10 investors. IRENA aims at becoming the main driving India is known for its expertise in the cluded his two-day visit to India on June Gulf country’s economy and building bet- Sheikh Abdullah invited Indian Vice force in promoting a rapid transition renewable energy sector. It is among a 12, met his Indian counterpart S.M. ter relations between the two countries. President Ansari and Foreign Minister towards the widespread and sustained use handful of countries which has got a Krishna and discussed a further expansion He also met Minister for New and Krishna to visit the Gulf country. of renewable energy across the world. Sheikh Abdullah (left) with S.M. Krishna. separate ministry for renewable energy. !

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substantial investments in sectors such as Indian Minister of State for External infrastructure and hospitality in India.” Addressing the concerns of Indian expa- Affairs meets UAE Ministers in Dubai triates returning to the country in view of the current economic crisis, the Minister said the new government would take adequate measures to rehabilitate Indians returning home from the Gulf and other foreign countries. “India is cautious about losing their valuable contribution (in the form of remittances) and the potential problems the non-residents Indians will face. But the country will not lose interest in them, and the Government will not be indifferent to their problems,” Dr. Tharoor added. Dr.Tharoor with UAE Minister for Expressing his concern about innocent Cabinet Affairs Mohammad Al Gergawi. Indian workers duped by unscrupulous recruiting agents, he reassured the media in Mumbai and Patron of the Indian that the Government of India was taking Business and Professional Council Mirza various steps, including amendments to Al Sayegh, ETA Group’s Easa Al Ghurair, the Emigration Act, to ensure stringent Chairman of Arabtec Riad Kamal, Vice- punishment for illegal agents. Chancellor of Zayed University Dr. (Front row, from left) Former UAE Ambassador to the UK and EU Sir Easa Saleh Al Gurg, “Though it had been difficult for the Sulaiman Jassim, leading Indian artist Consul General Venu Rajamony, Minister of State for External Affairs Dr. Shashi Tharoor Government to tackle these agents func- M.F. Hussain, Managing Director of the and UAE Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak tioning outside the regulatory network of EMKE Group M.A. Yousuf Ali, Managing Al-Nahayan. authorities, both India and the UAE have Director of the ETA-ASCON Group S.M. had constructive dialogue to solve many Salahuddin, Chairman of Al Fara’a Group n his first official foreign tour hosted a lunch in Dr. Tharoor’s honour such issues related to labour,” he said. Dr. J.R. Gangaramani, and President of after assuming office, June 23. The Minister called the meeting Consul General of India in Dubai Venu the Dubai Chapter of the Indian Business Minister of State for External extensive, friendly and wide-ranging. Dr. Rajamony added that the Government has and Professional Council Paras Affairs Dr. Shashi Tharoor Tharoor also held substantive discussions already started cancelling the registration of Shahdadpuri. Ospent a day meeting senior UAE Ministers on bilateral relations with UAE Minister agents found guilty, and some had been Speaking at the event, Tharoor while transiting through Dubai to Yemen, for Cabinet Affairs Mohammad Al prosecuted in criminal cases. described India-UAE relations as holding where he represented India at the ninth Gergawi. That apart, a media campaign has been great promise. “We look forward to adding foreign ministers’ meeting of the Indian “We talked about issues of trade, infra- From above: Dr.Tharoor with guests at the The Indian Minister with Arab and launched in different languages in India to more vigour and a new energy to the Ocean Rim-Association for Regional structure development in India, and found Dubai reception; with well-known artist Indian diginitaries (top two pictures) and make the public aware of unlawful middle- friendship we already share. We invite Cooperation (IOR-ARC). common ground in our discussion on the M.F. Hussain; and with members of the with members of the Thiruvananthapuram men. more investments from the UAE in various UAE Minister for Foreign Trade geo-political situation in the neighbour- Indian community. District Expatriates Association. Rajamony also hosted a reception in sectors in India, especially infrastructure. Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi hood,” Dr. Tharoor said. honour of Dr. Tharoor on June 23 We look forward to greater economic, “The aim would be to build on (the) evening. It was attended by UAE Minister security and cultural co-operation in the long-standing diplomatic, trade and peo- for Higher Education and Scientific future”. ple-to-people contacts with the UAE,” he Research and Chancellor of the Higher Sheikh Nahayan said the current eco- added. “There is also room for an agree- Colleges of Technology Sheikh Nahayan nomic crisis and global turmoil had creat- ment on security operations.” Mabarak Al-Nahayan. The Indian ed new opportunities for India and the Speaking at a press meet organised by Minister took this opportunity to interact UAE to work together. “Only through the Indian Consulate in Dubai, the with a large number of Arab dignitaries cooperative relationships, bilateral and Minister, responsible for the Middle East, and leaders of the Indian community. multilateral, can we emerge from this crisis Africa and Latin American affairs, said the Among the Arab and expatriate Indian swiftly and smoothly. We look forward to Government of India was very keen to dignitaries who attended were Chairman more robust cooperation between India boost investments from the UAE. of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and and the UAE,” he said. “The fact that we have no problems in Industry Abdulrahman Saif Al Ghurair, Dr Tharoor left for Yemen June 24 our relationship with the UAE is a good Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DP where he held bilateral meetings with lead- thing. But that should not make us com- Dr. Tharoor, seen here with Consul General World Mohammed Sharaf, CEO of ers of Yemen, and led the Indian delegation Dr.Tharoor with UAE Minister for placent. This only means that we have a Rajamony, at a media interaction organised DUBAL Abdulla Kalban, former UAE to the Council of Ministers meeting of the Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna Bint solid platform to make things better. We by the Indian Consulate in Dubai. Ambassador to UK and EU Sir Easa Saleh Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Khalid Al Qasimi. would like the UAE to add to its already Al Gurg, former Consul General of UAE Regional Cooperation. !

6| INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|7 JULY 2009 JULY 2009 COMMUNITY DIFC Governor lauds Indians in UAE Basheer birth centenary observed in Dubai

