India China Strategic Relations

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Vol 1, Issue 2, April 2012 Bottoms Up! EDITOR-IN-CHIEF For 17 years, o cials from nearly 200 countries have gathered under Mohammed Saqib the auspices of the United Nations to try to deal with one of the most vexing questions of our era – how to slow the heating of the planet. EDITOR Every year they leave a trail of disillusion and discontent, particularly Prashun Bhaumik among the poorest nations and those most vulnerable to rising seas EDITORIAL BOARD and spreading deserts. Every year they fail to signicantly advance their Abid Hussain own stated goal of keeping the average global temperature from rising Mani Shankar Aiyar more than 2 degrees Celsius, or about 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, above P.S. Deodhar preindustrial levels. Dilip Cherian Amir Ullah Khan ere is no denying the dedication and stamina of the environment Parama Sinha Palit ministers and climate diplomats who conduct these talks. But maybe the Chen Si (China) task is too tall. e issues on the table are far broader than atmospheric carbon levels or forestry practices or how to devise a fund to compensate EDITORIAL TEAM Anchit Goel those most aected by global warming. Irfan Alam What really is at play here are politics on the broadest scale, the Manju Hara relations among Europe, the United States, Canada, Japan and three Sumelika Bhattacharyya rapidly rising economic powers, China, India and Brazil. ose Shawahiq Siddiqui international relations, in turn, are driven by each country’s domestic DESIGN politics and the strains the global nancial crisis has put on all of them. Sita Raikwar And the question of “climate equity” – the obligations of rich nations to help poor countries cope with a problem they had no part in creating – is OWNED, PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY more than an “environmental” issue. Mohammed Saqib Eectively addressing climate change will require over the coming PUBLISHED FROM decades a fundamental remaking of energy production, transportation A-82, Zakir Bagh, New Delhi - 110025 and agriculture around the world – the sinews of modern life. It is simply too big a job for the men and women who have gathered for these talks ADDRESS FOR ALL CORRESPONDENCE under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, India China Chronicle the 1992 treaty that began this grinding process. K-19 (GF), South Extension - II, New Delhi - 110049 e United States is determined to sweep away those distinctions Telefax: 011-46550348 and work toward a system where all countries are bound by the same rules. e conference in Durban kept the tiered system alive for another PRINTED AT few years, but it is fading. And by the time the next phase of the Anne Print Solutions B-32, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-I, Kyoto Protocol expires in 2020, a good many leaders hope that it will be New Delhi-110020 gone for good. Tel. 011-40525878, 011-65690940 So who is qualied to tackle these tasks? Two years ago, more than 100 Email: [email protected] heads of state and leaders of governments, including President Obama, joined the United Nations climate conference in Copenhagen hoping to All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written write a new, legally binding treaty covering all parties. at assignment permission is prohibited. proved too much even for the leaders, and the meeting collapsed in acrimony and nger-pointing. Few top leaders have shown up at the two subsequent meetings, in Cancún, Mexico, in 2010 and in Durban All advertising enquiries, comments last year. e agenda has narrowed and expectations have shrunk, yet and feedback are welcome at the ship sails grimly on. And as one observer at Durban put it: “Instead [email protected] of waiting for them to negotiate some grand bargain, we have to keep working on the ground. Progress is going to come from the bottom up, The information contained in this magazine has been reviewed for not the top down. at’s just reality.” accuracy and is deemed reliable but is not necessarily complete or guaranteed by the Editor. The views expressed in this digest are solely that of the writers and do not necessarily reﬂect the views of the magazine. CONTENTS

4 Feedback ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANCY MUST SHED HISTORICAL BURDEN, COVER STORY IN INDIA MUST COOPERATE INTERVIEW 20 Open Sesame 48 No force in the world 6 We are all equally e scope for environment can stop China, India consultancy is opening up in India vulnerable what with more and more businesses from rising together RR Rashmi is the Joint Secretary in realizing the importance of doing the Ministry of Environment and ecologically sound business. Forests, Government of India and REPUBLIC DAY & works on issues of climate change. CHINESE NEW YEAR Here he speaks with Shawahiq 30 Rolling the ball 54 Ringing in the New Siddiqui on a range of issues on It was a unique celebration – the climate change and India’s position in in Durban INTERVIEW combining of two joyous occasions the global arena. e Durban conference’s greatest nding expression in one. achievement was acknowledging 38 China market is not the fact that current policies were POLITICS OF CLIMATE a cash cow not enough and that it was time for 56 Exhibitions & 10 Two Degrees a change in how we viewed climate Ravi Shankar Bose is the Director change and green energy. of Fugumobile Ltd, a successful Trade Show of Separation Shanghai based company started by Climate change is a double whammy Indians. He speaks with Anchit Goel for developing and poor countries about his experiences in China. TOURISM as they are brought to the brink 58 10 places to see in of global tipping point largely by CHINA INDIA AS indiscriminate historical and current TRANSFORMATIVE FORCE China that aren’t the emissions of the rich, industrialized and developed world. And now they 41 Great Wall e Brave New Glacier lakes, mountain forests, sandy are being pushed by global climate DEVELOPED & DEVELOPING WORLDS beaches and more. Here’s a list of some politics which is solely dictated by G2 World dramatic destinations that you may safeguarding self interests to pay for While most people are looking for a not have yet considered for your trip the sins not committed by them. US-China G2 along the lines of the old school, the most important G2 to China could be that of China and India. We should see these two in a relationship Caught in that is mutually benecial. INDIA CHINA RELATIONS STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT & DELIVERY OF WATER SERVICES 44 Linked like two wings 32 Our Water Our Life of a bird semantics e key to successful community India and China will be able to Climate change is a matter of justice. e participation in water supply successfully face the challenges that the management is to make the new geopolitics are throwing up and richest countries caused the problem, but it is community understand the value would best serve their own national the world’s poorest who are already suering of water resources and invite them interests by further deepening their INTERVIEW to participate in managing the strategic cooperative relationship. from its eects. In Durban, the international scarce resource. 16 Need to make FILM REVIEW community should have committed to consumers aware of DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA 62 e Flowers of War righting that wrong. But instead it got caught energy eciency 36 e First Step with semantics. Irfan Alam spoke with Abha Shukla, China is not the easiest places to do BEYOND THE GREAT WALL Secretary, BEE on the bureau’s business in. A guide to overcome 64 Have a dragon year! 24 journey so far. hurdles across the Great Wall.

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making them highly energy intensive. development. However, more initia- It is quite disconcerting to nd out how tives, awareness programmes and pro- this sector has not been made aware of motional activities should be carried the high carbon emitting potential it out in order to build a sense of respon- can have and the policies related to it. sibility among the MSMEs. Setting up Mr Shawahiq’s article was a well re- of institutions for green nancing will searched and a descriptive note on how be an eective method for sustainable these enterprises can aim at reducing development. their carbon emissions and the legisla- – Vishal Acharya, Assistant General tion and regulatory framework that is Manager, Cluster Pulse available. It is also remarkable to note how SMEs can view climate change Nerves of Steel policies as opportunities for accessing e last issue of the India-China technology and nance. I am sure that if Chronicle has been able to give us an in- there are provisions and innovations in sight into how the industries in China other countries that have helped SME’s have grown so rapidly over the last few reduce their carbon footprint, India years. I especially like the article China’s should adopt these at the earliest too. nerves of steel which gave a deep insight – Shilpa Chohan, Advocate into the present day scenario of the in- Delhi High Court dustrial boom in China and how it is New Chapter looking to transform itself from a coun- Need to Democratize Small MSME Impact try which is looked at as a manufacturer Businesses by Zhang Weixin, was an MSMEs can have a much wid- of the world to a country which is fast interesting article to read about the er reach and impact on the society. becoming the new innovators of the small private businesses in China. MSMEs which account for the second world. e Chinese have been able to ough they have played a major part largest source of employment should tap the potential of their skilled man- in improving the country’s overall be the target area to improve the eco- power and develop many joint ventures economy and have played a major role system and conserve the environment. that have helped the Chinese to learn in providing employment and services, erefore, it is very important that the about the technologies of the world. they are still lagging behind. e MSMEs should adopt CSR activities Even though India is only second to problems are well understood, like the for its sustainable future. SIDBI is do- China when it comes to the growth quality of produced good, management ing a very good job by nancing small rate but we still have a long way to go and many other factors which China and medium enterprises for sustainable before we can catch up with China. We needs to overcome in order to reach should look at strengthening our own new heights in the global arena. It R&D sector and learn to develop our was a good article with many insights own indigenous technologies. into the problems of the small business – Saloni Jha Mishra, specic to China. Congratulations Assistant Director, FICCI to ICEC for the opening of a new chapter in Ahmedabad. is new Love Lost chapter will help take India-China Issues related to women have always relations to a new level. Interaction been there in every society. Women of personnel from dierent sectors not only have passed through some on the same platform between of the most terrible times but also two countries will surely help and have also been exploited. e article improve relations in trade and allow by Manju Hara, Lo e Must Not Be for more cultural interactions in the Forgotten denitely gives readers an coming years. insight into Chinese society, and – Raj Bora, Vice President the status of women in China. e IFFCO-TOKIO General Insurance result of several inequalities over centuries on dierent grounds has pro- Going Green voked many women writers to show- e article—Going Green now to case the emerging image of women in avoid Going Red later—in the last edi- China. e writer has pointed out a tion of the India-China Chronicle few of the interesting novels which are made for a very interesting read. e worth a read SME sector comprises a large portion – Shallu Khetan, Student, of economic activity globally, thus IP University

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ICC: There have been many versions about the role that India played at Durban. What actually transpired? Rashmi: Before Durban, with my We are all equally little understanding, India had lots of hope to stir the process itself on behalf of developing countries. In Durban the major role was to save the Kyoto Pro- tocol. In fact, it was the Environment Minister from India who played a piv- vulnerable otal role in foraging a consensus. e RR Rashmi is the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and talks would have completely collapsed without her. We were heading nowhere Forests, Government of India and works on issues of climate change. and EU was not willing to move further Rashmi belongs to the 1983 batch of the Indian Administrative Service on the Kyoto Protocol unless they were assured of some road maps beyond (IAS). He has been dealing with Climate Change matters as Joint 2020. So, we nally broke the impasse with an understanding that there will Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India for no be agreement on the legal forms of the last eight months. He has participated in several important bilateral the nal outcome, whether it is binding or non-binding, legal or in some and multilateral negotiations on behalf of India. In his career spanning other form, that issue will be revisited as we proceed along with the negotia- more than 25 years, he has acted as trade negotiator on behalf of India. tions. at was the fundamental issue has been stretched beyond. should contribute to expect the best Here he speaks with Shawahiq Siddiqui on a range of issues on in Durban. Did we delay the ﬁnal outcome possible results. All countries must by postponing it to 2020? contribute in a reasonable way to the climate change and India’s position in the global arena. Did India play a leadership It is a mistake to presume that cli- principal of common but dierentiated role for developing countries? mate change takes place because of cur- responsibilities. We have been able to safeguard the rent emissions. Climate change does But the past cannot be ignored; fundamental interest of developing not take place or has taken place be- the developed countries which have countries by ensuring that there is no cause of the emissions that took place the resource must be willing to invest commitment to reduce the emissions in the last 10 years, or will take place in a rational way and should imple- till 2020. And also, beyond 2020 we in the next 50 years. Climate change is ment what they have committed (to have ensured that the new arrange- entirely an environment phenomenon reduce their emissions) and this is the ments that are going to evolve will be which is attributed in totality to the real challenge. under the Convention (UNFCCC). emissions by the developed countries e Kyoto Protocol is a protocol Now if one is familiar with the conven- in the past 150 years. which mandates one to reduce the tion, the fundamental issue is that the In short the point is we are emissions, and except a few countries, countries must take action according not saying that we should be shy no other countries have actually reduced to their responsibility. ere is a prin- of our ambitious actions, rather we its emission which is a complete travesty ciple of common but dierentiated of the Kyoto Protocol. Countries with responsibility and the principal of eq- emerging economies like India, China, uity. So, the arrangements that evolve THE PAST CANNOT BE IGNORED; South Africa, Brazil, are part of it post 2020 period will have to be con- and that is what matters and they are structed according to these principles. THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES doing everything which is possible In a way these two are the major gains within their given limited resource. of the Durban conference. From our WHICH HAVE THE RESOURCE Domestically we have taken a number perspective, we have been able to bring MUST BE WILLING TO INVEST IN of actions; we have our National the Kyoto Protocol back on track and Action Plan on Climate Change. established the second commitment A RATIONAL WAY AND SHOULD Along with that, we are doing so many period without any legal obligation for things in dierent sectors and are an any developing countries. IMPLEMENT WHAT THEY HAVE example for others. In fact, there are COMMITTED TO REDUCE THEIR several international studies that have One way to look at it could be highlighted the Indian policy eorts that the commitment to emis- EMISSIONS AND THIS IS THE on climate change and have concluded sion reduction that was to REAL CHALLENGE that our national voluntary action and come within the period of 2020 its impact are more signicant than