he Governor of the Dubai alayalam literary enthusi- International Financial Centre asts in the UAE got (DIFC), Dr. Omar Bin Mtogether in Dubai on June Sulaiman, has described the 12 to celebrate the birth centenary of TIndian community in the UAE as an inte- legendary writer, humanist and free- gral partner in the growth story of the dom fighter, Padmashri Dr. Vaikom nation. Mohammed Basheer. Speaking at a meeting of Indian Business The event, hosted by Kerala & Professional Council (IBPC) in Dubai Sahitya Akademi, the literary arm of on May 31, 2009, he praised the contribu- Government of Kerala jointly with tion made by Indians and said, “The devel- the Dubai Art Lovers’ Association opment and success of the UAE and Dubai (DALA), was held under the patron- wouldn’t be what it is without the commit- age of the Consulate General of India. ted, dynamic and entrepreneurial contribu- Minister for Education and Cultural tion of the Indian community.” affairs of Kerala, M.A. Baby, inaugu- Appreciating their entrepreneurial abili- rated the daylong programme attend- ties, Dr. Omar said, “Some of Dubai’s ed by more than 600 invitees. Consul biggest brands and commercial enterprises General of India in Dubai Venu were founded by members of the Indian Rajamony was the chief guest. community. They have played an impor- DIFC Governor Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman speaking at the meeting of IBPC, Dubai, on President of Kerala Sahitya tant role in contributing to the rise of emi- May 31. Akademi, M Mukundan, presided rate as not just a regional, but also a global help our regions realise their full possibili- led by Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Consul over the function. Well-known orator centre of trade, commerce, finance, educa- ties,” Dr. Omar added. General expressed confidence that both and Malayalam literary legend, Dr. tion, healthcare, transportation and Speaking on the occasion, Consul countries will continue to be close partners Sukumar Azhikode; famous critic tourism. General of India in Dubai Venu Rajamony in each other’s growth. Prof. K.E.N. Kunhahammed; Kerala “The potential of both the Middle East promised that Indians will provide all sup- Formed in 2003, IBPC Dubai is the Sahitya Akademi Secretary Purushan and India has yet to be reached in full, but port possible to the UAE to enable it to only recognised representative organisation Kadalundi; and prominent writers I believe that the Indian community here achieve its desired goal. Spelling out the of Indian Business and Professionals in including Asokan Cheruvil and Consul General (left) with Dr. Sukumar Azhikode and Minister for Education and Cultural in Dubai and the UAE can be a catalyst to priorities of the new Indian Government Dubai. ! Ravunni were present. affairs of Kerala, M.A. Baby The day commenced with deliberations A collection of poems and short-stories Born on 21 January, 1908, at Beypore and discussions by expatriate writers, and by Gulf-based writers published by Kerala in Calicut (Kozhikode), Basheer was featured seminars on ‘Basheer Readings in Sahitya Akademi, and a photo album based known for skillfully combining humour Celebration of India at the Dubai Autism Centre the Modern Era’ and ‘Malayalam on Basheer’s works and life, photographed and pathos. Love, hunger and poverty are Literature and Exile Literature’. by Punalur Rajan and published by DC recurring themes in his stories. he staff and members of the resource and counseling centre The cultural meet in the evening was Books, were released during the centenary During India’s freedom struggle, he was Dubai Autism Centre for providing information, sup- dedicated to the legendary writer, with celebrations. arrested at Kottayam. He wrote his famous T(DAC) hosted a special port, advice and training to pro- speeches by eminent personalities and A photo and painting exhibition based Premalekhanam while serving a jail term, function to celebrate India’s rich fessionals and parents of children guests, including famous Arab poet Dr. on Basheer’s life, and skits based on his sto- and published it on his release. His works culture and heritage, to create with autism. It was upgraded into Shihab Ghanem, and Dr. Sukumar ries “The hand-cuffs” and “The love let- have been translated into English and 18 awareness amongst its diverse staff, a school in 2003. Azhikode. ter”, were also organised. Indian languages. ! which belong to 20 different This non-profit organisation nationalities. has a diagnostic team that The theme, aptly named ensures that every child receives ‘Incredible India’, showcased the international standard assess- Now, you can remit money to India on Fridays customs, language, people, tradi- ment and appropriate diagnosis. s part of its customer-centric initia- off day in the UAE. It is expected to be of the service will only be available at the tions, regions, arts and sports of the Apart from various therapies, it Atives, Bank of Baroda has introduced great advantage to the public at large, Bur Dubai branch, but it will soon be country. also offers an individualised a Friday Remittance Service in the UAE. particularly blue-collar Indian workers. extended to its other five branches in Consul General of India in Director General of DAC Mohammed Al Emadi, Consul educational plan for each child Consul General of India in Dubai Venu The service will be available from 9 a.m. Deira, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Dubai Venu Rajamony and his wife General Rajamony and Dr. Saroj Thapa with staff members. that is reviewed on a quarterly Rajamony launched the service on June to 12 noon and again from 3 p.m. to 8 Khaimah and Al Ain. Dr. Saroj Thapa attended the event and an artwork done by one of the children. basis. For better functioning individuals, 26 at the Bur Dubai branch of the bank. p.m. With this, Bank of Baroda becomes The banks six branches in the UAE are took time out to interact with the students. In 2001, DAC was set up through a the centre provides low skill-based activi- The service enables instant online the first bank in the UAE to launch a interconnected with over 2000 branches Director General of DAC Mohammed Al decree by HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin ties such as typing and filing to provide remittance to India on Friday, the weekly remittance service on Fridays. Initially, in India. Emadi presented the Consul General with Rashid Al Maktoum. It started as a job opportunities. !