the developed countries. But this does coal, the most dominant source of en- sion on something which was not re- not mean that we should take a legally ergy today, the clean coal technology quired in Durban. What they should binding commitment even before 2020 and the coal gassication technology have done is that, they should have or before the developed countries have are not available commercially. And agreed to the second commitment pe- made their commitments as we are the the super critical technology and the riod of Kyoto Protocol as required un- ones who are a ected most by climate ultra super critical technology require der the obligations of the convention. change and our interest should be large investments for implementation seen by the global communities before and there is no global mechanism for Does the Kyoto Protocol stop anyone else. their funding and implementation. here and make way for a new When it comes to India, we are regime that the world would The Least Developed Coun- certainly not demanding money, but want to come up with? tries (LDC) and island nations ample resources and technologies to No, the Kyoto Protocol does not feel that India is not in a posi- use eciently. stop here because the second commit- tion to lead them due to its ment period decision has been taken. alliance with the BASIC coun- In Durban it was hoped that So till 2017 or 2020 depending on the tries. Do you think India is India would be closer to the nal negotiation, the Kyoto Protocol going to be looked upon as a EU stand but ultimately the EU will continue to exist. leader for other countries? and the US came together, and I think this classication of coun- India was standing alone in In case we come up with this tries is not motivated by very noble terms of the statement. Is this soft agreement, are we in a reasons. e present negotiations are in the right spirit? position to commit (consuming more than 20 tonnes/year India and China are bilaterally more on political and economical is- to bring down our of carbon). erefore an inequality related countries on climate sues rather than being emission? issue like this has to be addressed. THE PRESENT NEGOTIATIONS change and environment. environmental in nature. e requirements of ARE MORE ON POLITICAL AND Is there a possibility of an And every attempt is be- compliance don’t state that Do you think that the exchange of idea especially in ing made to divide coun- we should bring down our coordination and reporting ECONOMICAL ISSUES RATHER the technology sector? tries, particularly those emissions. India has made machinery among the various We have a MoU with China on cli- who are in the developing it very clear that we would ministries and the Ministry of THAN BEING ENVIRONMENTAL mate change, under which we have had world. We are all equally not bring down our own Environment and Forest are IN NATURE. AND EVERY two workshops. First, it was exchange of vulnerable. For instance if emissions in the near fu- lacking in any way? ideas on the national action plan and the the small island develop- ture because it is our de- It is not fully correct that there is ATTEMPT IS BEING MADE second, was an exchange on water and ing countries are going to velopment requirement no coordination, there is a coordina- mountain ecosystems (Himalayas Eco- go under water in 20-50 and our emissions are tion mechanism functioning in this TO DIVIDE COUNTRIES, system Mission). And we are planning years, so are a large num- bound to rise. But we will ministry and we have a dedicated co- PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO to hold a third one in the near future. ber of coastal communities be able to bring down the ordination committee in the ministry in India. is makes us all emission intensity of our GDP and that (MOEF). Several inter ministry meet- ARE IN THE DEVELOPING Is there anything else that we the more conscious of our I don’t think it happens by de- is not only required for the purpose of ing of all the ministries in-charge of can gain from China? responsibility. And instead of sign; it so happens that the fundamen- addressing climate change and but also the dierent environmental missions WORLD. WE ARE ALL We can learn from China in terms quarreling among ourselves we should tal interest of USA and EU are same -- for the energy security of our country, and action plans of the government are EQUALLY VULNERABLE of market mechanism; as to what kind remain united and put pressure on ey are both a part of the developed as our energy resources are limited and conducted by the committee. Here the of strategy China is employing to the developed countries to meet their world, both of them would not like they are required to be used in an ef- progress (of various ministries) is seen decrease its Carbon-dioxide intensity. commitments. On the other hand, the to meet the obligation, both of them cient way. And to add to that, we have and the possible outcomes are then as there exist no environment law that Which maybe in terms of law on developed countries are trying to cre- would not like to discharge their his- certainly made progress in a direction determined and the future actions are says it is our job to lay down the targets carbon or any other strategy; such an ate a notion that the nal agreement torical responsibility. But EU has been where we use less energy for producing coordinated accordingly. for each ministry. exchange of idea would be benecial to is legally binding in nature. So, the so- traditionally more environment con- the same amount of goods by mainly Let me put it in perspective, there both countries. lution for this lies in actions taken by scious, since they are the one who actu- improving our technology but we can- are two aspects where one might feel Do we have a mechanism the developed countries to meet their ally piloted the initial discussions (on not say that we will use absolutely less that the coordination mechanism where we create a different We have a huge amount trade responsibility and thereby allowing climate change). But as far as the Dur- energy than required as it is simply not needs to be further strengthened; legal institution in a ministry and from China, is it environmen- the developing countries to take action ban outcomes are concerned, I would possible given that we are a huge popu- and developmental. For instance, in put forward various questions tally safe? As we have to deal within the reach of their resources. say that India was against the EU and lation with huge energy needs. our country climate change is seen by and challenges to another with the disposal issues of the No developing country is running in fact it was the only country which We also face a lot of challenges us (MOEF) as a nodal ministry but it ministry? goods that are imported and away from its responsibility. e prob- was against the EU for a legally binding mainly due to our growth; 50% of our is not only an environment issue, but Even in Parliament it happens that that impinges a cost on us. lem is that of lack of condence which agreement. And nally it was a mutual population still does not have com- also a social and developmental issue. one ministry answers on behalf of the We would not like to bring in has been created because of most of the dialogue between India and EU which mercial electricity. And a government And development and social aspects of entire government. So it’s not one min- the linkage between environmental obligations under the convention have resolved the issue, so I would certainly would not like its people to live in pov- the issue are not handled by Ministry istry’s responsibility, it’s the Central challenges and trade either in context not been fullled. And the basic reason not agree with the view that we were erty and without basic needs when the of Environment and Forest, but by the government’s. If there are bottlenecks of China or any other country as it for non fulllment of goals is lack of together with the EU. developed part of the world is fullling respective ministries. And we should those have to be resolved. It is an ad- is in the interest of environment as funds and technology. Even in terms of e EU was trying to force a deci- its needs at the cost of natural resources not go over their role in these matters ministrative issue. well as trade. 

POLITICS OF CLIMATE Archana Vaidya limate Politics has yet another time not let the science dictate Cthe quantum of action, in terms of emission reduction needed from the rich developed world. It is extremely unfortunate that despite scienti c evidence and the fact that the inter- Two Degrees national community knows the solutions there is little ‘real progress’ in the UN climate talks regarding the manner in which these objectives are to be achieved. In the words of Michael Jacobs, visiting professor at the Gran- tham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment in Lon- of Separation don, the Durban agreement has not in itself taken us o the 4C path we are on but by forcing countries for the rst time to admit that their current policies are inadequate and must be strengthened by 2015, it has snatched have to cut down emission signi cantly bilities to have same responsibility and 2C from the jaws of impossibility. if we are serious about keeping the rise to be governed by the same rigours of in global average temperatures since legally binding emission reduction re- Current emission trends, cost pre-industrial times below 2C (3.6F), gime? e fact of ‘ecological debt’ that of adaptation, mitigation the internationally-agreed threshold. a country has incurred, due to histori- e Climate Action Tracker es- e basic premise of UNFCCC is cal emissions and thereby having taken timates that global mean warming “collective but dierentiated responsi- much bigger ecological space than it would reach about 3.5°C by 2100 with bility” thereby allowing scope for dif- is entitled to, will have to be kept in the current reduction proposals on the ferent mitigation responsibility for dif- mind while deciding legal obligations table. Approximate estimates indicate ferent countries depending upon where of these countries. that the most extreme costs will be felt a particular country is at this point in Climate change is a global problem in West Africa and South Asia, with time in its journey towards develop- and has only global solutions but un- residual damage of 3.5% of regional ment. How do we expect countries fortunately it does have local impacts. GDP for 2°C warming and 5-6% for with dierent level of development, How well prepared one is to adapt 3°C warming. ere are still no new having huge dierence in per capita and to mitigate the ill eects of rising pledges on the table and the process green house gas emission, and dierent atmospheric temperature is directly agreed in Durban towards raising the nancial resources thus dierent capa- proportional to one’s nancial muscles. ambition and increasing emission re- It is a double whammy for developing ductions is uncertain in its outcome. and poor countries as they are brought Unfortunately only rich countries have to the brink of global tipping point the wherewithal in terms of resources THE DURBAN AGREEMENT HAS largely by indiscriminate historical and both nancial and technological to NOT IN ITSELF TAKEN US OFF current emissions of rich, industrial- help developing countries deal with ized and developed world, and now and meet the expense of adaptation THE 4C PATH WE ARE ON BUT they are being pushed by global cli- and mitigation. e costs for adapta- mate politics which is solely dictated tion and the residual damages from cli- BY FORCING COUNTRIES FOR by safeguarding self interests, to pay for mate change will increase rapidly with THE FIRST TIME TO ADMIT THAT the sins not committed by them. De- warming. With a 2°C warming, adap- veloping countries and the least devel- Climate change is a double whammy for developing and poor countries tation costs would be half those associ- THEIR CURRENT POLICIES ARE oped countries still have a long way to as they are brought to the brink of global tipping point largely by ated with a 3°C temperature rise. INADEQUATE AND MUST BE go and it would de nitely not be in the interest of equity, fair play and justice indiscriminate historical and current emissions of the rich, industrialized ‘Collective but differentiated STRENGTHENED BY 2015, IT to have restrictions imposed in their responsibility’ does not warrant path and curb their ‘right to develop- and developed world. And now they are being pushed by global climate unequals to be treated equally HAS SNATCHED 2C FROM THE ment’ because someone else has already politics which is solely dictated by safeguarding self interests to pay for ere is no denying the fact that his- JAWS OF IMPOSSIBILITY occupied the ecological space that was the sins not committed by them. torical as well as current polluters will rightfully theirs. e developed world |10| India-China Chronicle . March 2012 April 2012 . India-China Chronicle |11| INFOCUS | INDIA-CHINA | ENVIRONMENT | REPORT

help developing countries adapt or adjust to the e ects of climate change) and “mitigation” (money needed by developing countries to eliminate or signicantly reduce greenhouse gasses). erefore the two top big political issues at Dur- ban were to ensure operationalisation of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and to have post-2012 arrangements in place apart from many practical decisions that needed to be taken. As a long shot, delegates in Dur- ban could also agree to a global target for GHG emissions for 2050, and a “peaking year” for global emission (by 2020 if there’s a serious chance of limit- ing warming to 2 degrees Centigrade). riod country wise emission reductions An ambitious scheme to protect tropi- A MAJOR CONCERN RELATED will be decided based on review of the cal forests in return for money generat- pledges of the rich nations, voluntary ed mostly by carbon credits could also TO THE SOURCES OF FUNDING mitigation action of the developing be nalized during Durban talks. FOR THE GCF IS THAT IT IS world and of h assessment report of UN’s scientic body, the Intergovern- What did Durban deliver? PREDOMINATELY FROM mental Panel on Climate Change. Before negotiations formally start- Durban managed to extend Kyoto, ed it was made clear by Japan, Russia, PRIVATE SOURCES THAT ARE whose rst phase of emissions cuts run Canada and Australia, that they did LIKELY TO VIEW CLIMATE from 2008 to the end of 2012. e sec- not want a second commitment pe- ond commitment period will run from riod and backed American plans for CHANGE MORE AS A BUSINESS January 1, 2013 until the end of either a system of “pledge and review”. e 2017 or 2020 as both are under consid- EU and most rich countries including OPPORTUNITY THAN A SOCIAL eration. the US were determined to get China RESPONSIBILITY However in the bonhomie of this and developing countries to commit to new global deal and a fresh lease of life deeper cuts which were being strongly that Kyoto got, little attention was giv- opposed by more than 100 developing en to enhancing the current emission countries including India. Finally two targets for the Annex 1 countries for weeks of hectic parleys and roughly the second commitment period. So a wants the growth of developing world HOW DO WE EXPECT What was expected of Durban? 20,000 delegates representing diver- second commitment period surely has to be fettered by mandatory emission e discussions at Durban was gent interests and views, struggling to been secured but its adequacy leaves a reduction regime and have succeeded COUNTRIES WITH DIFFERENT expected to advance, in a balanced arrive at a workable solution, nally lot to desire for. European Union, the to some extent as the same has been LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT, fashion, the implementation of the yielded some results. Following are the 27-nation bloc, which already has its agreed upon and would be in force Convention and the Kyoto Protocol, main outcomes of the Durban meet own internal target of lowering green- from the year 2020. HAVING HUGE DIFFERENCE IN as well as the Bali Action plan, agreed e delegates agreed to establish house gases by 20 per cent below 1990 However having said this if there at COP 13 in 2007, and the Cancun a new body called “Ad Hoc Working levels by 2020, will place its current are nances available to pursue the PER CAPITA GREEN HOUSE GAS agreements, reached at COP 16 last Group on the Durban Platform for En- emission-cutting pledges inside the more capital intensive carbon benign EMISSION, AND DIFFERENT December. In view of the successive hanced Action” to negotiate a global legally-binding Kyoto Protocol. EU is growth path then these countries are failure of the international community agreement which would develop a new also open to raising its mitigation tar- not encumbered unnecessarily and will FINANCIAL RESOURCES THUS at both Copenhagen and Cancun to protocol, “another legal instrument gets to 30 per cent if other countries willingly follow the sustainable growth have any agreement on post 2012 emis- or agreed outcome” with “legal force” follow suit. path. Durban has been able to extend DIFFERENT CAPABILITIES TO sion reduction regime, COP 17 was that will be applicable to all Parties to All the parties to Kyoto Protocol the Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012 and HAVE SAME RESPONSIBILITY looked upon as the last chance before the UN climate convention. is new will submit their voluntary QELRO by it has created a fund to deal with ad- the expiration of the Kyoto Protocol to legally binding instrument is to be de- 1 May 2012 in a “pledge and translate” aptation and mitigation of developing AND TO BE GOVERNED BY get a new agreement in place to reduce cided by 2015 and to come into force exercise for the second commitment countries but on both accounts a lot THE SAME RIGOURS OF greenhouse gases emissions. COP17 by 2020. periods. However unlike Kyoto, these still needs to be done to make them was also expected to witness protract- e exact nature of this “legal in- emission targets will not be derived, deliver. We are trapped in the midst of LEGALLY BINDING EMISSION ed negotiations to ramp up the nan- strument” or “agreed outcome” has not for now, by an overall aggregate level doing too little too late. cial resources required by developing yet been decided. e next three years of ambition. Parties’ unilateral pledges REDUCTION REGIME? countries for “adaptation” (money to till 2015 are crucial as during this pe- will be converted to QELROs without

reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, paving the way for billions of dollars of private investment. Details will be discussed in the course of next year and it may still take years until the programme takes o at a big scale. Delegates agreed to delay a decision on whether to decouple the future of JI from that of Kyoto until next year’s talks. India’s role, stand at Durban India, as a resource-rich country, with its economy growing at a hectic pace still has to alleviate poverty for millions and at the same time deal with the consequences of climate change. e bedrock of India’s arguments in Indian Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan in Durban climate change negotiations right from As structured, resources for the means, which include carbon trading the beginning has been equity to en- signing the death warrant for millions GCF will be from voluntary contribu- (the real benets of which to the envi- sure that the developed world is made THE BEDROCK OF INDIA’S of people across the developing and the tions it is important that these funds ronment are as yet unproven), private accountable for its historical ecologi- LDC world living in subhuman condi- come in the form of grants and not equities, and investments in cleaner cal debt and developing countries like ARGUMENTS IN CLIMATE tions. It is a ght between “right to life” loans and these should be additional development mechanisms. us, a ma- India get some window for unfettered versus “right to maintain a lifestyle” grants committed to by the developed jor concern related to the sources of growth without any legally binding CHANGE NEGOTIATIONS RIGHT and India with the support of other de- world above and beyond ocial de- funding for the GCF is that it is pre- emissions cuts. India is also acutely FROM THE BEGINNING HAS veloping world has managed to enlarge velopment assistance (ODA). If funds dominately from private sources that aware of the need to adopt the benign that window for unfettered growth at were to come in the form of loans it are likely to view climate change more green growth path as far as possible for BEEN EQUITY TO ENSURE THAT least outside of mandatory emission re- is likely to increase the indebtedness as a business opportunity than a social a sustainable future. duction till 2020. reference to an overall global mitiga- of developing countries. Developed responsibility. As a country therefore it had a lot THE DEVELOPED WORLD IS COP17 has also shown the need to tion target, not to mention one that is countries are committed to mobilise Another fact that makes this prom- at stake getting involved in these cli- MADE ACCOUNTABLE FOR ITS combine the UN approach with coun- evidence-based. the promised funds through various ised amount look puny is the estimated mate change negotiations and along try driven climate e orts and the slow At the request of the EU and the Al- cost given by United Nations World with other developing countries it had HISTORICAL ECOLOGICAL DEBT pace here should not be an excuse for liance of Small Island States (AOSIS), Economic and Social Survey in 2009, a challenging task to ensure that de- inaction at the local level. the delegates agreed to launch a work IT IS HOWEVER AMPLY which is needed annually for adap- veloped countries come good on their AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES It is however amply clear from plan to identify options for closing the CLEAR FROM DURBAN YET tation and mitigation in developing promise for providing money to com- LIKE INDIA GET SOME WINDOW Durban yet another time that in this “ambition gap” between countries’ cur- countries, is between US$500-US$600 bat climate change. India did register a unequal world to curb emission in the rent emissions reduction pledges for ANOTHER TIME THAT IN THIS billion. moral victory of sorts by ensuring that FOR UNFETTERED GROWTH coming years e ectively will be an uphill 2020 and the goal of keeping global e Durban talks ended six years of equity would be central for any future task. India’s per capita emission even in warming below 2 degrees Celsius. e UNEQUAL WORLD TO CURB debate over whether and how the tech- climate negotiations. It would not be WITHOUT ANY LEGALLY 2030 will be less than the developed Durban negotiations did not manage EMISSION IN THE COMING nology of carbon capture and storage an exaggeration to say that to ignore eq- BINDING EMISSIONS CUTS world’s average per capita green house to extend the emissions cut pledges could qualify for carbon osets under uity in these negotiations would mean gases emission and today also our per made in both Copenhagen in 2009 YEARS EFFECTIVELY WILL the Clean Development Mechanism. capita emission is half that of per capita and 2010 in Cancun. e Kyoto scheme rewards govern- emission of China. It would be very e Durban Package brings into BE AN UPHILL TASK. INDIA’S ments or companies who invest in clean challenging in this scenario to ensure operation new arrangements for mak- PER CAPITA EMISSION EVEN energy projects in developing countries that principles of equity are adhered ing more transparent, the actions taken with carbon credits, which they can to and the target of 2oC temperature by both developed and developing IN 2030 WILL BE LESS THAN trade and sell for prot. e new rules increase is anywhere within reach.  countries, to address their emissions. force project developers to put ve per is is a key measure for building trust THE DEVELOPED WORLD’S cent of the carbon credits earned in a between parties. AVERAGE PER CAPITA GREEN reserve, to be awarded to them only af- e Durban talks made headway ter site monitors have proved that no on agreeing the design of Green Cli- HOUSE GASES EMISSION AND carbon dioxide has leaked from the un- mate Fund (GCF) to channel up to derground store 20 years aer the end $100 billion a year by 2020 to poorer TODAY ALSO OUR PER CAPITA of the crediting period. Archana Vaidya is an advocate and managing partner nations, but achieved little on estab- EMISSION IS HALF THAT OF PER Delegates agreed to consider private in Indian En ironment Law Oces (IELO), a natural lishing where the money will come funding and market-based mechanisms resource management and en ironment law rm from to ll it. CAPITA EMISSION OF CHINA as options to nance the programme on South Africa Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane in Durban based out of New Delhi, India.

ICC: The Energy Conservation is remains our prime concern and very similar to the general SMEs and Act was introduced in 2001 will be completed as soon as possible. is not secondary in any way; it has to and the BEE was launched in be treated equal. Because eciency is 2002. What has been the expe- What is the Conservation something which at least the domestic rience over the last 10 years? Scenario? sector cannot regulate, you have to pro- In the beginning initiatives were e target of 10,000 Mega-Watt in mote it. is is true that the approach Need to make slow. Work really started in 2007 the 11th ve year plan has almost been for both things is entirely dierent. Be- and most schemes got sanctioned in achieved; we have already crossed 89-90 cause when we talk of new and renew- 2007-08. In the past 3-4 years we have per cent mark. It is about two months able energy we talk about the develop- worked in four major areas. Our focus behind but we are about to achieve the ment of that area. So it is necessary to was on demand side management and planned year target. is in nutshell is tap that energy. small and medium scale enterprise what we have achieved so far. as well as in the agriculture sector. But somewhere I don’t think consumers We have also started schemes like How does the coordination that margin or distinction the Bachat Lamp Yojana (BLY), with line agencies at the state between conservation and which was the part of the demand or district levels take place energy has been brought side management and we wanted since there is no dedicated about very clearly. What do to leverage the Clean Development agency at these levels? you think? Mechanism (CDM). We have arrived at a huge target for ourselves. en the aware of energy third was the standard and labelling scheme for application, energy consuming appliances. For now 40 major applications are covered and out of which four appliances are in the mandatory phase. efficiency ese are PC, Distribution Transform- ers, Refrigerators and Tubelights. en another area which we wanted to tap The Government of India set up the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) on 1 was the commercial building; along March 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. The with commercial buildings we have also tried to look at the option of elec- mission of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency is to assist in developing policies tro-tting old buildings, but our main and strategies with a thrust on self-regulation and market principles, within focus remains on the new commercial buildings. ese are the major areas the overall framework of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 with the primary where we have really focused our ef- objective of reducing energy intensity of the Indian economy. This will be forts. Last year we started a brand new scheme for industries. Until then we achieved with active participation of all stakeholders, resulting in accelerated hardly had announced anyone as desig- and sustained adoption of energy efficiency in all sectors. Towards this the BEE nated consumers. Because the Energy Eciency Act says that we can desig- co-ordinates with designated nate energy consumers as designated consumers and we can put some condi- e Act says that at the state level I agree with you, but the point is, consumers, designated agencies tion on them. If we designate them as we can designate any agency which will if a thing becomes too diversied in it- and other organizations to designated consumers then they have coordinate with dierent line agencies. self then it becomes dicult to handle. to le compulsory energy data and un- And we accordingly have designated Conservation and eciency are the recognize, identify and utilize dertake energy audits. dierent departments, some were two similar kinds of things which are the existing resources and We have identied 477 major probably state regulatory commissions equally diversied in nature. Because industrial units and eight major and in some places energy departments when we talk about only energy e- infrastructure in performing the industries. Like power plants, cement, were designated. ciency, then there are buildings, there functions assigned to it under iron and steel, aluminum are all energy Actually they have overburdened are appliances, there are industries and inclusive units. We conduct a baseline themselves. e Ministry of New and many more things. Similarly when we the Energy Conservation Act. survey and accordingly we decide Renewable Energy (MNRE) has more talk of MNRE again they have got the energy saving targets for them. is targets with larger budgets. ey are world out there. So, I think the agency Irfan Alam spoke with Abha eventually will be mandatory for all already overburdening with whatever which is handling all these things are Shukla, Secretary, BEE on the industries. Till now the targets have the MNRE has given them. ere are already overburden with targets be- not been made applicable to industries two missions under the same plan that cause ultimately we only talk in terms bureau’s journey so far. and we are yet to notify those targets. is the enhance eciency plan – it is of targets. It is also supposed to be ac-

cording to some budget. So, it is ne business for a long time whereas they can empathize with our sensi- for starters like us it will take tivity store energy eciency. I think some time. there are a few states were ocers have been very dynamic and could Do laws or policies bring about a few changes. But actually matter? then it depends on the indi- Energy conservation vidual – you will nd that in or any resource conserva- the same state they are do- tion law is something you ing very well where they are can promote rather than taking a personal interest, regulate. I don’t think that but in some states they are in each household you can taking more interest in en- ensure that some amount ergy eciency rather than in of energy will be conserved new renewable energy, whereas or bring about eciency. in others they are more interested You can only promote it. in new and renewable rather than But you all are silent on energy eciency. the promotional aspect your voice is very clear on conserva- Where does the country tion aspect. stand in terms of energy As far as the policies which efficiency achievement were put in place by BEE or Gov- targets? Are we placed at ernment of India they are not par with other developed directly doing it, we are assisting shi , there has to be awareness which thing about it. Is there any countries in terms of for a long time, almost three to four them (government). ey are basically will take time. And for awareness to connect between National achieving what we set out decades. And that is why they are well promotional in nature. For example, spread education is essential. Standards Water Mission’s objectives to achieve? ahead of us. Like the US, they have a the standards and labelling scheme is are getting better every year, and so the of achieving 20 per cent en- It depends. What do you compare standardization agency for a long time. market driven; we opened this idea to EER (Energy Eciency Ratio) hanced water efficiency and yourself with? ere has to be a refer- When we talk about buildings, Switzer- the consumers and by and by it was ac- is changing every year or two. targets under the EE Mission. ence point which is very important. I land has done a lot. Similarly Norway, cepted by the consumers and markets Yes, there are close links between have stayed in some countries where Germany and Sweden are much ahead were developed over a period of time Is there any specific water and energy use especially when they have been into energy eciency of us. It is just because they are in this for targeting products. I think people programme aimed at SME we talk about the sector. And last year are getting more and more aware about clusters? we conducted a study that shows how energy eciency. SME is the only area where we these two things can be linked together. have adopted this approach of clus- Even if go for energy eciency farms What needs to be done about ters. We have identied 25 clusters the water table and water output are consumer behaviour and and we have conducted energy au- the major factors aecting our schemes. markets? dits report which has been shared We have to take into account that these Consumers actually don‘t care: If with associations of the small scale two things must go together. you have two products in the market, industry. A number of them have I think we have conducted one one with four star rating and other been implemented because there is study, but right now I will not be able without any label, consumers will go one component of energy eciency, to tell about it because it still has to for the product which costs less. e which is called low cost measures. And take shape. ese are initial thoughts majority of consumers go for price, by implementing these low cost mea- but we realize that these are very only a small number of consumers who sures, around 15-20 per cent of energy important and need to work out are aware opt for star rating. In devel- eciency can be achieved. For that ways to formalize central training, to oped countries where consumers are matter we have been coordinating with coordinate with dierent agencies, more aware they will replace old appli- a Japanese agency which is our coun- because coordination is the biggest ances with the new labelled ones for ef- terpart in energy eciency. ey have issue for any modern machinery. ciency as per the new standards. been imparting training to our SMEs Because everyone has their own Energy eciency develops with the for the past of four years. goal, targets, rules and regulation, passage of time. e sense of energy ef- coordination at times becomes ciency will develop only when people Do you think there is any con- very dicult. But then everyone become aware of energy eciency. So, nectivity between water and is realizing that this needs to you cannot put it on the consumer, or energy efficiency? Something be done. ere is denitely a cannot make it mandatory. Ultimately called watery or water use ef- link between the two age and it was if the consumer has money, he will ficiency as it is termed, and discussed in our meeting with the buy the star rated product. For such a whether you are doing some- Planning Commission. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANCY IN INDIA ner. is provides scope for environ- schedule. e proponents need to pre- The scope for ment consultancy in a gainful and pare them in advance and in full details ethical manner. Situations in the rest of to get the environment clearance for environment South Asia is not bright either provid- their business activities. While some of consultancy is ing supplementary or multiple options the big players and proponents might for improving business ambience in the not nd it dicult to form a team to opening up in India region, including space for policy con- specically look into such issues of en- with more and more sultancy and advocacy. vironment clearance and compliance, Open Sesame e following areas present many would like to outsource for vari- businesses realizing opportunities for green consultancy ous reasons, capital and working cost in India: for such a professional team being the the importance of primary one. With the ‘environment doing ecologically A. Environment Clearance clearance’ domain in India getting B. Environment Compliance tougher by the day, and bridging gaps sound business. C. Environment Consultancy for between business clients and regula- waste managing business/ certi ed tory enforcement agencies reaching recyclers critical levels, there is enormous op- D. End of life management (EPR portunity for engaging in environment Rajeev Betne modeling) consultancy. In this domain a consul- E. Policy Engagements tant would need to do the following: ndia’s Environment Protection Act F. ird party audit/ certi cation  Keep track of the latest environ- 1986 is one of the most stringent G. Environment education, training mental regulation and their clauses ap- IActs in India’s independent his- and capacity building plicable to business. rough a certain tory that gives sweeping powers to the H. Advisory services for industrial mechanism (it could be a paid one) this government(s) with regards to clearing nancing houses information could be made available to business proposals as well as providing prospective clients, especially new pro- a composite framework within which A. Environment Clearance ponents. For example, if a small pro- these businesses must operate. e India’s Environment Ministry had ponent likes to start a plastic recycling laws under this Act are coming fast, issued the Environmental Impact As- operation in region ‘x’, what are his/her and along with lots of teeth. Processes sessment Notication in the year 2006, environmental obligations to get start- such as the Corporate Social Responsi- which makes environmental clearance ed with, whom should s/he approach bility (CSR), the Extended Producers mandatory for development activi- for clearance, what information would Responsibility (EPR) and value con- ties for industries listed in its sched- be needed for business clearance etc. tributions to end-of-life management ule. Most of the sectors fall under this is can be sort of knowledge manage- of their products are progressively becoming the norm. us increasingly, and rightly so, India is getting strict on allowing business here. Additionally, the global environment and health regime is also moving towards creating a Globally Harmo- nized Policy and Institutional Frame- work that countries need to adhere to (this is inclusive of international char- ters and conventions on such issues). Hence, not adhering to the global environment norms in the coming future would also mean losing huge market share and thus unviable. However, the business conditions here are not the same as in the western world and a lot of dots need to be joined in this sphere beginning business and development is approached to resource-use minimization, waste minimization and conducting operations in environmentally sound man-

ment and extension service; outsource compliance services. It is like specialty and emerging technology Table1: e OECD Environment Outlook 2030 for Waste Management  For the above purpose a sim- companies outsourcing services such as services could be thought of as a ple and user-friendly model for envi- nancial audits, website development protable model; ronmental clearance could be built for and maintenance, logistics, event man-  Referral services based on preparing report/s needed to get busi- agement, housekeep etc. expertise of dierent consulting rms ness clearance. Such models could be Following are the areas of protable in India. made available on paid basis; consultancy one could think of in the ere is huge opportunity with [Green Light] [Yellow Light] [Red Light]  e third level could be con- Indian context: clients in the chemical industry,  sultancy for preparing required stages Providing advisory services healthcare sector and waste-generating  Waste management  Municipal waste  Hazardous waste management sector such as tourism (hotels etc), and documents/ reports, essential for on compliance and regulatory in OECD countries environment clearance and getting the requirements – for example production electrical and electronics, big malls, Waste & generation and transportation  NOCs from the MoEF under various ambience, product specication construction etc. hazardous OECD country  Developing country  Waste management in rules; and content, labelling and product chemicals emissions of CFCs emissions of CFCs developing countries  Designing sustainable long- information, information compliance, C. Environment Consultancy  Chemicals in the environment term environmental plan and plan doc- waste management, production for waste managers/ certified and in products ument for clients based on compliance eciency etc; recyclers requirements;  Assisting companies to re- e global waste market is estimated  A consultant could also assist duce compliance costs by prioritiz- to be approximately USD 410 billion E. Policy Engagements the nancial house getting a bad name representing clients during clearance ing and streamlining compliance annually. is is a conservative estimate A consultancy establishment could in the market for nancing ecologically processes. requirements; of what the worldwide waste is worth think of the following service for min- THE GLOBAL WASTE irresponsible business proponent. Here, the Environment Impact  Preparing compliance reports, as many nations still do not have prop- istries and government bodies: MARKET IS ESTIMATED TO Here a consultant could assist the Assessment (EIA) needs a special environment audit reports for clients; er inventory in place. However, even  Consultancy on best policies nancers/donors for ecologically re- mention. An environmental impact  Develop internal environment this conservative estimate provides for  Consultancy on institutional BE APPROXIMATELY USD 410 sponsible nancing. assessment is an assessment of the pos- reporting and self tracking mechanism a ripe opportunity for waste-business reforms for better compliance rate With the looming global environ- sible impacts (positive as well as nega- for clients; in developing countries, including In-  Implementation of existing BILLION ANNUALLY. THIS IS A mental crisis, the world is progressively tive) that a proposed project may have  Environment data manage- dia. Nonetheless, this business due to policies is a bottleneck in India because CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATE OF moving towards enforcing green mod- on the environment, the society and ment for clients (this can be a huge its very nature of handling potentially the infrastructure, nancial mecha- ules of development. ere is no sec- the livelihood, especially locals. As a business in future for consultants); (and ecologically as well) unsafe mate- nism and monitoring mechanism are WHAT THE WORLDWIDE WASTE ond chosen path. India, aspiring to be- thumb rule EIAs need to be conduct-  Remediation consultancy, rials (Table1) would require even more not in place. Here is the opportunity come a major global power, can’t aord ed independently and in an open and rigorous mechanism for clearance and for policy level engagements with the IS WORTH AS MANY NATIONS to lag behind and thus has initiated transparent manner. operation and is ultimately an open governments to design suitable plan STILL DO NOT HAVE PROPER steps to massively improve its business e EIAs require multiple skills eld for prospective consultants. for implementing regulations ambience and has taken relevant policy based team and are considered one  Regulators training and capac- INVENTORY IN PLACE measures. From being a mere concern, of the most prolic consulting areas. D. End of life management ity building (at central and state level) ecological spillover of human endeav- Further, public hearing process for (EPR modeling) in improving compliance ours (especially commercial ones) has projects is a must; project proponents A lot of rms struggle to nd so-  Compliance reports prepara- G. Environment education, become a critical thematic area of the need assistance in which a consultant lutions for end of life management of tion on dierent sectors for ministries/ training and capacity building development paradigm; with the con- could provide help to get the projects their products. Till date many have government agencies. is is needed along the complete stant lookout for better alternatives. going. is is part of the overall not even thought of integrating this  Research advisory services for business chain including major stake- e situation calls for specialized inter- clearance process. in their business model. However, the frontier areas such as nanotechnology holders such as governments, indus- vention and hence unwrap a pack full Interestingly, environment clearance new environment and health regula- tries, recyclers and even educational of opportunity for green consultancy. is also a stage where long-term relations tion norms progressively talk of Ex- F. Third party audit/ bodies. is opportunity could be har- It is hoped that entrepreneurs with clients could be built for future tended Producers Responsibility and certification nessed by consultancies by designing would harness the maximum out of the gainful engagement. other kinds of contribution towards is is going to be one of the man- tailored training manuals and modules given situation and contribute towards end of life management of dates for industries in the future. e including workshops, presentations, creating an ecologically just and glob- B. Environment consumer products which state of Gujarat for example has already talks, technical guidance, visits etc. ally competitive business ambience.  Compliance ultimately enter into the initiated this and the industries need to Industrial facilities waste stream. submit third party audit to the Pollu- H. Advisory services for generally choose not to A lot of opportunities lie tion Control Board within prescribed industrial financing houses dedicate existing sta or in designing cost eective time schedule. Further, in this age of In the coming days India would see hire new sta to manage en- and eco-friendly models for globalization, most rms like to go for surge of green nancing and the do- vironmental compliance ac- such entities (electrical manu- international certi cations such as ISO nor/ nancial houses would stick to tivities. Reasons include sub- facturers such as CFL and certi cations. ese are very special- putting money in ventures that are en- stantial cost associated with batteries, healthcare facilities ized and high-end jobs requiring dedi- vironment compliant. Because, putting having dedicated sta and generating bio-medical waste, cation and specialized skills. money elsewhere would mean both, Rajeev Betne is a development professional with over 15 years of experience. He has worked extensively in the its associated liabilities. Also, hotels generating food waste, One could develop the required (a) loss of worth of money nanced in eld of enironment research and advocacy. He heads the compliance is a specialized job. electronic manufacturers etc.) capacity to render third party audit/ case of the proponent getting blacklist- Chemicals and Health Programme at Toxics Link, Hence, the common trend is to certi cation services. ed on ecological grounds and / or (b) a New Delhi based enironment policy group.