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New community initiative SAATHI launched Excerpts from Dr. Saroj for parents of children with special needs Thapa’s speech AATHI wants to say that everyone belongs, regardless of Swhere you come from, what your capabilities are, what SAATHI’s objectives strengths you have, we are all members of the society. Every ! Facilitate inclusion of individuals of person with disability has a right to live as an integral part of all ages, and disabilities into society. the society. We have to create that awareness in each and every ! Act as an advocacy group to highlight member of the society and make them realise their social needs of special needs families and indi- responsibility. viduals, and create awareness in society God in his infinite wisdom included variety in all that he The SAATHI team. of rights of persons with special needs. created, in shapes and sizes, colours and looks, and abilities ! Provide opportunities to persons with too. But we, the people, ask for uniformity in abilities. We ask and providing a common platform for all groups and individu- special needs by organising events to for people to conform to certain norms and only then they are als working in the field of disability to network for the benefit showcase their talent and potential. acceptable, and that’s how we create barriers between people, of the whole community.” ! Offer training and information to sometimes, mentally, sometimes, physically. The members of SAATHI, which means ‘friend’ in Hindi, are mainstream teachers/assistant teachers In February, we invited all the interested persons in the people with disability, parents of children with disability, pro- or volunteers because many feel that community to come for a brainstorming session and talk fessionals working in the field of disability, and volunteers who they do not know how to cater to the about what they felt was needed to be done. And what want to make a difference to the lives of people with special needs of students with disabilities in emerged from that brainstorming session was the need to a needs. The launch also saw the unveiling of the website mainstream classrooms. have a body that could be the voice of the people with dis- www.saathidubai.org by HH Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Bin ! Provide a common platform for all ability, of the families that lived with disabilities, a forum to Juma Al Maktoum. groups and individual professionals in network, share information and also provide a shoulder to The event was followed by interactive sessions by experts in the field of disability to exchange ideas lean on, to shed a few tears, and a platform to celebrate little the areas of special education, speech therapy, physical therapy, and work together for the benefit of the victories and accomplishments in the lives of the persons with counselling, educational computer games and nutrition whole community. disabilities. amongst others. HH Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, a SAATHI child, Venu ! Actively collaborate with local And thus SAATHI was born… Organisations like Al Noor, Special Needs Foundation, Rajamony, Dr. Maryam Matar and Dr. Saroj Thapa at the inauguration ceremony of authorities in promoting interests of (Dr. Saroj Thapa is the Founding Patron of SAATHI. She is Genesis, Beautiful People, Child Guidance Medical Centre, SAATHI held in Dubai on June 12. persons with special needs. Assistant Professor at Zayed University, UAE, and teaches cours- Reaching You, Special Families Services, Best Buddies, Dubai es in Special Education and Instructional Strategies. She is the Centre for Autism, SNAP, START Dubai, Jin Shin Jitshu, ith a vision of creating an Maktoum, Acting Chairman of the mentoring, counselling, respite care and wife of India’s Consul General in Dubai Venu Rajamony and the Reiki, All 4 Downs and Nutritiont took part in the event, and inclusive society and Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, Dr. a forum to network. President of the Indian Ladies Association, Dubai.) set up kiosks to provide information at the venue. ! empowering families and Maryam Matar, Director-General of Speaking at the inauguration, found- persons with disability, a Dubai Community Development ing patron Dr. Saroj Thapa said, newW community initiative SAATHI Authority, and Consul-General of India “SAATHI will provide a much needed (Society for Advocacy & Awareness Venu Rajamony. Over 500 people were service to the community by collaborat- India Club celebrates winning top Dubai quality award towards Holistic Inclusion), under the present. ing with local authorities in promoting aegis of the Consulate General of India in The group aims to facilitate inclusion interests of persons with special needs, onsul General of India in Dubai Department of Economic Dubai, was launched on June 12, 2009. of individuals of all ages and special giving opportunities to persons with spe- Venu Rajamony has congratu- Development, was the chief guest at the The event was graced by HH Sheikh needs in society, and their empowerment cial needs to voice their opinion, show- Clated India Club on winning function. Juma Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al by providing information, training, case their special talents and potential, the Dubai Quality Appreciation India Club received the award from Programme Award in the Tourism HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Sector for the year 2008. He urged the Maktoum, Vice President and Prime organisation to engage itself in fostering Minister of the UAE and Ruler of stronger relations between expatriate Dubai, at a ceremony held in Dubai on Indians and nationals. He said the India April 22. The Dubai Quality Award, Club should become a platform for which was established in 1994 by the Consul General Rajamony with chief guest exchanging ideas and talent between Department of Economic Development Mohammed Bushanain Al Amri and the India India and the UAE. in Dubai, is a framework for companies Club Board of Trustees. Speaking at the celebratory luncheon to measure their performance and organised by India Club on May 17, the Club to do its utmost to promote tourism achieve higher growth through leadership, Consul General advised the club to extend from the UAE to India, through coordinat- innovation and continuous improvement. their efforts to social work that would be of ed efforts with Air India, India Tourism etc. Established in 1964, India Club had the benefit to poorer sections of the communi- Mohammed Bushanain Al Amri, ISO9001:2000, which it recently upgrad- (Left) An interactive session held as part of the SAATHI inauguration; and a kiosk set up by a participating organisation. ty, like labourers. He also asked the India Executive Director, Business Excellence, ed to ISO9001:2008. !