DEVELOPED & DEVELOPING WORLDS efore the Climate Talks began at Durban ve times higher than its earlier emission rates, in December, 2011, it was speculated that BASIC represents a group where its emissions, Bthe country groupings will have a major put together, are growing much faster than the role to play towards a constructive outcome at world’s. Based on such statistics, the pressure on the seventeenth Conference of Parties (Cop BASIC has been to accept obligations identical 17). It was understood that the Durban out- to those imposed on the North. ose in the come would largely depend on the interplay group, especially India and China, have been among the BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India resisting this pressure on the principles of eq- and China), the EU and the much larger group uity and Common but dierentiated liability of developed countries led by the US and com- (CBDR). Brazil and South Africa howevr were Shawahiq prising Russia, Japan, Canada, Australia and ready to accept binding obligations in return for Siddiqui others who have been historically been opposing nance. But China and India responded to such Advocate in the legally binding carbon reduction commitments. pressures by adopting voluntary measures and Supreme Court Caught in e BASIC group has always maintained that it country specic Climate Action Plans for reduc- and is part of the ing carbon emissions intensity of their GDP by cannot be treated on an equal footing with the team drafting developed countries on emission cuts because of 40-45 per cent and 20-25 per cent respectively the Renewable its ‘developing world’ status. At the same time it by 2020. Energy Law would not let go o the US and others to share a greater responsibility for their historic emissions Of Kyoto and Climate Debt responsible for the current climate crisis. How- e Kyoto Protocol is the world’s only ef- ever, post Cancun, the EU and others in the de- fective document that provides for binding veloped country groups have been increasingly emission cuts. Kyoto dierentiates between the asserting that ‘all emerging economies’ should North and South’s responsibility for climate semantics take legally binding emission cuts. With green change and mandates that the North, respon- house gas emissions increasing ve times faster sible for 75 per cent accumulated emissions, re- in China, making its per capita emissions close pay its climate debt. It imposes a modest ve per to Western Europe, South Africa’s emissions be- cent cut of its 1990 level on the global north. Climate change ing even higher than China, and India and Brazil Kyoto’s eective early phase—‘rst commit- having low emissions comparable to the world’s ment period’—that imposed mandatory emis- is a matter of poorest countries but rising at an accelerated sion cuts ends in 2012. e Annex 1 countries justice. The richest countries caused the problem, but it is the world’s poorest who are already suffering from its effects. In Durban, the international community should have committed to righting that wrong. But instead it got caught with semantics.

the next year. ough the Durban talks agreed conservative. e EU had been maintaining unanimously on extending the KP period which that it would support second commitment peri- was considered crucial for any future viable cli- od only if the Durban summit agrees to binding mate deal, there are exceptions to it. e Annex cuts for emerging economies. e developing I countries namely Japan, Russia and Canada countries were very annoyed with this stand of will not take any emission reduction targets for EU as it meant obliterating the North’s histori- the second commitment period of KP. is will cal responsibility for climate change and there- have a potential impact on the total global emis- fore had made Kyoto second period a precon- sion reductions which were targeted to be less dition for Durban’s success. However, the EU than 20 per cent. e role of India and China could achieve a change in the semantics of the in the Durban negotiations assumes signicant Durban Outcome. Instead of a ‘legally binding role as both countries have signicant emis- outcome,’ it agreed for an “agreed outcome with sion rates but have been playing the developing legal force,” suggested by Brazil’s chief negotia- IF CLIMATE CHANGE country card to which the EU was not willing tor, Ambassador Luis Figueiredo Machado.Aer HAS TO BE SUSTAINED, to agree. ough China agreed to consider the EU, India, China and other countries agreed on EXTENSION FOR THE legally binding agreement, India took aront the choice of words which would lead the course SECOND COMMITMENT to any such commitment on the grounds that for dierent legal options for a global climate PERIOD OF KYOTO IS agreeing to any such legally binding climate agreement. However, the exact form of outcome deal would mean to sign away the livelihood with legal force is still to be discussed in future NECESSARY. THE EURO of millions of poor people in the country and negotiations which will conclude in 2015. PEAN UNION, THOUGH that issues of equity could not be put away by POSITIVE IN THE EARLIER the Durban Process. ough both countries e Scientic Perspective STAGES OF CLIMATE constructively engaged on the issue of a legally From a scientic perspective, the current 2020 NEGOTIATIONS DURING binding outcome and stood together at times mitigation targets are not ambitious enough and in the face of strong opposition to the demands the global mean warming would reach about BALI AND COPENHA of the “EU Road Map,” they were supported by 3.5°C by 2100 with the current reduction pro- GEN HAD SOMEWHAT developing countries from the Alliance of Small posals on the table. As reported in the recently WEAKENED THE KYOTO’S Island States (AOSIS) and Least Developed published UNEP emissions gap report, current FUNDAMENTAL PREMISE Countries. e EU had oered a second com- pledges by developed and developing countries have been resisting the extension of Kyoto. e ctitious projects. erefore, Durban was likely mitment period of the Kyoto Protocol but only will mean that by 2020 global emissions will OF THE NORTH’S OBLI US never ratied it but still had been making at- to fall in any of the following three options: (1) under the condition that a new global agree- be 6-11 Gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent, higher GATION FOR A MORE tempts to kill Kyoto and replace it with a ‘new Carrying forward the previous framework de- ment including all countries would be needed than a 2°C emissions trajectory. Current pledges RESPONSIBLE ACTION climate regime’ until the survival of Kyoto was veloped in Copenhagen and Cancun without to be agreed upon as well. by developed countries fall far short of what is BY ASKING FOR SIMILAR made central to the success of the climate talks any signicant political breakthroughs and legal needed as they add up to no more than 12-18% BINDING CUTS FOR THE at Durban.If the stand on the North’s historical pledges; (2) Moving to a more voluntary ‘non EU’s Formula reductions below 1990 by 2020. What environ- liability for climate change has to be sustained, legally binding’ commitment period under the e EU initially played a very positive role in mental groups as well as the Intergovernmental EMERGING ECONOMIES, extension for the second commitment period Kyoto Protocol; and a scenario where the EU the climate talks but since Cancun, has turned Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) require is WITHOUT WHICH IT of Kyoto is necessary. e European Union, would not move a step forward with a legally WOULD NOT SUPPORT though positive in the earlier stages of climate binding outcome, (3) e agreement to a Kyoto THE SECOND COMMIT negotiations during Bali and Copenhagen had Protocol’s second commitment period for devel- somewhat weakened the Kyoto’s fundamental oped countries as already provided under Kyoto MENT PERIOD OF KYOTO premise of the North’s obligation for a more as well as initiating a new mandate for all major responsible action by asking for similar binding developing economies. cuts for the emerging economies, without which it would not support the second commitment What Transpired period of Kyoto. On the other hand develop- e Durban climate negotiations spanned ing countries had been sticking to their stand for 16 days, longest in the history of the United on ‘common but dierentiated liability’ and Nations Framework Convention on Climate had made the second commitment period a pre- Change (UNFCCC). e parties adopted a condition for Durban’s success. Durban even “package” which included as its main elements before its start had feared to become another an amendment to the Kyoto Protocol (KP), the Copenhagen, where all major claimants and decision to negotiate a global climate change perpetrators of climate change colluded to write agreement by 2015 and operationalizing the an atrocious deal to adopt voluntary national Green Climate Fund. e amendment to KP is pledges that were founded on dubious econom- an agreement for a second commitment period, ics and have come to reveal as massive scandals, starting in 2013. Whether the duration of the replete with over-ambitious emission cuts, mis- second commitment period will be ve years reporting, loss of valuable public subsidy and or eight years will be decided over the course of

that developed countries move into the 25-40% Role Played by China, India range, as a rst step, and subsequently to more e outcome seemed unlikely because there than 40% below 1990 by 2020. was little indication that China and India would agree to negotiate a new agreement to limit An Agreed Outcome or a Green Wash their emissions. Without any agreement from e Durban outcome is referred to as “an China and India, the United States had said agreed outcome with a legal force.” However, the that it would not agree to a new round of nego- legal nature of this outcome has been le unde- tiations. And without agreement by the United ned. e nal broad component of the COP States, China, and India, the European Union 17 decision, the Durban Mandate constitutes the would not agree to a second commitment peri- following: (i) the Second Commitment Period od under the Kyoto Protocol. What allowed the (SCP) for emissions reduction by Annex-I coun- Durban outcome was a careful compromise that tries under the Kyoto Protocol; (ii) a decision on gave BASIC countries, on one side, a 2020 start the work of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long- date for the new agreement and some ambigu- term Cooperative Action (AWG-LCA); (iii) a ity about its legal character (about which more THE MOST SIGNIFICANT decision on the Green Climate Fund (GCF); and below), and gave the EU, small island states and OUTCOME IN DURBAN IS (iv) an agreement on the Durban Platform. is least-developed states, on the other side, early THAT THE US, CHINA AND THOUGH CHINA agreed outcome will be developed by an Ad Hoc start and end dates for the negotiations (the AGREED TO CONSIDER Working Group on the Durban Platform for En- negotiations will begin next year and conclude INDIA HAVE AGREED TO THE LEGALLY BINDING hanced Action (AWG), which will begin work in 2015) and language that the outcome of the BE INCLUDED IN A LEGAL AGREEMENT, INDIA TOOK in the rst half of 2012. e AWG will formal- new negotiations will have “legal force.” Inter- FRAMEWORK AFTER ize the legal regime not later than 2015, the year estingly, the United States apparently played Climate change activists demonstrate their support for a global climate change treaty in Durban 2020. RELATIONSHIP AFFRONT TO ANY SUCH in which it will be adopted. As stated that the something of an intermediary role, since it had COMMITMENT ON THE Durban conference was most likely to fall within some exibility about the issues of both dates BETWEEN THE US AND GROUNDS THAT AGREE the three possible scenarios viz moving on with and legal form. In the end game of Durban, In- General Assembly Resolution that initiated the riod. But, of course, the BASIC countries are al- CHINA HAD HAMPERED ING TO ANY SUCH LE business as usual with Copenhagen and Cancun dia was unwilling to accept a mandate to negoti- UN climate change negotiations and led to the ready parties to two climate change agreements, THE PROGRESS OF GALLY BINDING CLIMATE framework, defying Kyoto by agreeing to non ate a “protocol or another legal instrument,” and development of the UN Framework Conven- the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, one of GLOBAL CLIMATE legally binding nature of the commitment for its preferred the formulation of a “legal outcome.” tion on Climate Change. e 1990 UN General which (the UNFCCC) already imposes general TALKS FOR SEVERAL DEAL WOULD MEAN TO second phase and the third and most unlikely one e United States suggested “outcome with le- Assembly resolution called clearly for the nego- mitigation obligations on all parties, including SIGN AWAY THE LIVELI being agreeing to extending Kyoto and bringing gal force,” India added “agreed,” and the EU said tiation of a “convention” (albeit a “framework” the BASICs. So the issue is not whether China, YEARS BECAUSE HOOD OF MILLIONS OF all major economies to an agreement for a legally ok. us the deal was done. agreement) “containing appropriate commit- India and the other BASIC countries are willing NEITHER PARTY HAD POOR PEOPLE IN THE binding mandate. Various climate gurus have in- ments.” In contrast, the Durban meeting was to become party to a legally-binding agreement, BEEN WILLING TO BE COUNTRY terpreted the Durban outcome as very close to Uniting US, China, India on climate unable to agree on a mandate to negotiate a le- even one that imposes mitigation commitments THE FIRST TO MOVE. the third scenario i.e. an in-principle agreement Durban resulted in new country group- gal agreement and contains no language about on them. Rather, the question is whether the by all for a legally binding regime for carbon emis- ings with the EU, coalition of small island commitments. e Durban platform could be BASIC countries are willing to accept specic NOW, HOWEVER, FOR sion cuts. For the triumph of optimism, if this is states and LDC’s on one side and the US, satised by an “outcome with legal force” — a obligations to limit their emissions. THE FIRST TIME, THEY construed to be the best positive interpretation of China and India on the other. e Europe- formulation that as far as I am aware does not ARE MOVING AHEAD COP 17 then in doing so did the global commu- an Union was successful in pushing through have any precedent in international law. Argu- e Outcome TOGETHER TOWARDS nity put the planet at risk? is is a question that an outcome about which the United States, ably, “legal force” means the same thing as “le- Overall, it is understood that in Durban the LEGALLY BINDING only science can answer. However, science seems China and India were, at best, lukewarm. gally-binding,” and the addition of “with legal multilateral process was strengthened and more to have lost to the complexities of legal interpre- “e most signi cant outcome in Durban is force” to “agreed outcome” (the Bali Action clarity on the legal form of the future agreement REDUCTION TARGETS tation on ‘legal outcome’ and ‘agreed outcome that the US, China and India have agreed to Plan language) means that the outcome is some- exists. However, despite the positive outcomes of FOR ALL MAJOR with legal force’. Whatever may be the phrase, the be included in a legal framework aer 2020. thing more than what Bali contemplated (which the Durban conference, there are still concerns EMITTERS FROM 2020 substantive outcome is the delaying of any con- Relationship between the US and China had included COP decisions). But the inability to from developing countries that too much bur- crete action with commitment and responsibility hampered the progress of global climate talks reach agreement on “legally-binding” suggests den has been shied onto their shoulders. Fur- by the developed and developing world. All that for several years because neither party had been that at least some parties thought “legal force” thermore, the last-minute compromise on legal the nation states agreed in Durban is to launch willing to be the rst to move. Now, however, might mean something less.Moreover, the Dur- form was a missed opportunity to clearly estab- a new negotiating process to develop a “proto- for the rst time, they are moving ahead togeth- ban Platform does not specify anything about lish equity as a basis for the coming negotiations, col, another legal instrument, or agreed outcome er towards legally-binding reduction targets for the content of the new “protocol, another legal and the principle of common but dierentiated with legal force,” that will address the post-2020 all major emitters from 2020. How ambitious instrument or legal outcome with legal force.” responsibilities (CBDR) has been undermined period and will be “applicable to all parties.” In those targets will be remains to be seen, but the e assumption is that it will set forth emissions to some degree, rather than strengthened, as addition to this Kyoto Protocol is extended by fact that all countries have agreed to this process limitation commitments, but the Durban deci- asserted by India during the response to EU’s another 5-8 years without any clarity on emission is a major leap forward. sion does not say so explicitly. So, in theory, the formula on the last day. e agreement reached targets for its second commitment period, thus Durban Platform negotiations could be satis- in Durban though represents a step forward for rendering it only a basic political decision. In ad- No Precedent in International Law ed by another framework-style agreement. In the multilateral process. However, the agree- dition to this, parties agreed to establish a Green e Durban Platform is also pretty thin gru- Durban, the issue was oen framed as whether ment will not aect the emissions outlook for Climate Fund and transparency rules for the de- el as a negotiating mandate. In terms of its actual the BASIC countries would agree to negotiate a 2020 and has postponed decisions on further veloped and developing countries. language, it is arguably weaker than the 1990 UN legally-binding agreement for the post-2020 pe- emission reductions. 

mented by the various gases released economically practical. for its commitment to green energy, meet all of its energy demand through by modern industrial processes. ese Wind energy is another form of en- and India is the rst nation to set up a wind power. gases force more heat to be trapped vironmental energy that is becoming ministry for non-conventional energy. from the sun than usual; this causes increasingly prevalent. In contrast to India has all the capability to make The Road ahead Rolling the a sharp increase in the temperature the various methods of harnessing solar use of solar and wind energy to cause a So why the slight detour into en- of the planet, leading to changing energy, wind energy is generated in pri- business sensation; all that is necessary vironmental energy? Because it is at weather patterns, ice cap melting, and marily one form, that of turbines. Tur- is to activate it. the crux of the global warming issue other such environmental problems. bines are the image usually associated Launched in 2003, the four-year and was the principal concern of the Carbon dioxide emissions are reach- with wind energy, giant wind-powered Indian Solar Loan Programme is a Durban conference. Debates raged ing a record high, with an almost 50 fans. Wind turbines take up minimal partnership between United Nations on about how green energy should be ball in Durban per cent increase since 1990, due to space and have a high eciency rate in Environmental Programme and two employed to combat it and some con- The Durban conference’s greatest achievement was the conventions of technology. Every- addition to being good for the environ- of India’s largest banking groups to es- troversial plans came up. One example day conventions such as cars, factories, ment. Unfortunately, wind turbines are tablish a consumer credit market for came from Russia, to rede ne which acknowledging the fact that current policies were not and coal-fueled power plants release also highly expensive and have various nancing solar homes in parts of India countries were “rich” and “poor” so as enough and that it was time for a change in how we gas into the air, resulting in more and capacities depending on how hard the where the conventional electricity grid to distribute responsibilities toward more carbon dioxide, which leads to wind is blowing. While they are still is absent or unreliable. e innovative green energy. is idea was met with viewed climate change and green energy. more and more climate change. Unless an extremely viable energy source and nancing arrangement involves an in- hostility by nations that would be re- a change in approach and attitude oc- particularly eective, turbines must be terest rate reduction, market develop- categorized even though they are still Safaan Syed curs, climate change will continue to approached with a measure of caution. ment support, and a process to qualify developing countries (countries like grow unchecked, causing unimaginable Yet another type of green energy solar suppliers. India is poised for a India and China). n 28 November 2011, countries damage to the earth’s environment. is geothermal. Geothermal energy is solar economic boom with the launch Both China and India rearmed gathered in Durban to hold the use of heat in the earth for energy of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar their continued commitment to the Othe 2011 United Nations Role of clean energy purposes. It’s not as common as solar Mission, a comprehensive plan to com- cause, but asked the other nations to rec- Climate Change Conference. For Climate change is not an inevitable or wind, but it still has a fair amount of bat climate change with solar energy. ognize that they are still economically almost two weeks delegates threw fate and technology oers many potential and viability. e main disad- e plan aims to establish India as the developing and will need more concrete themselves into the chaotic subject sources of alternative energy in the vantages are its initial cost and, more premier global leader in solar energy terms before making concrete vows. of climate change, trying to devise a future. Solar, wind, and geothermal importantly, the scarcity of building through a three phase approach the rst ey further emphasized that they had solution that would be fair to all. e systems are already being pioneered sites. Geothermal energy requires very of which is to commission 1000MW each done a large share of the work in German media would go on to say that around the world and such energies speci c conditions which are a huge im- worth of solar projects by 2013. With combating climate change and demand- the Durban Climate Agreement was the key to cracking the climate change pediment to mainstream construction. all these supports in place, India is on ed fair treatment for their work. “almost useless” having neither con- problem. ese green energies are Because of this major problem, geother- the brink of a solar revolution, the fu- In the midst of all this, it became crete pledges nor a speedy timeline. meant to reduce the amount of mal energy is not yet as eective as solar ture of which is entirely dependent on apparent that some real progress was But this is an extremely shallow way to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, or wind. Obviously, no change can occur the Indian people. nally being made in areas like the eq- judge the conference, for it did some- thereby minimizing the change in the instantly and switching to green energy China, on the other hand, already uity of responsibility between coun- thing crucial that had to be done: it got greenhouse eect and climate change. will require a massive lifestyle change has a burgeoning renewable energy tries and future plans such as the Green the ball rolling. Solar energy is harnessed in many ways in society. To ease this transition a “hy- economy, growing exponentially. Chi- Fund for developing countries. Climate change has always been far has been the Kyoto Protocol, which and is a very broad eld of green energy. brid” approach is being applied, making na’s wind resources are the largest in e Durban conference made many a sensitive issue and this sensitivity called for plans to reduce carbon diox- e rst form is through photovoltaic use of both mainstream and alternative the world and it is the fourth largest lasting contributions to the reduction has led to a hesitance to even broach ide, created an adaption fund for de- panels. Photovoltaic panels are the energy simultaneously while gradu- producer of wind power. In addition, of climate change, but ultimately its the subject. e conference marks a veloping countries, and established a plates positioned on rooops that are ally phasing out the former. is same China is the world’s largest maker of greatest was its acceptance that cur- beginning to serious government ac- Compliance Committee to enforce the oen associated with solar energy. philosophy applies to transportation wind turbines, and because of all these rent policies were not enough and tion against global warming and a step plans. e Achilles’ heel of the Kyoto is system was once written o as too with hybrid vehicles already in the factors, the Chinese wind industry has that it is time for a change in how we forward in the pursuit of clean energy. Protocol was that one of the major na- costly, but is now making a comeback market. e clear reduction of carbon appeared impervious to the widespread view climate change and how we view Previous conferences, while providing tions involved in climate change, the due to reduced manufacturing costs dioxide from these technologies will de- recession. China’s solar industry is also green energy. e Durban conference important groundwork, were mostly United States of America, has yet to resulting in cheaper panels. Another crease the greenhouse eect and limit quite proli c, producing over 30 per is an indicator that the energy industry spent arguing semantics and laying out ratify it. Without its signature the Pro- form of solar energy is what is called global warming. cent of the world’s photovoltaic solar is going to change dramatically an even base to begin building on. Now, tocol remains ineective. e confer- “concentrated solar power” in which panels. Solar energy is being supple- and that aer years of inconclusive re- with the Durban conference, we are - ence marks the end of the rst commit- panels jointly reect their rays into Scenario in India and China mented with the Golden Sun plan sults it is nally occurring. e ball is nally beginning to reap the fruits of the ment period of the Kyoto Protocol and one point, creating tremendous heat, Despite having an optimum envi- which provides subsidies and techno- nally rolling.  previous conferences and the countries with it nations are working towards an powering an engine and producing ronment for solar energy, India has yet logical aid for countries developing of the world are now in a position to agreement on solving the pressing issue electricity. Yet another style of solar to fully tap into its vast potential for re- solar power. On top of that, China has making a decision on the future of cli- of climate change. energy is Solar ermal Energy which newable energy. India happens to have an unusually large number of geother- mate change and green energy. Climate change, earlier introduced uses sun rays to heat a liquid into a an extremely well-made programme mal hotspots, which makes the energy as global warming by the world’s scien- gas, which then goes to an engine for supporting renewable energy and form eective and viable. China’s en- Evaluating Past Efforts tic community, is a phenomenon in and generates electricity. Of all these this could lead to India becoming a vironmental energy situation is grow- Past eorts to combat climate which the natural greenhouse gases of methods, the photovoltaic system leader in the eld of renewable energy. ing to the level that experts at Harvard change have been fraught with error the earth, which trap the heat from the seems to be the most popular and the e Indian Solar Loan Programme has University and Tsinghua University Safaan Syed is a student with an avid interest in and ineective. e best eort made so sun and release the excess, are supple- best “value” being both ecient and won the Energy Globe World award speculate that by 2030 China could en ironment and development issues.

MANAGEMENT & DELIVERY OF WATER SERVICES such as, due to climate changes caused increase in world population, dramatic rst time in Mar Del Plata Action Plan by global warming, the depletion of increase in the rate of urbanization, and a number of eorts have been made fossil water as a result of extraction of industrialization has made this renew- both in terms of awareness and reforms more fossil water, mainly for irrigation able but fragile resource inaccessible to in technology, policy and institutional purposes, than the rate of its natural re- a large number of populations. arrangements. Following the recom- placement and every day misuse of our Acknowledging the signicance of mendations of the Mar Del Plata Ac- potable water. Moreover, excessive ex- adequate water services, since 1977, tion Plan, the 1980s was declared the traction of fossil water also deteriorates when the issue of the right to have ad- decade of International Drinking Wa- the quality of remaining ground water equate access to drinking water was ad- ter Supply and Sanitation (IDWSSD) Our W a t e r as the low quality water ows towards dressed at the international level for the with a target of achieving 100 per cent Our Life The key to successful community participation in water supply management is to make the community understand the value of water resources and invite them to participate in managing the scarce resource.

Amandeep Kang

ater is crucial to sustain life and a key element for socio- the same aquifers due to depression (as ACCORDING TO THE WORLD HEALTH coverage in water supply and sanitation Weconomic development. Access a result of excessive extraction of wa- within the decade. In 2000, the United to adequate water services has a direct ter) in those aquifers. is precious re- ORGANISATION, MORE THAN Nations Millennium Development relation to the signi cant aspects of the source is also becoming scarce because 1.1 BILLION PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE Goals addressed the issue of water by socio-economic development such as of the degradation of water quality. setting a goal “to hal e, by 2015, the elevation of poverty, enhancing qual- is is due to physical, chemical and ACCESS TO SAFE WATER SUPPLIES. proportion of people without sustainable Caption Caption Caption Caption Caption Caption Caption Caption ity of life, improvement in health and biological pollution (both from point THE WATER SUPPLY STATISTICS access to safe drinking water and sanita- environment. or non point sources of pollution) of tion.” (United Nations 2001, MDGs: Ironically, human beings have been fresh water resources (both ground wa- REVEAL THAT THE MAJORITY Goal7; Target 10). Although, these at- exploiting water, the most precious gi ter as well as of surface water resources) OF PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE tempts have contributed much towards of nature and a basic necessity to sus- as a result of agricultural, industrial ef- ACCESS TO SAFE WATER SUPPLIES the ongoing eorts to improve water tain life on this planet, for centuries in uent and domestic sewage, especially services, nevertheless, despite these ef- their own desired way. in highly populated and industrially BELONG TO THE LESS DEVELOPED forts, there still remain a large number Today, we are concerned about developed regions. is ultimately COUNTRIES AND, PRIMARILY, TO of people who do not have access to this precious resource which is being makes water resources unsuitable for LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS adequate water services. According to increasingly depleted in many ways, potable use. Along with this, the rapid the World Health Organisation, more

than 1.1 billion people do not have ac- sector water provision in many parts Small-Scale Entrepreneur cess to safe water supplies. e water of the world. With this institutional Arrangements supply statistics reveal that the major- change, a variety of arrangements Another type of institutional ar- ity of people who do not have access focused on market approach have rangement in the water sector, gener- to safe water supplies belong to the less been introduced in the delivery and ally known as ‘informal arrangements’, developed countries and, primarily, to management of water services. e is the small-scale entrepreneur arrange- low income households. proponents of the private sector ments. In many developing countries, In general, ‘water crisis’ is oen arrangements argue that by involving the small-scale entrepreneurs are lling understood as the reduction in the the private sector in water provision, it the gaps le by the government and global water quantity on earth. How- will better assist in gaining investment the formal private sector in delivering ever, this crisis is of ‘water governance’ needed for the required infrastructure water, especially to the poor. ese i.e. mismanagement of water resources and enhance the operating eciency small-scale entrepreneurs include pri- or services which makes this precious of the provision through introducing a vate independent and NGO provid- resource either inaccessible or unt to high level of technical and management ers, which range from water vendors to consume. In recent years, it has been skills. e private sector, in the water community based water provisions. It acknowledged that this failure of inac- delivery sector, is introduced in a has been found that 25% of residents in cessibility to adequate water services is variety of forms depending upon the Latin America and 50% of residents in not primarily a technical problem; it is THE BASIC DEBATE IS WHETHER however, for decades the public sector level of participation of the involved Africa depend on these small-scale en- more an institutional problem. WATER SHOULD BE TREATED AS A water provision, administered through actors. In the context of water delivery, roughout the world, there is a the municipalities, has remained a privatization (full divestiture), lease, diversity of formal and informal insti- SOCIAL GOOD AND A BASIC HUMAN dominant and most favoured option. concession and B.O.T. contracts are PROPONENTS OF THE PRIVATE trepreneurs for their water supply. Ini- tutional arrangements existing in the RIGHT OR AS A COMMERCIAL To date, public sector is still the pri- dierent forms of this institutional SECTOR ARRANGEMENTS ARGUE tially, this arrangement was considered provision of water services such as pub- mary provision for water services in arrangement, which are based on the THAT BY INVOLVING THE PRIVATE irregular and illegal as it operates out- lic sector water provision, private sec- COMMODITY. THE PROPONENTS OF most parts of the world. e acknowl- principle of competition and prices. side the ocial framework. It has also tor water provision, a variety of public- WATER AS A SOCIAL GOOD AND A edgement of water as a social or public Some of these forms are also known SECTOR IN WATER PROVISION, IT been criticized as an expensive arrange- private partnerships and public-public BASIC HUMAN RIGHT ARGUE THAT good makes water provision a respon- as ‘joint ventures’ or ‘Public Private WILL BETTER ASSIST IN GAINING ment as studies pointed out that oen partnerships, small-scale entrepreneur sibility of the public sector. erefore, Partnerships’. At the lowest end of the poor spend much more on buying arrangements and community-based AS WATER IS A FUNDAMENTAL one of the key arguments for the case of this arrangement lies the management INVESTMENT NEEDED FOR THE water from the vendor than those con- water provisions. ese arrangements NECESSITY OF LIFE, THEREFORE, IT public sector water provision is that as support contracts where the private REQUIRED INFRASTRUCTURE nected to the direct water supply. Re- are primarily based on macro level water provision provides public bene- sector is involved only in specic tasks AND ENHANCE THE OPERATING cently, however, there has been a shi policy-driven approaches. e un- SHOULD BE ACCESSIBLE ts, it must be controlled and managed and paid by the public authority. At in opinion regarding the eectiveness derpinning ideological debate among TO EVERY INDIVIDUAL WITHOUT by the public sector. Following the the other end lies the ‘divestiture’ or EFFICIENCY OF THE PROVISION of this arrangement because of recent these approaches is with respect to the ANY CONDITION acknowledgment of water as a human ‘full privatization’. Only England and THROUGH INTRODUCING A ndings of its contribution in comple- question of ‘management by whom?’ right and social good, it is suggested Wales have a full divestiture of water HIGH LEVEL OF TECHNICAL AND menting the formal water provision. i.e. whether water should be managed social good and a basic human right that water services must be managed services when talking about the scale of Hence, as discussed above, there by the state under the public sector argue that as water is a fundamental under the public sector. its implementation. MANAGEMENT SKILLS are a variety of institutional arrange- or managed by private enterprises un- necessity of life, therefore, it should be However, to some extent, the pub- ments (with their own strengths and der the private sector. erefore, the accessible to every individual without lic sector water provision has failed in limitations) available for the manage- basic debate is whether water should any condition. On the other hand, the practice to deliver the results in relation ment and delivery of water services. be treated as a social good and a basic proponents of water as a commercial to its theoretical base as evident by the However, in order to manage and human right or as a commercial com- commodity believe that it is necessary fact that there still exist a large num- deliver sustainable and eective water modity. e proponents of water as a to price water to manage it eciently ber of people that are without access services, it is immensely important that and to achieve its true value. ese pro- to adequate water services, especially an institutional arrangement should be ponents support the market model of in the less developed countries. is based on an appropriate understanding development where prices can become suggests that, in practice, the public and acknowledgement of the socio- the mechanism for its allocation, dis- sector water delivery arrangement has economic, political and institutional tribution and consumption. some serious limitations. One of the capabilities under which the system major limitations of this arrangement will be operating.  Existing Management and is its top-down approach and the lack Delivery of Water Services of decentralization and a single independent authority responsible for the Public Sector water sector, especially in the context Historically, throughout the world, of developing countries. water has been considered as a public good and managed by local govern- Private Sector Provision ments. Although, from time-to-time, It was during the 1980s, when some other forms of arrangements the market-led private sector water Amandeep Kang is a researcher with expertise in water also appeared for a short span of time, provision initially replaced the public go ernance and institutional arrangements

DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA objectives in China, you can establish a Representative Office FIE (JV or WFOE) Joint Venture (JV). However, there are Setting up Prior approval required from Ministry of Prior approval required from signi cant risks and pitfalls associated requirements Commerce (MOFCOM) MOFCOM with this structure. is does not No registered capital required Minimum paid up registered mean you should not form a JV. It can Parent company must be in operation capital required depending on the be a successful endeavour if you for at least 2 years in its home country industry understand whether your Chinese Permitted Can do non-profit communication, Can do profit making activities, partner is capable of ful lling your activities market research, relation building, issue invoices, receive RMB business objectives and each side’s goals, exhibit products or services, liaison payments and earn profits. contributions and responsibilities are and coordination activities; Cannot do The any direct profit making activities, sign mutual and understood. contracts or bill customers. Additional A JV could be an Equity Joint Ven- rules for business sectors such as ture or a Co-operative Joint Venture banks, insurance institutions, securities also known as Contractual Joint Ven- organizations, accounting and law firms. ture (CJV). In EJV mode, the foreign Prohibited Certain business activities in the farming, animal husbandry, mining and investment in the project must be 25% Industries quarrying, telecommunications, postal, manufacturing, scientific research, and partners share pro ts, losses and power, irrigation and education sectors are prohibited from foreign First investment. risks in proportion to their contribution to the registered capital. But in Funding Through money sent by parent Through money sent by foreign of local company company and profits generated by CJV mode, partners share pro t on operations business operations an agreed basis, not necessarily in pro- Cost and Time USD 1,000 to USD 5,000; 2-3 months Registered capital could vary from for Setting to set up USD 10,000 to over USD 1,00,000 depending on the industry and Step location; 3-4 months to set up THE WORLD BANK RANKS CHINA 91 OUT OF 183 Hiring of Cannot hire local Chinese staff; can Can hire Chinese employees Employees hire foreign nationals (one Chief after signing contract as per China is not the easiest places to do business in. COUNTRIES IN ITS ANNUAL Representative and maximum 3 requirements of Labour Contract A guide to overcome hurdles across the Great Wall. ordinary representatives) Law ‘EASE OF DOING BUSINESS’ Compliance Submit an annual report to the Annual audit reports (balance RANKINGS FOR 2012. Requirements registration authority between 1 March sheet and income statements) to Anchit Goel the nancial, regulatory and market and 30 June be submitted to relevant authorities environment in China, who can pro- Principal Regulations on Administration of Company Law, Law of the People's he bilateral trade between India vide right guidance to those interested portion to capital contributed. e Applicable Registration of Resident Offices Republic of China on Wholly and China touched a new mile- in China. erefore, many companies its benets and drawbacks. e table foreign investor can obtain the desired Laws of Foreign Enterprises; some local Foreign- Owned Enterprises and stone of USD 73.9 billion in 2011 nd it very challenging to do business shows the di erences between a RO level of control by negotiating manage- provincial governments have their own Law of the People's Republic of T requirements China on Chinese-Foreign Joint as against USD 61.7 billion in 2010. with China. and FIE. ment, voting, and stang in advance Ventures, Sino-Foreign Equity China has become a hot favourite Here we will attempt to address this If you are planning to do an initial with the Chinese partner. is mode Joint Venture Law, Sino-Foreign among many Indian companies who challenge through a series of articles on feasibility study, understand the is more convenient and exible. ere- Cooperative Joint Venture Law either want to source their products various aspects of doing business in market, network, research about the fore it is easier to nd a co-operative Tax Generally 10% tax on the Gross Depends on place of registration and raw materials from China or want China. is will include how to enter opportunities for your products/service partner and reach an agreement. But Requirements Expenses of the office and industry; begins with 25% to o shore their production facilities the China market, choosing the right then establishing a Representative at the same time a CJV could be time although some industries enjoy a to a cheaper location and/or sell their location for your business, establish- Oce (RO) would be the right step consuming and involve dicult nego- lower rate of 15% products in China. ing relationships (Guanxi), recruit- for you. It is also faster, cheaper and tiations in the beginning. Despite this attractive quality, the ing sta , sourcing, manufacturing and easier. Once you feel that you have Whether you choose a JV or a proportional amount of shares. requirements and procedures. It can country is not an easy place to do busi- selling in China. In this article we deal understood the market well and see a WFOE, you can incorporate your ere isn’t one single structure which also nd a suitable partner for your ness in. It is a complex market with its with the various modes of entering the demand for your o erings in China or company in China in two ways – is the best. Each has its own bene ts and JV in China.  unique culture, dicult language and China market – the di erent forms of would like to establish a manufacturing Limited Liability Company (LLCs) drawbacks. Your choice should depend its own style of doing business. Busi- business organization and which form plant, you can establish a WFOE or or a Joint Stock Company. Most FIEs on your business objectives and how For any queries you may have please nesses need to consider a wide range of should you choose for your business. convert your existing RO to a WFOE. in China are set up as LLCs as in this much time and nancial resources you email me at [email protected]. strategies, evaluate the advantages and e structures typically used by foreign With WFOE status you can formally case your personal liability is limited are ready to invest in pursuing those disadvantages before setting shop in investors in China are: carry out your business, issue invoices, to the amount of money you invest. objectives. I would strongly advise you China. e World Bank ranks China  Representative Oce (RO) receive RMB revenues and convert An LLC cannot issue shares and has to rst seek expert legal advice before 91 (out of 183 countries) in its annual  Foreign Invested Enterprise (FIE) your RMB prots into US dollars. a speci ed life of 30 years, which can setting up oce in China. e India ‘Ease of Doing Business’ rankings for  Joint Venture (JV) If you feel that you do not have be extended. Joint stock companies China Economic & Cultural Council 2012. At the same time, there is a short-  Wholly Foreign Owned Enter- the required nancial capacity and are more complex in nature as their (ICEC) has a panel of eminent lawyers/ age of skilled and stable consulting pro- prise (WFOE) – usually pronounced expertise of the China market and capital is divided into shares and any law rms with expertise in the Chinese fessionals with rich practical experience as wooe would like to partner with a Chinese legal entity or individual can invest market to help you understand each Anchit Goel is based in Shanghai. of working in China and knowledge of Each organization structure has company to further your business in the company in exchange for the organization structure in detail, its ( is article is for information only and not a legal advice)

Ravi Shankar ICC: Fugumobile is a shoes and some gaming applications marketing solutions provider targeting the young generation. Bose is the Director for many leading consumer of Fugumobile Ltd, a brands in China. Could you tell Have you faced any competi- us more about your business tion in China, especially from successful Shanghai and the products/services you local Chinese companies, provide? when reaching out to your based company started Bose: Fugumobile is a mobile customers? by Indians. Bose marketing and advertising agency, do- Fugumobile is technology as well ing business in China for the past 10 as creativity focused company. e cre- possesses a rare quality years. Rather than being on the tradi- ativity part includes understanding of that most marketers tional side of advertising we are more the brand and what kind of solutions on the digital side, which includes suit that brand. Aer branding comes aspire for: A grounding both internet as well as mobile ad- the tough part of inserting technology vertising. We are working with many into creativity. in technology leading brands creating marketing In China, we have faced com- combined with a solutions and advertisement strategy petition from technology as well as for the mobile platform. creativity oriented companies. On deep understanding ree-four years ago there were no technology side are many local Chi- of brands. Following smart phones or tablets. at time the nese companies and on the creativity dominating source of advertising on side are many traditional advertising stints in the IT industry mobile was through targeted text SMS agencies. But what makes us unique with no visuals. Now with the advent is that we are able to combine these in India, Bose has of technology and rapidly increasing two – technology and creativity. If the spent the last nine number of mobile users, digital ad- brand goes to a technology company vertising has become more interactive then they are not able to come out years working in the and with a wider reach. So more and with creative mobile concepts and more brands are using mobile phones strategy. Similarly, creative companies mobile marketing and as a medium to reach and retain don’t have the technical talent to gaming business in consumers. We provide such clients execute solutions. In the last 4-5 years, with complete end-to-end services we have observed that many creative China and has grown (from concept to execution) across companies come to us to develop these with the nascent digital all mobile platforms including SMS, solutions as they nd it dicult to in- MMS, WAP, QR Codes, Bluecasting, corporate creativity with technology. marketing industry and multiple app environments. What is the biggest challenge from basic to ever What is the profile of your you have faced, both in terms evolving platforms for clients? Are they only Chinese of your business and the or also include MNCs? general Chinese business consumer engagement. Many of our clients are MNCs environment? Proficient with both brands. e campaigns are done We did not face any major chal- mostly for the Chinese market as well lenge in setting up the business in online and mobile as for other markets including India, China. But we did in terms of the Europe, US, Southeast Asia and many services we provide. e biggest chal- platforms, Bose is a more. As China has a big automobile lenge was to convince the brands for firm believer in the industry, our biggest clients are some advertising on the mobile platform. of the automobile companies, such as ere was no one to take the rst step convergence of digital Mercedes and BMW. For Mercedes as this was a very new concept in the media and spends his AMG, the high end cars, we devel- advertising world. China has over 800 oped a mobile application providing a million mobile users but still it was free time reading about 360 degree view of the car and its fea- dicult to convince brands on how China market is tures. Same was also done for BMW eective the mobile campaign will be. the latest technologies. with some more features like the his- Luckily brands like Coca-Cola and He speaks with tory of the car, videos and wallpapers. Nike, which are very innovative in Last year during the cricket World their advertisement campaigns, were Anchit Goel about his Cup, we developed an ad campaign willing to trust us and take the rst experiences in China. for Reebok shoes in India, develop- step. Now more and more brands are not a cash cow ing wallpapers, 360 degree view of the willing to have such advertisements

and the challenge has reduced to some e basic outlook of consumers In India there is a lot of CHINA INDIA AS TRANSFORMATIVE FORCE extent. What still remains a challenge is price. Indian consumers are more negative perception about is the need to be understand on how price conscious than Chinese consum- China. What do you feel about big mobile advertising can be. ers. Chinese consumers have a taste it and how do you think it can As far as the Chinese business for uniqueness, they try to purchase be minimized? environment is concerned, we faced new things with some unique value e negative perception of Indians challenges with the local companies attached to it. In China, gadgets are towards China is mainly due to the as they are very cost competitive and more preferred especially in the digital media, which is very biased in nature. concerned about quality and creativ- segment. Chinese are always trying Most of the time they do not have rst ity. Now there is no measuring scale to change and buy something new hand news about China and it is taken The Brave for creativity, so lot of the challenge is from the market. e same trend has from other sources. Only one or two faced in the process of project man- also started picking up among Indian Indian reporters are based in China. agement and costing of these elements. consumers. At the same time, Chinese But slowly things are changing. ere ey dier in terms of the process consumers are very brand conscious is huge trade happening between the they follow and the way they dene and look for branded product. If they two countries. More and more Indian the scope of work. think of getting some particular brand traders, professionals are coming to they will either buy it or if it is not China to do business and once they New G2 World There is lot of talk about the aordable they will purchase the coun- come here, their perception changes. While most people need for Guanxi (relation- terfeit of the product. One of the other things is that there ships) when doing business is limited cultural exchange between are looking for a in China. What has been your India and China. e existing eorts experience? INDIAN CONSUMERS ARE MORE are all government linked and not US-China G2 along Guanxi is followed in some extent PRICE CONSCIOUS THAN CHINESE well coordinated. Chinese here earlier in China. But then if you provide CONSUMERS. CHINESE CONSUMERS used to watch Hindi movies and still the lines of the old good service and quality products, you remember Raj Kapoor in Awara. do not need Guanxi for your business HAVE A TASTE FOR UNIQUENESS, Because of some political issues also school, the most development. e Chinese like any- THEY TRY TO PURCHASE NEW there is a negative perception about where else always want good services China in India. And lot of this is com- important G2 could and quality products. If you provide THINGS WITH SOME UNIQUE ing from the Indian media, for which them with that they will look forward VALUE ATTACHED TO IT. Chinese media has started to hit back. be that of China and to doing business with you. e key is certainly is not a good thing in to doing good business in China is to improving the relations. India. We should provide a unique product or service What do you think about Made which will certainly add lot of cred- in China products? What suggestion would you see these two in a ibility to your business. And at the Basically there are two kinds of like to give to those Indians same time you have to maintain the made in China products. One includes interested in setting up relationship that is balance between foreign and local cul- your high range products for MNC business in China? ture, follow a blend of both cultures. brands such as Sony, Nokia and Apple. First and foremost, the Chinese mutually beneﬁcial. Most of the big brands have their market is available for local as well as What is the mindset of the manufacturing units based in China. foreign companies. Before starting Chinese regarding Indian When people buy products of these any business in China, you need to Dennis Pamlin maybe the biggest challenges humanity to formulate a proactive policy and in- companies? brands, they go by the brand name have good market knowledge through have ever faced and they will take place stead large corporations, with business What we have seen generally is and are not concerned whether the market research. Enter into China he two countries that will domi- during a time when the phase of change models that are based on great income that the Chinese see Indian companies product is made in China or not. is aer having a good understanding of nate the 21st century in many ways, is higher than it has ever been through dierences and consumption patterns from the digital side, as the Indian is one perception of consumers. the available opportunities and the TChina and India, face a very chal- history. Collaboration between China that are destroying the planet, are soware industry is very famous. en there are low priced products Chinese consumers. en it will be lenging situation, but also very inspir- and India will be complicated, but is setting the agenda. ere are no specic issues with In- manufactured by local Chinese brands easy to start your business in China. ing opportunity. necessary to ensure robustness, to avoid But the dierent nancial problems dian companies. ey consider us like such as TLC, Haier and Hisense etc. Secondly, China is not an easy On the one hand they need to en- conicts and ensure that wisdom from are however getting worse and instead any other foreign company doing busi- When consumers buy low price prod- market to survive. It is not a cash cow sure that they can li people out of both cultures is embedded in the new of ad-hoc solutions it is time to launch ness in China. ere are no issues with ucts, their general perception is that where you can start earning immedi- poverty and do so in an environmen- governance system. initiatives that look beyond short- the sta also, which includes Chinese, this product is made in China. But ately. Many companies have come and tally sustainable way. On the other e nancial crisis in the world has term xes. Below the surface we have Indians and some others from abroad. then it provides the consumers with a failed to even establish themselves. You hand they need to design a global gov- brought the western superpowers to a number of trends that require a dra- lot of options and exibility. So there need to have a long term approach. ernance system that can help the world their knees and they now understand matic change in how the current global As a marketing and no reason to complain about made Important is to break even and keep to move beyond the industrial society that the emerging economies must governing system works, including the advertising expert, what in China products. Basically the high your costs low. Start with a small base, with a single-minded focus on eco- be given a more important role when Bretton Woods institutions that were differences do you see end products are used worldwide and see how your Chinese counterparts nomic growth and embark on the next global economic policy is being devel- created a er World War II. between Chinese and Indian the low end product face this made in operate and keep the cost low and chapter in human history. oped. Unfortunately so far China and e rm action that the current consumers? China concept. understand your customers well.  ese are two very big challenges, India have not taken the opportunity nancial crisis requires is a perfect