10|INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|11 JULY 2009 JULY 2009 COMMUNITY ‘Will draw on my experiences in UAE’ IIM alumni discuss ways to fight downturn

ewly elected skilled and unskilled labour is usiness leaders hailing from the Member of now part of the UAE work- prestigious Indian Institutes of Parliament from force. People of the UAE have Management (IIMs) shared their Vellore Abdul been hospitable to many corporate lessons, and recounted NRahman called on Consul nationalities including Bthe timely steps they had taken to protect General of India in Dubai Indians. Expatriates are taken their companies in the wake of the global Venu Rajamony just after the care of and everyone lives in economic downturn, at the first Pan-IIM recent general elections. He communal harmony. I think Alumni Gulf Summit held in Dubai on said he would focus on there are great lessons to be May 23. improving education, health learnt from the UAE in all The event was held under the patronage and business development these fields. of HH Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin infrastructure in his con- “Growth in infrastructure is Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai stituency. also a domain this country Culture and Arts Authority. It was organ- Rahman, who belongs to excels in. We have seen phe- ised by the Pan-IIM Alumni Network in the Indian Union Muslim nomenal development over the the UAE. In all, 141 IIM alumni, amongst League, spent the last 33 years last few years and we have to almost 300 participants, were present. in the UAE, working in the IT applaud the vision of the lead- Venu Rajamony, Consul-General of department of the Dubai ers of this country for it. India India in Dubai, and many other distin- Panel members at the discussion on ‘Riding Out The Downturn’ organised as part of the Islamic Bank. He was also must take cues from the UAE guished guests, also participated. Pan-IIM Gulf Summit in Dubai. active in the Indian communi- in that regard. Also the num- The highlight of the evening was a panel ty, distinguishing himself ber of charities and institutions discussion on ‘Riding Out The their companies when the crisis began to Pan-IIM Alumni Network in the Gulf was through various social service in the UAE which come for- Downturn’. The panel consisted of IIM bite. formed to further enhance the region’s projects. New MP from Vellore Abdul Rahman (left) with Consul General ward to help the underprivi- alumni, Sunil Duggal, CEO, Dabur India; Representing diverse sectors – financial development in all spheres, by utilising its Speaking to India Matters, Venu Rajamony. leged is unparalleled,” he con- Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder, services, FMCG, integrated marketing serv- rich pool of talent, intellect and experience. he recounted his early days, tinued. naukri.com; Suvo Sarkar, General Manager ices, consumer electronics and internet serv- IIMs are rated among the best business when he arrived in 1982 to work with Association in Dubai.” Rahman said that he doesn’t want to & Executive Vice President, Head of Retail ices – they said they had to make some hard schools in the world. Among international- Gray Mackenzie Engineering Services in Rahman was also one of the founder take his victory in the polls as a mere means Banking, Emirates-NBD Bank; Avi choices to create leaner but efficient opera- ly renowned IIM alumni are Indra Nooyi, Dubai. After two years, he joined the members of the Indian Community to enjoy the status of an MP, but work Bhojani, Group CEO, BPG Group; and tional and service delivery models. The key CEO of PepsiCo Worldwide; Raghuram Dubai Islamic Bank, where he remained Welfare Committee (ICWC), which works towards serving the people. “Elected repre- Nilesh Khalkho CEO, Sharaf DG. It was focus was on collaboration, integration and Rajan, former Chief Economist of the for the next three decades. under the Indian Consulate. “I have been sentatives like us should work hard to ful- moderated by Hari Padmanabhan, former redeployment of resources in a way that did International Monetary Fund; Harsha During that time, he became part of the part of the committee since its inception, fill the promises we made during our cam- Chief Strategic Advisor, 3i Infotech. not affect quality or innovation. Bhogle, well known sports commentator; Indian Muslim Association (IMAN) under and ICWC is doing exemplary work in paign. We have been chosen by the people The panellists shared their experiences A forum for social and professional and Mallika Sarabhai, renowned dancer the leadership of Syed M. Salahuddin, healing many lives, under the patronage of and I will absorb all possible lessons and and the decisions they took to safeguard interaction between IIM alumni and the and social activist. ! President of IMAN and Managing Mr. Venu Rajamony,” he added. experiences from the UAE, as I embark on Director of the ETA Ascon Star Group. Talking about his experiences in Dubai this journey,” he said. “One of the biggest events the Indian and the UAE, he said: “The relationship Discussing the basic challenges in Defence analyst Maroof Raza in Dubai Muslim Association in Dubai organises between India and the UAE has always Vellore, he pointed out that the con- every year is the Iftar during the holy been strong. For decades, Indians have stituency has six assembly areas and each month of Ramadan,” Rahman said. “More come to this part of the world to earn their one has different problems. “Accessibility Defence analyst, writer, educa- than 5,000 people attend it every evening, livelihoods. A high percentage of Indian to healthcare facilities is a struggle in many tionist and former Indian Army irrespective of their social status. It is a per- places,” he observed. “Some areas have no Officer Maroof Raza (second from right) addressed an elite gathering fect example of communal amity and har- Abdul Rahman: Brief Profile hospitals in a 15-20 km radius. Drinking mony. water is also a big problem, and the con- at World Trade Club in Dubai on ! Vice President of the Indian Muslim “I must share an incident with you, stituency is trying to deal with it for a long May 19. He spoke about the Association, Dubai, for the last 33 years which has touched many hearts,” he time. I have promised my people that I will effects of terrorism on India. The ! Founder Member of Indian recounted. “The Consul General came for work towards bringing drinking water event was jointly organised by the Community Welfare Committee the Iftar feast on the first day of Ramadan schemes to Vellore”. Institute of Chartered Accountants ! Founder of Jamal Mohammed last year, and refused to sit on a chair for He said he would look into all these of India, Dubai, and the College Alumni Association in UAE the meal. Instead, he insisted on sitting on areas of concern and at the least provide Consulate General of India. ! Founder Patron of Dubai Tamil the floor and eating with everyone. In fact, adequate essential amenities to the people. Former Indian Ambassador T.P. Sangam Mr. Rajamony promised us that every year He also voiced keen interest in developing Sreenivasan (extreme left) was the You can write to the MP at the following he would start the first Iftar of Ramadan in business infrastructure in Tamil Nadu and Guest of Honour. email ID: [email protected] the company of the Indian Muslim promoting education. !