opportunity to begin looking toward policy and other important areas also drive the world into conict the two countries – which together not just incremental improvements in country. Hopefully many in the rst a new global architecture. At the very should be encouraged. and problems beyond imagination. contain about 40 per cent of the current systems. generation of global citizens would center of this architecture are two In order to identify the second, and Especially since natural resources on world’s population – can develop By introducing students from come from China and India. di erent G2’s that will play a very more important, G2 we must take a the planet are not enough to provide joint innovative strategies for global all disciplines to think about what A global collaboration platform important role. step back to the macro level. It is easy to everyone with a “G8 lifestyle”. sustainability, it will be a very good solutions that can be used by 10 billion could be launched during 2012 e rst G2 is the one that has been see that the centre of the global econ- is brings us to what I think is the step forward for this current crisis. people without harming nature and to encourage researchers and discussed in media since the beginning omy is moving east. e need to nd more interesting, and less discussed, is Chindia G2 understands the resulting in conicts over natural entrepreneurs from all over the world of the nancial crisis, that of China and long-term solutions for a nancial sys- G2 – China and India. I was fortunate need for innovative solutions that de- resources. and from dierent disciplines to the United States. is is the G2 that tem where the money can move at the to be in Delhi during President Hu liver more than incremental improve- Extremely resource ecient solu- collaborate in order to address poverty follows the logic of the current system. speed of light will require new regula- Jintao’s visit in 2006. During this trip, ments, as this is necessary to li people tions, using renewable energy and sup- and resource scarcity in a limited Few would disagree that the G8 that tions and new institutions. a number of initiatives were started out of poverty and deliver solutions portive of a global circular economy number of areas to start with. Besides exists today is increasingly outdated But there are other issues that are and it is clear that the two billion- that do not result in conict over natu- should be encouraged in all areas. becoming a key collaboration platform and that something new is needed. harder to see, issues that will not hit plus population countries share many ral resources a few years from now. At the end of 2011 during COP17 it could also reward those delivering e G8 was a response to the oil cri- the headlines before it is too late, as challenges and opportunities. So while most people are looking in Durban the BASIC expert group solutions and become a Nobel prize for sis in 1973 and when it was formed in they happen slower. ese include Cynical observers have focused on for a US-China G2 along the lines of presented their rst joint research the 21st century. France in 1975 it was the major west- issues such as the demographic crunch the di erences between the countries the old school, the most important G2 report about sustainable development ern countries that came together. at with an ageing global population, and many western observers seem to could be that of China and India. We and equity. is is the kind of initiative Use global forum to launch time is gone and we have a di erent the increased population pressure as view China and India as pawns in the should see these two in a relationship that should be further developed and global initiatives situation today. the world moves toward 10 billion power play between the G8 countries. that is mutually benecial. provided more resources in order for In 2012 India, with Manmohan e two major economies on people, growing inequalities within But anyone who can do the math and With a global agenda that delivers it to also be able to develop concrete Singh as the host, will arrange the sec- the planet should have a special rela- and between countries, and nally look at the history of these two coun- global benets, China would start policy recommendations. ond BRICS meeting. is would be a tionship and the “strategic and eco- an accelerated development of new tries will realize that there will be a very building a global governance culture China and India could challenge perfect time to launch initiatives for nomic dialogue” mechanism that was technologies. interesting G2, whether we like to call beyond narrow self-interest that also themselves and the rest of the world the 21st century. launched during the G20 meeting in All these can bring humanity it that or not. includes scientic consideration for to begin reporting how public One of the most dicult challeng- London provides a great opportunity. fantastic gis if they are met with By ensuring closer and more strategic the planet in a way that the current procurement can be used to encourage es will be to develop frameworks that It is important that China is clear the right framework, but they could ties between China and India, the world economic system has failed to do. transformative solutions that can be support transparency and ensure that and does not allow the old, polarized will get two countries with long, proud is would be a very good start for used by 10 billion people in a sustainable citizens all over the world can use it. agenda to dominate, so that G2 be- histories that are a welcome balance to the 21st century and a way to turn way. If China and India could get the A good rst step would be to support comes a smaller, more e ective ver- THE FINANCIAL CRISIS IN THE the dominating Western narrative in the current economic crisis into EU, the US and Japan on board more an initiative that would allow citizens sion of G8. China’s global role so far most of today’s global institutions. e something that will benet both the than 5 trillion dollars would begin to all around the world to understand the has been a breath of fresh air as it does WORLD HAS BROUGHT THE world would also get two countries people and the planet in a way that we support poverty reduction and true consequences of their consumptions. not seek global leadership, but instead WESTERN SUPERPOWERS that are reections of how the world have never done before, but something sustainability. By developing an application for smart wants to work in collaboration with all as a whole looks like, with a mix of we urgently need. mobile phones that could be used to countries and on all levels. TO THEIR KNEES AND THEY rich and poor people and di erent Deng Xiaoping once said that a real A global research initiative scan dierent products people could With the US as a major consumer development paths. Asian century will arrive only when Global collaboration, rather than see in real time if people are helped out and China as a major producer, we NOW UNDERSTAND THAT THE e most interesting aspect of China and India are developed – the international collaboration, should of poverty though the value chain, if the can hope for a “global collaboration” EMERGING ECONOMIES MUST the “Chindia G2” would probably time is now emerging and for it to de- be initiated where major scientic company making the product is lobby- initiative. is could focus on the ma- be the end of the idea of material liver a positive outcome, the two G2s breakthroughs with global benets are ing for smarter regulation, what goals jor challenges we face and how China BE GIVEN A MORE IMPORTANT and economicgrowth as the goal of could play a crucial role. to be expected. for poverty reduction and resource sav- and the US could together, with other ”development”. We could also get a China and India are in a position Nano-technology and cognitive ings the company have, etc. In short a countries, to nd solutions for them. ROLE WHEN GLOBAL ECONOMIC discussion about where the world can where small investments and initia- research are likely to be two areas that world that western industrialization ese solutions could range from POLICY IS BEING DEVELOPED and should go next. We need a global tives today can determine structures will redene how our societies look made invisible would be made visible major initiatives with incentives that circular economy for that and the two and rules during the coming decades. this century. e opportunities are and the birth of this transparency that support sustainable innovation and countries that probably have the best In order to ensure a positive outcome almost limitless, but so are the potential can drive sustainable innovation and standards that ensure future buildings opportunity to provide guidance on strategic collaboration in three areas dangers. A council of independent poverty reduction could happen in are the net producers of energy. Instead how this can be done in a practical way is necessary: and non-commercially connected Delhi in just a few months.  of being the largest problem for climate are China and India.  Education/ research stakeholders should be provided with change and resource use, the buildings Every time I visit China  Technology development the task to set up an open source and of the world could become the epi- and India, I see more and more  Urbanization transparent forum where strategies to center for climate-smart and resource- similarities when it comes guide this research and implementation ecient solutions. For this to happen, to the major challenges. For these three areas Chindia could in a way that is benecial to humanity China and the US must cooperate. With their roles as global collaborate to ensure the following: as a whole. India could play an important role economic engines, it becomes For the rst time it could be pos- as a credible mediator in these very important what direction A 10 billion ﬁlter sible to have a technological revolution discussions. those engines will move and In order to ensure that we based on collaboration instead of com- Dennis Pamlin is an entrepreneur and founder of Strategic collaboration what fuel they will use. If China can eradicate poverty and ensure petition, where many that are engaged 21st Century Frontiers. He works with companies, in trade, investments and and India start collaborating environmental sustainability we need would identify themselves as global go ernments and NGOs as a strategic economic, technology and inno ation advisor. nance, as well as in security in a way that shows the world to focus on transformative solutions, citizens rather than from a specic

Korea and Indonesia, all members of change, nuclear proliferation and cy- development are not zero-sum games. the G-20, have increased their ability ber and space security matter more It is for this reason that we believe to in uence economic outcomes. e to both India and China in this glo- that there is enough space for both In- BRICS process has also gained ground. balised world as they in uence our dia and China to realise their develop- ese are welcome developments. development, peace and prosperity. ment aspirations. Linked At the same time, risks remain for Economically, we are already inte- economies which are still developing. India-China relations grated with each other to an unprec- An early return to robust growth and What does this context imply for edented extent. Our bilateral trade spending in the developed world are India-China relations? reached over US$67 billion in the rst necessary for world economic recov- Both India and China currently 11months of last year, and China has like ery. e US, Europe and Japan still ac- give the highest priority to their do- consistently remained our largest trad- count for approximately $20 trillion of mestic transformation, which will take ing partner in goods for several years. consumption expenditure, as against time. A peaceful periphery, a stable and However, investment ows between us about $2.5 trillion by China and India benign world environment and contin- have not kept pace with trade. Indian two together. A re-balancing of economic ued prosperity among our economic investment in China worth a total of structures in our countries in the face partners are of utmost importance to US$ 433million is spread over 676 of such dierences could be dicult. both of us. is will remain so for quite projects, while Chinese investment in More generally speaking, the relatively some time. It is in our mutual interest India is worth nearly US$ 300 million. benign external environment in the to work together, bilaterally and with ere are several opportunities for co- wings last two decades is changing negatively other partners, to reduce uncertainty operation in developing infrastructure. and is threatened by protectionism in and create an international environ- India is already one of China’s most the developed world. ment that is supportive to our domestic important markets for project exports, World politics also faces new chal- transformation eorts. Economics and with a cumulative value of contracted of a lenges. e balance of power is in ux projects at US$ 53.5 billion and turn- in Asia and the world. As uncertainty over realized at US$ 24.6 billion. rises, powers follow hedging strategies. INDIA AND CHINA ARE THE What is less noticed is the range e mechanisms of strategic communi- of contact between our two societ- cation and consultationand a common LARGEST AND THE THIRD ies. For instance, over 7,000 Indian bird security outlook are evolving slower BIGGEST ECONOMIES IN ASIA. students are studying in China today. than the changes in objective reality. is scale of interaction never occurred Besides, both India and China are CHINA HAS THE DISTINCTION before in history. INDIA CHINA STRATEGIC RELATIONS increasingly linked to the rest of the OF BEING THE SECOND LARGEST Naturally, the corollaries of such world through trade, investment and an intensication of economic and their Diasporas. e impact of changes ECONOMY IN THE WORLD. social engagement are issues of trade India and China will be able to successfully face the challenges that the in West Asia on our energy security, for imbalance, diversifying the trade bas- instance, is an example of how devel- THE TWO COUNTRIES ARE ket and commercial disputes. e two new geopolitics are throwing up and would best serve their own national opments further away from our shores BUILDING A STRONG DOMESTIC governments have taken several initia- interests by further deepening their strategic cooperative relationship. also aect India and China more and tives to make our trade more balanced more profoundly. It is therefore natural ECONOMIC BASE AND RAPIDLY and harmonious, and to facilitate and for us to take ever greater interest on TRAINING SCIENTIFIC AND streamline our business engagement. Shiv Shankar Menon The Context reasonably healthy rates of growth and global issues. More remains to be done and we will e basic facts are evident and well maintain stability. We share a common Equally, global issues like climate TECHNICAL MANPOWER learn by doing. For instance in Septem- oday India-China relations attract known. India and China are the two geopolitical space and similar socio- attention beyond our two coun- most populous nations on earth, are the economic aspirations for ourselves. Ttries.International developments two largest developing countries,and e future is less certain or evi- and achievements in domestic con- are among the societies and econo- dent. Uncertainty in the international struction by our peoples in the last few mies in the world that are transforming system is at unprecedented levels. e decades have given our relationship themselves most rapidly. ey are the economic and security situation fac- wider signi cance.Relations between largest and the third biggest econo- ing both India and China has become India and China and their new equi- mies in Asia. China has the distinction far more complicated in the last few librium holds an important key to the of being the second largest economy years. On the positive side, thanks to emerging economic and strategic land- in the world. e two countries are sustained growth rates, high savings scape of Asia and, to a certain extent, building a strong domestic economic rates and a prudent nancial approach, the world. base and rapidly training scienti c and Asia and the developing world have Let us look briey at the context technical manpower. When much of witnessed a greater accretion of relative within which we conduct our relations the world is reeling under recession or economic power following the nan- and then look at the content of our re- grappling with political turmoil, our cial crisis of 2008. In Asia, larger econ- lations today. two countries have managed to register omies like China, Japan, India, South

WHAT IS LESS NOTICED IS THE RANGE OF CONTACT BETWEEN OUR TWO SOCIETIES. FOR INSTANCE, OVER 7,000 INDIAN STUDENTS ARE STUDYING IN CHINA TODAY. THIS SCALE OF INTERACTION NEVER OCCURRED BEFORE IN HISTORY. ber last year we held the rst Strategic tries, who have consistently worked to new issues in the changing context of THE BOUNDARY and China change fast, our under- Economic Dialogue between India and ECONOMICALLY, WE ARE ensure that problems are managed in a our relations. I am con dent that we standing of each other needs to keep China which identi ed several areas ALREADY INTEGRATED mature manner. e issue is whether we will do so. QUESTION REMAINS pace. Both the quality and the scale of promise for the future. Equally the can continue to manage the elements Indeed, some security challeng- of our interactions have also grown business communities and their Cham- WITH EACH OTHER TO AN of competition within an agreed stra- es, especially of the non-traditional va- UNRESOLVED, AND THERE so rapidly that we need to learn new bers need to take advantage of growing UNPRECEDENTED EXTENT. OUR tegic framework which permits both riety, are common to India and China, IS NO DENYING THAT IT IS A ways of dealing with therelationship. opportunities while sharpening com- of us to pursue our core interests. I see and oer an opportunity to work to- petitive edge. I am convinced that our BILATERAL TRADE REACHED no reason why that should not be so. gether. Both India and China face the DIFFICULT ISSUE. HOWEVER, Conclusion business and economic engagement OVER US$67 BILLION IN Indeed I would go further and say that challenge of terrorism in our shared A NUMBER OF MECHANISMS To conclude, India and China have with each other and with other coun- the rapid changes in the international neighbourhood. It requires common demonstrated an ability to deal with dif- tries will intensify as we seek to over- THE FIRST 11MONTHS OF situation today also create an opportu- eort by all members of the interna- HAVE BEEN PUT IN PLACE TO cult issues and to build a cooperative come the prospect of sluggish recovery nity for India and China to work with tional community to tackle terrorism. ENSURE THAT THE BORDER partnership based on common inter- in the traditional engines of growth in LAST YEAR, AND CHINA HAS others to shape benign international Energy is the key to domestic ests. Its regional and global impact, and the world economy. CONSISTENTLY REMAINED OUR outcomes. transformation in both India and STAYS PEACEFUL WHILE WE its long term signi cance to our own Our Governments have common e boundary question remains un- China which is why both of us have SEEK A SETTLEMENT OF THE development, is what makes the India- or similar positions on the global LARGEST TRADING PARTNER IN resolved, and there is no denying that it a common stake in energy security China relationship strategic in the true development agenda, in WTO and GOODS FOR SEVERAL YEARS. is a dicult issue. However, a number and in the freedom and security of BOUNDARY QUESTION. sense of the term. I do hope that I have on climate change, which has made of mechanisms have been put in place transportation on the global commons. been successful in giving you some idea it possible for us to work together to ensure that the border stays peace- We both have an interest in global ingly important to our well being. of why I am con dent that by working internationally. ful while we seek a settlement of the public goods like a peaceful order, e robustness of our bilateral rela- together India and China will be able to A few vocal experts in our two boundary question. On the settlement freedom of the seas and open sea lanes. tion will depend on dialogue and com- successfully face the challenges that the countries and elsewhere argue that itself, we are in the second stage of We similarly need to address issues munication so that the potential for new geopolitics are throwing up, and notwithstanding the numerous coop- the three stage process of agreeing of piracy with common resolve. As misunderstanding and miscalculation would best serve their own national erative elements in our economic rela- principles, a framework and nally important maritime nations, we can is limited. is dialogue process must interests by further deepening their tions and approach to international is- aboundary line. contribute to each other’s maritime not be limited to the two Govern- strategic cooperative relationship.  sues, India and China are bound to be Similarly, on other bilateral issues of security by coordinating approaches. ments. Today, there are multiple stake- strategic adversaries. I nd such deter- potential dierence there exist mecha- Asia’s security is interlinked across holders in our relations as also multiple minism misplaced. It ignores the suc- nisms of dialogue and communication this great continent. India has therefore determinants of these relations. Each cessful experience and demonstrated to address them. We appreciate China’s argued for an open, inclusive Asian se- of them, be it businessmen, media or expertise of both governments in man- assistance to us in tackling oods and curity architecture. India and China scholars of the two countries, has a aging dierences and building on com- natural disasters in the downstream ar- will have key roles to play in forging a responsibility to take our relations to monalities for over three decades and eas of our shared rivers. ere is a need new compact for common and collec- the desired level of equilibrium. It is particularly since the Rajiv Gandhi vis- to widen the scope and deepen the tive security for Asia. We should also therefore absolutely essential that they is is the speech delivered by Mr. Shiv Shankar Menon it to China in 1988. It also ignores the level of our communication in some contribute within our capacity to the acquire an informed understanding of (National Security Advisor, Got. of India) wisdom of the leaders of the two coun- areas.ese include new challenges and global public goods that are increas- their neighbour.Today, as both India at a lecture on China-India relations