12|INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|13 JULY 2009 JULY 2009 BUSINESS & ECONOMY

BRIC nations seek bigger PM proposes new Government unveils 100-day agenda BRIC business forum resident Pratibha Patil, while prudence will be the guiding mantra of the voice in world affairs rime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh unveiling the new United new dispensation as it takes steps to Phas proposed a new joint business Progressive Alliance (UPA) encourage foreign investment inflows, list eaders of Brazil, Russia, India and forum for cooperation among Brazil, Government’s agenda on June 4, shares of state-run firms on stock markets China (BRIC) ended their first Russia, India and China (BRIC) in vari- Pdwelt on the 100-day action plan that has and pump more capital in banks. summit on June 16 in the ous sectors of the economy. been drawn up to to give emphasis to the On the economic front, the Russian city of Yekaterinburg “The volume of trade among BRIC UPA’s unfinished agenda. Government’s immediate focus would be Lwith a vigorous call seeking greater voice countries has grown rapidly in recent The action plan will cover early passage to counter the effects of the global slow- for emerging economies to create a more years,” Dr. Singh said while addressing of the Women’s Reservation Bill setting down and focus on sectors that are adverse- democratic world order and a bold agenda the plenary session of the BRIC Summit aside one-third seats of the Parliament for ly hit, especially small and medium enter- for mitigating the financial meltdown. at Yekaterinburg in Russia on June 16. women, constitutional amendment to pro- prises, exports, textiles, commercial vehi- Indian Prime Minister Manmohan “Intra-BRIC investments have also vide 50 percent reservation for women in cles, infrastructure and housing. Singh, Russian President Dmitry grown. We should consider the establish- panchayats, strengthening the right to A detailed plan to address internal secu- Medvedev, Chinese President Hu Jintao ment of a BRIC Joint Business Forum information system, a roadmap for judicial rity challenges will be implemented in a and Brazil’s President Lula da Silva dis- which can identify areas for cooperation reforms in six months, and a delivery mon- time-bound manner, the President said. cussed a host of global issues, including the such as science and technology, energy, itoring unit in the Prime Minister’s Office “A national counter-terrorism centre will financial crisis, food and energy security, agriculture, aviation, pharmaceuticals to monitor flagship programmes. be established to take pro-active anti-ter- climate change and international terrorism. and services,” he stated. The overall agenda of the new rorism measures. Special forces and quick In a pointed message to the world’s The Prime Minister called for early (From left) Brazilian President Lula da Government includes reviving the econo- response teams will be raised and deployed established powers and the G-8 grouping completion of the Doha Round of Talks President Pratibha Patil. Silva, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, my through more investments in sectors in vulnerable areas,” Patil said. of wealthy countries, BRIC backed “a more to fight the global financial crisis. Chinese President Hu Jintao and Indian such as infrastructure, a blueprint for Enunciating the policies and pro- India will pursue, Patil stressed, the democratic and just multi-polar world “There was a unanimous view (among Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at national security and a host of social wel- grammes of the new Government, the country’s “enlightened national interest” in order based on the rule of international BRIC nations) that protectionism or the BRIC summit in Yekaterinburg. fare programmes focused on creating a President highlighted ten areas that would the arena of foreign policy, while retaining law, equality, mutual respect and collective restrictions on the free flow of trade and more inclusive society and economy. get top billing during Prime Minister Dr. its strategic autonomy and independent decision-making”, and pressed for the cen- to reflect changes in the world economy,” persons are counterproductive, and pose “In 2004 my Government had set before Manmohan Singh’s second term in office. decision-making. tral role of the UN and multilateral diplo- the joint statement said. a particular threat to recovery in the the country a vision of an inclusive society These include internal security, growth in India, will, as a responsible member of macy in dealing with global challenges. BRIC accounts for a little over a quarter developing world. The stark collapse in and an inclusive economy. My agriculture and manufacturing, health and the international community, work with The joint document at the end of the of the world’s territory, 40 percent of the world trade has heightened the impor- Government sees the overwhelming man- education, governance reform and energy other countries in tackling global issues like summit took note of the status of Brazil global population and 40 percent of the tance of an early completion of the Doha date it has received as a vindication of the security. terrorism, the economic crisis, climate and India in international affairs, and global GDP. Round of talks keeping in mind its policy architecture that it put in place,” The President underlined that the wel- change, energy security and reform of mul- backed their aspirations to play a greater “The emerging and developing development dimension,” he said. Patil said while addressing a joint session of fare of the common man topped the gov- tilateral institutions to reflect contemporary role in the UN. economies must have greater voice and He called for implementation of the Parliament, which met for the first time ernment’s concerns, and said it would also realities. Working with neighbours will be “The BRIC countries should create con- representation in international financial consensus reached by the BRIC nations after the Lok Sabha elections brought back give priority to boost urban employment accorded the “highest priority” while main- ditions for a fairer world order and create institutions, and their heads and leader- with regard to the functioning of finan- the Congress-led United Progressive and battle recession. taining the momentum of improving rela- an international order that is conducive to ships should be appointed through an cial institutions like the International Alliance (UPA) to power. Inclusive growth combined with fiscal tions with major powers, she said. ! their prosperity,” Medvedev, the chair of open, transparent and merit-based selec- Monetary Fund and the World Bank. BRIC, told journalists at the end of the tion process,” said the statement. “Finance ministers and central bank summit. The summit called for speedy imple- representatives of BRIC countries have ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AGENDA Calling for comprehensive reforms of mentation of decisions taken at the G-20 met and identified the areas where our global financial bodies, Dr. Manmohan summits in Washington and London in efforts should be focused. Our countries Following are some highlights of the new banking. 13,000 MW every year. Singh underlined the need to develop “an dealing with the financial crisis. should also keep in contact with each United Progressive Alliance (UPA) ! Reorient subsidies so that they benefit ! Aggressive hydrocarbons exploration effective early warning system which can The leaders of BRIC countries took a other in the run up to the next G-20 Government’s broad agenda for the next five only the needy. with renewed hunt for oil assets abroad. identify the build up of risks which may slew of important decisions and initiatives Leaders Summit in Pittsburgh.” years: ! Ensure prudent fiscal management. ! Make civilian nuclear energy deal with threaten global security”. He took a vigor- that included (1) dealing with global food “In India, we have launched a number ! Immediate priority to counter effects of ! Move towards common goods and serv- the US operational. ous stand on opposing protectionism and security on a priority basis; (2) stepping up of fiscal stimulus packages including global slowdown. ices tax regime. ! Massive skill development initiative to restrictions on the free flow of trade and efforts to provide liquidity to poorest additional public spending, amounting ! Focus on small units, exports, textiles, ! Encourage pubic-private partnerships realise demographic dividend. persons across borders. countries which have been hit hardest by to over 3 percent of our GDP. Our mon- automobile, infrastructure, housing. in infrastructure. ! Legislative amendments to protect The summit focused on mapping a new the financial crisis; (3) promoting sustain- etary policy initiatives have been targeted ! Divestment of stake in state-run units ! Expand rural telephone network to unfair displacement from farmland. global economic order based on greater able development; (4) strengthening coor- towards maintaining a comfortable liq- but no privatisation. achieve 40 percent tele-density. ! Brain gain policy to attract global talent representation for emerging and develop- dination in the field of energy security; (5) uidity position and ensuring that credit ! Encourage foreign investment with ! New targets for rural electrification, irri- to 14 “innovation universities”. ing economies in international financial more cooperation in the field of science delivery remains on track. Our banking appropriate policy changes. gation and roads. ! Measures to get back illegal money institutions. and technology; and (6) intensifying system remains well regulated, capital- ! Reforms in insurance, pension and ! Integrated energy policy for adding stashed overseas. “We are committed to advance reform efforts for international humanitarian ized and profitable,” he said. of international financial institutions so as assistance. !

14|INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|15 JULY 2009 JULY 2009 BUSINESS & ECONOMY

‘India to be fastest growing economy in 2010’ IN SHORT India’s first deep water ndia is set to become the fastest grow- impact of the crisis on the South Asian In India, they were extremely subdued, NRI deposits in Kerala port set to open in 2009 ing economy in the world by 2010 economy was most apparent in financial down 64 percent relative to inflows record- banks touch record high Iwhen its growth will touch 8 percent, markets, although the banking sector was ed during the first quarter of 2008. ome November and India will Such trans-shipment leads to higher ahead of China’s 7.7 percent, according to relatively unscathed – given the region’s Gross financial flows posted a recovery eposits by non-resident have its first deep-water inter- freight costs. According to India’s a new report of the World Bank. minimal exposure to toxic assets and the in India during April and May, as interna- DIndians (NRIs) in Kerala banks national container terminal Ministry of Shipping, international The Indian economy is set to expand by limited presence of foreign commercial and tional investor confidence improved on grew from Rs. 298.89 billion in (ICTT) at Vallarpadam in traders incur extra costs of as much as Rs. 5.1 percent in 2009 and by 8 percent in investment banks. early indications of a recovery for global March 2008 to a record high of Rs. CCochin port, Kerala, giving a big boost to 10 billion annually because of trans-ship- 2010, the World Bank has forecast in its Stock markets were buffeted largely in growth, and on expectations that the coun- 370.19 billion as on March 31, the country’s global trade. ment through deepwater ports in other Global Development Finance 2009 report. line with global equities, especially through try is well placed to benefit from an even- 2009, according to the State Level The terminal, which is expected to be countries. Without India and China, which too is the end of 2008. Since that time, equity tual turnaround. Markets have also reacted Bankers Committee. The State commissioned by November 30 this year, The new Vallarpadam terminal will forecast to grow 7.2 percent followed by markets in the region have stabilised, with positively to the decisive election outcome, Bank group bagged the highest is being developed by DP World, the change all that. India’s exporters and 7.7 percent, developing countries’ output some bourses posting gains as of the end of the Bank noted. share – 42.62 percent – of the total world’s fourth largest container port oper- importers can ship goods directly through would shrink 1.6 percent, the Bank said. May 2009. Capital inflows, including recent record- NRI deposits with Rs. 157.79 bil- ator and majority owned by the Dubai larger vessels once the ICTT becomes “Developing countries are expected to Stock markets in India, for example, high FDI inflows, had become a significant lion. Private sector banks, which government. The company bagged a 30- functional. grow by only 1.2 percent this year, after 8.1 advanced in April and May, with a surge source of finance for the rapid rise in region- received Rs. 103.16 billion, came year contract in 2004 through a public According to the financial daily Live percent growth in 2007 and 5.9 percent following recent elections that boosted al investment, particularly for corporate cap- second. auction to build and operate the Mint, the depth at the Vallarpadam termi- growth in 2008,” the report stated. market sentiment and underpinned expec- ital expenditures in India, and a key driver of Vallarpadam ICTT. nal, together with the latest technology in “When China and India are excluded, tations of an accelerated reform pro- regional GDP growth over recent years. FMCG industry set for The company was allowed to operate equipment, will allow mega container GDP in the remaining developing coun- gramme and greater openness to foreign According to the bank, despite the the existing Rajiv Gandhi container ter- ships such as Emma Maersk, which has a tries is projected to fall by 1.6 percent, investors, the Bank noted. gloomy picture for this year, growth in 20-30% growth minal at Cochin port for eight years or till capacity of at least 12,500 standard con- causing continued job losses and throwing Gross capital inflows to South Asia fell developing countries, led by India and he FMCG industry in India is it constructed and shifted operations to tainers or twenty foot equivalent units more people into poverty,” it added. by 29 percent in 2008, among the sharpest China, could reach 4.4 percent in 2010 Tset to grow 20-30 percent in Vallarpadam. (TEUs), to load and unload cargo. Emma According to the report, the immediate declines posted among developing regions. and 5.7 percent by 2011. ! 2009-10, up from 10-20 percent in Trans-shipment ports, such as those in Maersk is owned by the world’s biggest 2008-09 driven by the launch of Colombo, Singapore and Dubai, have a container shipping firm Maersk Line. new products and increasing rural minimum depth of 16 metres allowing “Larger vessels bring about economies of Industrial output consumption, according to industry big container ships to call. Currently scale and lower cost of operations for the India’s telecom sector earnings to experts. Hemant Kalbag, Principal much of India’s exports and imports have shipping lines, which then translates into grows in April in AT Kearney said that the FMCG to be routed through Colombo or other lower freight rates for exporters, importers,” ndia’s industrial output grew 1.4 per- cross $30 bn by 2013: Gartner, Inc. sector addresses a very core need in deepwater ports, where larger vessels Shailesh Garg, general manager at the Icent in April as against a decline of 0.75 the consumer’s life and so it is less dock. Smaller vessels from Indian ports Indian unit of the London-based maritime percent in March, in what analysts said ndia will continue its robust telecom increased adoption of value-added services, prone to economic swings. He added take or bring back the cargo to or from consultancy firm Drewry Shipping can be taken as early signs of recovery. story with the sector’s revenue to be which are relevant to both rural and urban that price hikes on products have these ports. Consultants Ltd, told Live Mint. ! Data on the index of industrial produc- Imore than $30 billion by 2013, accord- markets,” Gupta added. also been well-absorbed by the mar- tion released by the Commerce Ministry ing to a global information technology Mobile market penetration is projected ket, and so there was no reason to on June 12 showed that the growth also research and advisory firm. to increase from 38.7 percent in 2009 to question the growth rate projections. India top retail destination came after two successive months of “Total mobile services revenue in India 63.5 percent in 2013, Gartner said, and decline, and was led mainly by a 7.1 per- is projected to grow at a compound annu- attributed it to three factors: increased ONGC strikes oil, gas in cent increase in electricity generation. al growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5 percent focus on the rural market, entry of con- for investors: AT Kearney An important sign of a broad-based during 2009-2013 to exceed $30 billion,” sumer durable and electronic companies 3 new blocks ndia has emerged the most attractive “In India, slower retail sales are causing recovery was that 11 out of 17 industry the US-based Gartner, Inc. said in a state- into the mobile handset segment, and NGC has struck oil and gas in retail destination for investors among Indian retailers to delay expansion plans and groups have shown growth during April, ment. cheaper handsets. Othree new blocks, one of these I30 emerging markets, says a report by restructure their operations. But this has led by 31.1 percent wood and related According to Gartner, the telecom sub- The number of people with prepaid finds its most significant in decades. US-based global management consulting opened the window of opportunity for glob- products, 12.6 percent for wool, silk and scriber base is expected to cross 770 million connections, who accounted for 93 percent The gas find at Krishna Godavari firm AT Kearney. al retailers and many, including Wal-Mart, manmade textiles, and 10.2 percent for connections by 2013, growing at a CAGR of the subscriber base in 2008, will contin- basin off the Andhra coast could According to the company’s Global Carrefour and Tesco, are continuing expan- non-metallic mineral products. of 14.3 percent from 452 million in 2009. ue to swell to exceed 96 percent by 2013, prove as rich as Reliance Industries’ Retail Development Index (GRDI), India sion plans as Indian consumers grow The Government’s focus on infrastruc- “The Indian mobile industry has now surpassing 740 million. D-6 block, which, at its peak, is tops the list of most attractive retail desti- increasingly affluent, brand-conscience and ture projects, recovering business confi- moved out of its hyper growth mode, but The postpaid subscriber base will exceed expected to double India’s current nat- nation followed by Russia and China. Last familiar with global retail formats,” it added. dence, accommodative monetary policy, it will continue to grow at double-digit 29 million subscribers by 2013, growing ural gas output. The other two discov- year, India was at the second position. For the fourth time in five years, India is and the recent rebound in commodity rates for the next three years as operators 2.5 percent from 2008, Gartner said. eries included an oil find in Charada- “Low inflation and rent reductions of up the most attractive country for retail invest- prices will help stimulate production, said focus on rural parts of the country,” said It also predicted the churn rate – the rate 3 offshore block in Cambay basin and to 40 percent in tier-2 and -3 cities also ment, according to the index. Nikhilesh Bhattacharyya, Associate Madhusudan Gupta, Senior Research at which a subscriber switches from one an oil and gas find in Matar in help make India the most attractive retail Other Asian countries on the list are the Economist with Moody’s Economy.com. Analyst at Gartner. operator to another – to cross 59 percent in Vadodara district, both in Gujarat. investment destination in the 2009 UAE, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and “Growth will also be triggered by 2013 from 53 percent currently. ! GRDI,” the report said. Malaysia. !

16|INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|17 JULY 2009 JULY 2009 BUSINESS & ECONOMY

SEZs: The new growth hubs of India ‘Medical tourism earnings Damas gets nod for India retail JV Govt okays Limitless to double by 2012’ ubai-based jewellery and watch Dtrading company Damas has SEZ in India edical tourism can fetch secured approval for a single brand retail India up to Rs. 80 billion in joint venture in India with an investment he Board of Approval (BoA) in the foreign exchange by 2012, of Rs. 1.8 billion ($36 million), accord- TMinistry of Commerce has given an nearly double than the cur- ing to company statement. in-principle approval for a multi-service Mrent figures, according to an industry The group’s proposal, among the 22 special economic zone (SEZ) proposal in lobby. others approved by the Foreign India by Dubai’s Limitless Properties. “Currently, the earnings accrued Investment Promotion Board with an The Limitless-promoted multi-service through medical tourism annually are esti- investment of Rs. 5.6 billion (around SEZ will be located at Tuticorin in the mated to be around Rs. 4,500 crore (Rs. 45 $110 million), calls for a joint venture in south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. billion),” said Sajjan Jindal, President of India with 51 percent equity. Addressing the BoA members, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and This is the maximum equity permit- Commerce Secretary and Chairman of Industry of India (Assocham) in a state- ted for single brand retailing in India. BoA Rahul Khullar said that so far 576 ment on June 18. The Damas group has operations in formal approvals have been granted for This would grow to around Rs. 80 bil- seas patients is its bank of highly qualified 18 countries with around 450 stores, and setting up SEZs. Of these, 319 have been lion over the next three years, according to medical professionals, Assocham said. ranks among the leading jewellery and notified. him. India has over 7.5 million qualified doc- watch retailers in the Gulf region. It sells Limitless is a business unit of the “The primary reason for medical tors, who according to the industry cham- jewellery and watches through three The Mahindra World City in Chennai. Dubai government’s Dubai World. India tourism to flourish in India is the lower ber, charge “reasonable professional fees”. main distinctive store formats. silent revolution is taking place ing industry lobby. figures prominently in Limitless’s global cost for treatments such as bone marrow India’s expertise in traditional treatments In addition to the three principal at India’s special economic “Special economic zones can be a big expansion plans. The company has a transplant, bypass surgery, knee surgery such as homeopathy, naturopathy, ayurve- store formats, the Group has other zones (SEZs). These have not driver of investment – both from India and fully staffed office in the country. and liver transplant as compared to western da and unani are also becoming increasing- stores, such as watch stores and mono- only shrugged off the global overseas. They can also create quality infra- countries,” Jindal added. ly popular as these have no side effects, brand stores, as well as Damas Kids for meltdown,A but also emerged as major job structure and give a boost to exports and Another reason for India attracting over- Assocham said. ! children. generators, apart from attracting billions of employment generation,” Mitra said. 14,859 people dollars in investments and pushing exports. Commerce Ministry officials said the ◆The Mahindra World City, also in The Government notified new rules for SEZ performance was the result of a host of Tamil Nadu, has attracted investment such zones in February 2006. As many as incentives such as duty free import, 100 worth Rs. 14 billion (nearly $300 million) Indian firms acquired 143 US companies in last 2 years 253,000 new direct jobs have been created percent income tax exemption on export in the past three years, exported goods in them since. Double that number enjoy income for five years, and 50 percent worth Rs. 15 billion (over $300 million) ndian companies made 143 acquisi- and Secretary General Dr. Amit Mitra also indirect benefits by extending logistical exemption for the next five years. and directly employs 9,383 people tions across various sectors in the spoke about the developing economic ties support. These units also have an automatic nod ◆The Reliance Jamnagar zone in IUnited States over the last two years, between India and the US, and the numer- Exports generated in these zones present for external borrowing worth $500 million Gujarat has attracted investment worth Rs. bailed out many companies on the brink of ous opportunities for further cooperation. an even brighter picture. Official data with a year, exemptions from central sales tax 320 billion ($6.5 billion) in the past three closure, and created some 30,000 jobs, The study shows that information tech- the Ministry of Commerce, that oversees and service tax, and single-window clear- years, exported goods to the tune of Rs. 99 according to a seminal new study. nology and information technology the country’s export and import policy and ance for all regulatory approvals. billion ($2 billion) and directly employs In 2007-08 alone, 94 deals ranging enabled services (IT and ITeS), consumer frames related strategies, reveals an impres- Vikram Doshi, Executive Director of the 2,385 people. between $0.8 million and $1,005 million products, pharmaceutical and manufactur- sive 36 percent growth in rupee terms over global accounting consultancy firm ◆The Adidas zone for footwear in were concluded. The disclosed value in 55 ing are the key sectors where companies are one year. KPMG, shared his view. “It is the whole Andhra Pradesh has attracted investment deals totalled $4,432 million, according to Direct Investment by Indian Companies in active in outbound acquisitions. Physical exports from these special zones enabling environment in place – single- worth Rs. 2.27 billion (over $45 million). the joint study released by the Federation 2007-2009’ at a function on June 23 at the However, the IT and ITeS sector is increased from Rs. 666.38 billion ($13.32 window clearance and tax breaks, incen- Looking ahead, the FICCI Secretary of Indian Chambers of Commerce and East West Centre in Washington DC. where a majority of the deals took place. It, billion) in 2007-08, to Rs. 904.16 billion tives – that has supported the growth,” he General said there was need to focus on Industry (FICCI) and Ernst & Young. Speaking of transforming India-US in fact, accounted for 50 percent of the ($18.08 billion) in 2008-09. said. what are called clusters. Here units belong- In 2008-09, Indian companies were bilateral relationship witnessed in recent total deals in 2007-08 and 40 percent in Investments in SEZs, too, have risen at Listed below are some specific success ing to similar industries in the special eco- involved in 49 US-bound acquisitions. Of years, Shankar highlighted the comple- 2008-09. an impressive pace, and now top Rs.1,000 stories over the past three years: nomic zones can share common infrastruc- these, deal values disclosed in 24 cases mentarities and convergences in the rela- The report attributed the rise in Indian billion ($20 billion) ◆The zone set up by Finnish telecom ture and logistics. totalled $960 million. Their sizes were in tionship. outbound investments to the US to strong “These figures speak for themselves and giant Nokia for equipment and mobile Officials said India’s first export process- the range of $0.70 million to $172 million, The US being the largest economy in economic growth, and easy availability of reflect the kind of potential that the model handsets in Tamil Nadu has attracted ing zone, in fact, came up in 1965 at Kandla the report noted. the world was naturally a key economic debt finance for companies. of special economic zones hold in India,” investment worth Rs.22 billion (nearly in the western state of Gujarat. Since then India’s Ambassador to the US Meera partner for India, she said, pointing out the Several Indian multinationals are still said Amit Mitra, Secretary General of the $500 million) in the past three years, several policies have been announced and Shankar released the study titled ‘India growing two-way investment between looking at acquiring US companies, Federation of Indian Chambers of exported goods to the tune of Rs. 103 bil- updated. The latest revision in the SEZs pol- Contributes to Employment, Capital both countries. despite the economic downturn that has Commerce and Industry (FICCI), a lead- lion (over $2 billion), and directly employs icy was in 2006. ! Growth and Tax Revenues in the US – FICCI President Harsh Pati Singhania raised the cost of overseas acquisitions. !

18| INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|19 JULY 2009 JULY 2009 TRAVEL

HOW TO REACH

By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport.

By rail: Nearest rail station is Kathgodam (35 km). The Ranikhet Express departs from Delhi at 11 p.m. and arrives in Kathgodam at 6:10 a.m. next morning. It departs from Kathgodam at 10:45 p.m. and arrives in Delhi at 4:45 am.

By Road: If you set out early from Delhi you can reach Naukuchiatal in seven hours. Delhi-Kathgodam is 269 km and Naukuchiatal is another 26 km.

NEARBY PLACES:

Bhimtal: Just four km from Naukuchiatal, this emerald green lake is a favourite tourist destination and is ideal for boating and angling. Nainital: This modern beautiful lake resort nestles amidst seven hills in a lush valley at an altitude of 1938 metres. Way back in 1841, the British discovered NAUKUCHIATAL: Nainital as a holiday resort. Today, the town has emerged as one of the most important hill resorts of India. The most pleasant hill station to visit in this area, Nainital gives you superb views of the THE LAKE WITH snow-capped Himalayas. A stroll in the evening through the forests energises you. Ranikhet: This peaceful hill station NINE CORNERS offers excellent views of the Himalayas with several good walks. At the foothills of Kumaon Mountains, Naukuchiatal is a great summer getaway. HANDY TIPS:

reen mountains and shimmer- known for its tranquility and the orchards of the nine corners of the lake in one ◆ Normally it snows during ing blue waters sum up the and dense jungles that surround it. Fed by sweep, attains Nirvana! December-January, so it is advisable to hill station of Naukuchiatal. an underground perennial spring, the lake Spend languorous mornings reconnect- carry heavy woollens in winter and light But wait, there is more to boasts a good walking track, apart from ing with fauna and look out for the birds woollens in summer. GNaukuchiatal – vistas of terraced fields, facilities for boating and angling. One can of Naukuchiatal, for they are amongst the MAJOR ATTRACTIONS lake which has abundant carp. A permit is ◆ One should carry mineral water or meadows with wildflowers and melodious also take off on a trek in the neighboring most amazingly coloured ones you will set required which can be obtained from the water purification tablets. bird-song. Pure unadulterated natural hillside, or for a change, launch into a your sights on! For a taste of local culture, Uttarakhand Irrigation Department. ◆ If you are fishing or boating, you beauty is what defines this hill station and round of paragliding or some fabulous visit the premises of Action for The Lake: The deep blue lake is the Treks: Organised treks to Jandhidhar should wear a life jacket. by the end of your visit to this picturesque bird-watching. Environment and Preservation of Art & main attraction. One can take leisurely and Jungliagaon are very popular here. ◆ For avid bird-watchers, carry your place, you are going to wish you could Located at the foothills of the Kumaon Nature, which showcases traditional and walks around the lake or hire paddle boats Mountain biking: There are many moun- binoculars. somehow bottle its beauty and carry it mountains, Naukuchiatal is perhaps the ritual arts of Uttarakhand. Overall, for a joyride. tain trails where one can bike and enjoy the ◆ During winters there is fog and mist with you as a souvenir. most picturesque lake in Uttarakhand. It Naukuchiatal will help you fend off the Fishing: If you like the sport, carry abundance of flora and fauna. Many varieties on hill roads. So it is better if you avoid Naukuchiatal or ‘lake of nine corners’ is is believed that whoever catches a glimpse angst of urban life and rekindle your soul. your own fishing rod and head for the of wild orchids abound in the hills. driving during the night. !

20|INDIA MATTERS INDIA MATTERS|21 JULY 2009 JULY 2009 QUIZ Sunstroke awareness campaign for workers

n order to support the UAE The campaign coincides with the work permits up to one year. Posters Government’s efforts to enforce a UAE Labour Ministry’s renewal of its and leaflets, prepared in collaboration This magazine will accept contributions from midday break for workers at the midday break rule from July 1, which with the Association of Kerala Medical readers in the form of Q&As, factoids, quiz news height of summer, the Indian puts a halt on outdoor work for labour- Graduates, are being distributed to and announcements of upcoming quiz events I Consulate has launched a ‘How to ers from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. various contracting companies and and also photographs. You can write in to prevent sunstroke’ information cam- According to the ministerial directive, employers of Indian labour. The litera- [email protected]. paign in order to safeguard workers companies which do not comply with ture, available in five languages – against heat-related ailments at work- the rule will face a fine of up to Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and sites. Dh30,000, and have a ban on issuing English – contains recommendations 1. He received the Fringe Firsts Award at the Edinburgh 9. The newly released book The Family and The Nation shows for preventing sunstroke International Drama Festival in 1982 for his play Charandas the family as the heart of a truly sustainable society. It is co- and related illnesses. The material about rehy- Chor. A recipient of the Padma Bhushan and the Sangeet Natak authored by Jain monk Acharya Mahapragya and which other dration includes tips such Akademi awards, he was a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper famous Indian? as monitoring urine levels, house of India’s Parliament, from 1972 to 1978. He played the drinking large quantities of role of an Indian barrister in Richard Attenborough’s Oscar-win- 10. Who were first brought together by late filmmaker Mukul water every two to three ning film Gandhi. Can you name him? Anand to compose a track for his film Dus and are today house- hours, avoiding direct expo- hold names in the Indian music industry? sure to sun, and adding 2. Leander Paes won the French Open 2009 men’s doubles some extra salt to food to title in partnership with Czech player Lukas Dlouhy. With which 11. If Meira Kumar recently became the first woman Speaker maintain the balance of sodium in the body. player of Czech origin did Paes win the Australian Open and of the Lok Sabha, what first would you attribute to Rajkumari Pictures and diagrams Wimbledon mixed doubles titles in 2003? Amrit Kaur? have been included for workers who may be illiter- 3. Which popular board game is believed to have been invent- 12. Born in Moga, Punjab, ate. Consul General Venu ed in ancient India as Mokshapat or Moksha Patamu as part of and currently a US resident, Rajamony said that the moral instructions for children? this scientist of Indian origin campaign has made a sig- is regarded as the father of the nificant difference in the 4. What change was effected to the name of the Father of the optical fibre and was named past, and such initiatives can go a long way in Nation below his portrait on Indian currency notes in 1997? one of the seven unsung decreasing the number of heroes in a Fortune magazine heatstroke cases amongst 5. Originally founded as The Chemical, Industrial & issue on ‘Businessmen of the workers and labourers. He Pharmaceutical Laboratories in 1935 by Khwaja Abdul Hamied, Century’ published in 1999. complemented the UAE how is this company known today? He is also a recipient of Government for its proac- India’s Pravasi Bharatiya tive efforts to ensure the 6. Ranvir, Shamsher and Balbir are the real first names of these Samman award. Can you welfare of workers, and siblings of a famous Bollywood clan. Who are we talking about? identify him? expressed confidence that the combination of the midday break and information 7. Which combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force is variously THE 13TH QUESTION campaign would lead to known as Trishul, Vikram and Bison? Who jointly financed the 1976 film Manthan (The positive results. Churning), directed by Shyam Benegal, which went Among other initiatives 8. Which national park in India is home to four big cats – the on to win the National Award for Best Feature Film? by the local government, tiger, the leopard, the clouded leopard and the snow leopard? the Health Authority Abu Dhabi has also introduced a new mechanism for compa- ANSWERS nies to monitor conditions

on site through Thermal

ucts major Amul. Hence the film’s poster read: ‘500,000 farmers of Gujarat present MANTHAN’. present Gujarat of farmers ‘500,000 read: poster film’s the Hence Amul. major ucts Work Limit, which incorpo-

d the story of dairy prod- dairy of story the d an India of Revolution White the on based was (It 2. Rs. paying each Gujarat of farmers 500,000 by financed jointly was film The :

The 13th Question 13th The rates figures on humidity,

Narinder Singh Kapany. Singh Narinder 12.

portfolio in India’s first cabinet under then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947.) 1947.) in Nehru Jawaharlal minister prime then under cabinet first India’s in portfolio air temperature, wind She was India’s first woman cabinet minister. (She held the health the held (She minister. cabinet woman first India’s was She 11. Shankar-Ehsan-Loy. 10. Kalam. Abdul A.P.J. president Former 9. Pradesh. Arunachal of state northeastern

The Namdapha National Park in the in Park National Namdapha The 8. MiG-21. The 7. Kapoor. Shashi and Kapoor Shammi Kapoor, Raj 6. major. pharmaceuticals Indian the Cipla, 5. Gandhi to Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma to Gandhi speed and radiant heat.

The name below the portrait was changed from M.K. from changed was portrait the below name The 4. vice.) a for stand to supposed were snake a of head the housing those and virtue a for stand to supposed was ladder, a

Snakes and ladders. (Each square, which has the bottom of bottom the has which square, (Each ladders. and Snakes 3. Navratilova. Martina 2. 8. June on away passed he India, of playwrights renowned most the of One Tanvir. Habib 1.

Any company keen on distributing the pamphlets and posters to

22|INDIA MATTERS their employees can contact the Labour Section of the Consulate. JULY 2009 ! Launch of SAATHI

Scenes from the launch function of SAATHI, a new community initiative in Dubai.

Consulate General of India P.O. BOX 737, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Tel: +971 4 3971222/ +971 4 3971333, Fax: +971 4 3970453, Tlx.: 46061 CGIND EM Email: [email protected]

CONSULATE HOTLINE NUMBERS: +971 50 9433111 (For women/housemaids in distress and counseling for stress and depression) +971 50 7347676 (For death formalities on holidays and after office hours) 600 522229 (Passport and Visa Services Centre) Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi Plot No. 10, Sector W-59/02, Diplomatic Area, Off the Airport Road P.O. Box 4090, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 2 4492700, Fax: +971 2 4444685 / +971 2 4447768 Email: [email protected]