Minister Manmohan Singh respectively tries to facilitate bilateral economic co- is also in the making. At the same time, during BRICS Summit in China and operation. Mutual investments are also the existing mechanisms such as the the East Asia Leaders Meetings in gaining new momentum. One recent h China-India Financial Dialogue, Indonesia. Two sides had in-depth example is TBEA Corporation, the the fourth China-India Defense and discussions on issues of mutual interest largest special transformer producer of Security Talks and consultation on and rea rmed commitments to China, has signed a 400-million USD counter terrorism were successfully deepening the strategic and cooperative agreement with an Indian company to held in Delhi and Beijing last year. partnership. invest in Gujarat to put up a factory for ese new and old mechanisms have manufacturing transformers for power helped to enhance mutual trust and Provincial and projects in India. deepen economic cooperation between SECOND state level ex- two countries. changes have become new highlights New headway has MUST SHED HISTORICAL BURDEN, MUST COOPERATE of bilateral relation. Successful visits FOURTH been made in institu- Cooperation on interna- by Governors of Sichuan, Guangdong tionalization of bilateral cooperation. FIFTH tional and regional issues and Gansu provinces and Chairman e newly established China-India has acquired new momentum. Two of Xinjiang Autonomous Region of Strategic Economic Dialogue held its countries maintained close consulta- China to India and Chief Ministers of rst round meeting in Beijing Septem- tion and worked vigorously within Bihar and Gujarat of India to China ber last year. China-India CEO Forum the framework of UN, WTO, G20 No force in the world produced positive results in economic and BRICS on issues such as climate and cultural cooperation, bringing the change, reform of international nan- local governmental cooperation into I HAVE SENSED A GROWING cial institutions, Doha Round Trade the overall picture. Talks as well as issues related to the sit- CONSENSUS VIEW IN FAVOUR uation in West Asia and North Africa. Economic and trade OF DEVELOPING A SOUND Two countries have played construc- can stop China, India THIRD cooperation main- tive role in the proper settlement of rel- tained a robust growth and becomes AND MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL evant issues and defending the interests a salient feature of our bilateral ties. RELATION WITH CHINA AMONG of developing countries. China-India two-way trade in 2011 has touched new height. According to ALL POLITICAL PARTIES People-to-people ex- from rising together the estimation, during the 11 months IXTH change has added new vi- AND GENERAL PUBLIC IN S of this year the trade volume reaches tality to our relation. e 500-member Zhang Yan maintained a sound and steady growth cluster of positive developments in our 67 billion USD, up 21.8 per cent year INDIA. FROM THE CHINESE Indian Youth delegation visited China with cooperation and interactions bilateral relations. on year and is expected to exceed 70 last September and was warmly re- unfolding in an all-round manner. billion USD for the whole year. e SIDE, TO BUILD A STABLE ceived by Premier Wen Jiabao in the o begin with, I would like to have a We have also successfully concluded Active high level rst branch o ce of Industrial and AND MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL Great Hall of People. e Year of Ex- glimpse of the past year rst. the Year of China-India Exchange FIRST interactions have visibly Commercial Bank of China opened in change was successful and colourful. 2011 is no ordinary year for announced by two sides during enhanced our mutual understanding Mumbai last year, marking a new mile- RELATIONSHIP WITH INDIA Events like “Treasures of Ancient Chi- China-IndiaT relation. In spite of the the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s and trust. Last year, Chinese President stone in nancial cooperation. To settle IS THE SET POLICY OF THE na” exhibition, Sichuan Week, Yunan complicated international and regional visit to India in December, 2010. To Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao had the trade account in RMB and Rupee is Acrobatics Troup performance and situation, our bilateral relations take stock of the year, we have seen a fruitful meetings with Indian Prime another important move by two coun- CHINESE GOVERNMENT. cultural activities like “A Grand Stage

|48| India-China Chronicle . April 2012 April 2012 . India-China Chronicle |49| INFOCUS | INDIA-CHINA RELATIONS | EXCLUSIVE for China-India Youth Traditional FACING WITH SIMILAR China-India rela- reform of international economic and Mamnohan Singh and Chinese Pre- with ill-intention, China-India relation Culture Exchange” were organized in SECOND tion has become nancial governance as well as in the mier Wen Jabao pointed out that the takes its own course and moves ahead India and China respectively, creating CHALLENGES AND HISTORICAL more substantive. Both countries pur- global economic recovery. Facing with world is large enough for both China because the two countries know where cross-culture dialogues between two sue an independent foreign policy and similar challenges and historical tasks, and India to develop and prosper. And their national interests lie and how to ancient civilizations. China has also TASKS, CHINA AND INDIA share growing common interests. To- China and India are complimentary there is enough room for two countries handle their relations. Our cooperative provided nancial support to the re- ARE COMPLIMENTARY TO day, China-India relation is developing to each other and enjoy certain degree to cooperate. relation poses no threat to others and is construction of Nalando University. in a comprehensive manner and has of synergy. e two countries are part- Here I must point out that not ev- not developed at the expense of other EACH OTHER AND ENJOY acquired strategic signi cance. Both ners of cooperation, and partners for ery country in the world is happy to countries’ interests. e performance of our CERTAIN DEGREE OF SYNERGY. countries not only enjoy growing co- growth and prosperity. China’s devel- see China and India getting closer and relationship in the year 2011 operation in economic eld, but also opment provides opportunity to India, prospering together. Some even try to 2012 has arrived and the is impressive and fruitful. THE TWO COUNTRIES ARE work closely in political and security so does India’s development to China. drive a wedge between us. I must point traditional Chinese New Year, More importantly, it has PARTNERS OF COOPERATION, elds, brining tangible bene ts to our out again, that China and India’s ris- the year of dragon will come demonstrated the following people. On issues directly aecting China-India relation ing together is an irreversible historical soon. In Chinese culture, it is salient features. AND PARTNERS FOR GROWTH our interests as well as global situation, FOURTH has matured. We are trend that no force in the world can the most auspicious time to such as climate change and issues relat- fully aware of the fact that there are dif- stop. In spite of all kinds of prophecies plan. As the Chinese saying China-India relation AND PROSPERITY. CHINA’S ed to the West Asia and North Africa, ferences and challenges le over by his- goes, a good beginning is FIRST is anchored on a more DEVELOPMENT PROVIDES two countries worked constructively tory. But we know much better how to crucial to a successful year. solid political base than before. It is and eectively to defend the interests manage them. We are keenly aware that AS TWO ASIAN NEIGHBOURS In order to push the bilateral encouraging to see that the leaders of OPPORTUNITY TO INDIA, and rights of our two countries as well cooperation between the two countries AND FAST GROWING relations forward, we should two countries have viewed our relations SO DOES INDIA’S as that of all developing countries. bene ts both and confrontation only join hands and work in the from a long-term and strategic perspec- hurts each other. As two Asian neigh- ECONOMIES, CHINA AND following areas. tive. ey have given increasing impor- DEVELOPMENT TO CHINA. China-India relation bours and fast growing economies, INDIA SHARE MORE COMMON tance and attention to our relationship THIRD holds great potential. As China and India share more common eorts should be made to which provides strong political founda- two fast growing economies, China interests than dierence. Both have INTERESTS THAN DIFFERENCE. FIRST further increase political tion for the development of our bilater- and mutually bene cial relationship and India provide opportunities to adopted a “looking forward” approach BOTH HAVE ADOPTED A trust and enhance strategic cooperation. al relations. Furthermore, I have sensed with India is the set policy of the Chi- each other. In spite of the nancial and and are trying their best not to let the Political trust is the very foundation of a growing consensus view in favour of nese government. President Hu Jintao debt crisis in US and Europe, China historical burdens to stand in the way “LOOKING FORWARD” any bilateral relation. To achieve this, developing a sound and mutually bene- stated on many occasions that India is and India enjoy stability domestically of our cooperation. When we are fac- two sides should maintain the sound cial relation with China among all po- an important neighbour of China. and boast a relatively rapid economic ing problems, we are now more than APPROACH AND ARE TRYING litical parties and general public in India. China is ready to work with India to growth. With 2.5 billion populations, willing to engage each other in dialogue THEIR BEST NOT TO LET THE From the Chinese side, to build a stable maintain the sound momentum for huge markets and rich human resourc- and consultation to diuse the risk. As HISTORICAL BURDENS TO Prime Minister Manmohan Singh further advancement of the China-In- es, China and India are regarded by to the perceived competition between speaks at the BRIC Summit in Brasilia, dia Strategic and Cooperative Partner- the international community as pow- the two countries, so long as it is a fair STAND IN THE WAY OF Brazil. President of Russian Republic Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during ship and for the common interests of erhouse for world economy and are and friendly one, we also look at it in a Dmitry Medvedev (R), President of the India-China Business Co-operation two countries. expected to play a bigger role in the positive way. As Indian Prime Minister OUR COOPERATION. Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva and Summit in New Delhi President of China Hu Jintao look on

|50| India-China Chronicle . April 2012 April 2012 . India-China Chronicle |51| INFOCUS | INDIA-CHINA RELATIONS | EXCLUSIVE momentum of high-level exchanges actively considered. FTA and RTA EFFORTS SHALL BE MADE for the 15th Special Representatives and interaction. Fully utilizing all are useful instruments to facili- Meeting on the China-India boundary existing mechanisms to enhance the tate and boost bilateral trade in a FOR A GOOD PREPARATION issue. In order to maintain the peace con dence and minimize the suspicion bigger way. As a rst step, the two FOR THE 15TH SPECIAL and tranquility of the border area be- and distrust. is year India will play countries can work on a regional fore the nal settlement of the issues is host to the BRICS’ Summit. We trade arrangement and at the same REPRESENTATIVES MEETING ON found, it is necessary for two sides to should do our utmost to make the best time prepare the ground for a full- work out a new mechanism to serve preparation to ensure a successful and edged FTA. THE CHINA INDIA BOUNDARY that purpose. We are willing to work fruitful summit, thus giving positive ISSUE. IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN with Indian side to achieve that in the impetus to the cooperation of ve 5. Eorts should be made to increase near future. countries as well as to China and India tourism cooperation. With a large THE PEACE AND TRANQUILITY China has also declared to the relation. I can assure you that China population and rich tourist resourc- OF THE BORDER AREA BEFORE rest of the world on many occasions will closely coordinate and cooperate es, the two countries possess great that it takes the path of peaceful with India to ensure its success. potential to become major tourist THE FINAL SETTLEMENT OF development and is committed to destination for each other. Regret- THE ISSUES IS FOUND, IT IS upholding world peace and promoting more work should tably, last year altogether only 600 common development and prosperity SECOND be done to up- thousand tourists travelled between NECESSARY FOR TWO SIDES TO for all countries. To this end, China grade our economic cooperation. e the two countries. Compared with has stuck to an independent foreign global economy will remain uncertain 16.5 million between China, Ja- WORK OUT A NEW MECHANISM policy of peace. As President Hu Jintao at least for some time. China and India pan and Korea, the gure between TO SERVE THAT PURPOSE. WE rearmed in his New Year address few should optimize our own potentials China and India is too small. I am days ago, that China will continue to and ensure healthy development of our of the view that more Chinese tour- ARE WILLING TO WORK WITH advance our opening-up drive for win- respective economy. We should strive ists to India can also help narrow INDIAN SIDE TO ACHIEVE THAT win results, and will unswervingly stick to meet the trade target of 100 billion the trade gap of our two countries. to the path of peaceful development USD by 2015 set by our leaders. e IN THE NEAR FUTURE. and independent foreign policy of Chinese side is fully aware of the neces- Emphasis should be peace. We will develop our friendly sity to narrow the trade gap between THIRD placed on expanding in line with the interests of developing relations and mutually bene cial the two sides in order to ensure the people and culture exchanges. countries and in a fair and equitable cooperation with various countries in sustainability of bilateral trade coop- People-to-people exchange serves as a manner. China and India also should the world following the Five Principle eration. China will take measures to cornerstone of state-to-state relations promote the rights and increase the say of Peaceful Coexistence. An open and increase the import of Indian products and can play crucial role in minimizing of developing countries in the global harmonious China of prosperity and which have market demand in China. the so-called “trust de cit”. e Chinese decision-making process. stability will make an even greater But our cooperation should not be side will work with the Indian side to contribution to the whole world. limited in trade only. To deepen our continue the annual youth exchange properly manage sensitive Mr Deng Xiaoping and Prime economic cooperation, there is much programme and expand the exchanges FIFTH issues and dierences. Mu- Minister Rajiv Gandhi, two great room for us to explore. Here I will just of journalists, media and think-tanks. tual understanding and mutual accom- visionary leaders of China and India, provide some food for thought. economic structure and building Cross-cultural exchanges can enrich modation are crucial in dealing with shared a consensus view during I MUST POINT OUT THAT an environmentally friendly and the knowledge of each other and foster dierences and disagreements in our their historical meeting in 1988 that 1. China and India should diversify CHINA AND INDIA’S RISING inclusive economy, with a view to closer ties among peoples. We are relations. We should handle them from China and India together can give trade structure, expand the scope achieving the best results in our ready to provide assistance in Chinese a long-term and strategic perspective. the world new perspectives on a and items, and increase the techni- TOGETHER IS AN IRREVERSIBLE economic development. language teaching in Indian secondary So long as we follow the spirit of equal- new international order and that the cal content and added value to the HISTORICAL TREND THAT NO schools. And Indian students are most ity and mutual respect, we will be able Asian age will arrive only when both products. At the same time, coop- 3. Mutual investments should be en- welcome to study in China. We will to ensure a stable and healthy bilateral China and India developed. Today eration should be expanded into FORCE IN THE WORLD CAN couraged. China welcomes Indian continue to lend our support to the relation. It is China’s policy to maintain the evolution of the world situation nancial, service and investment STOP. IN SPITE OF ALL KINDS companies to invest in China and is revival of the Nalanda University. good neighbourly relations with all its has proved their far-sightedness and sectors. willing to encourage more Chinese neighbours, including India. We wel- outstanding vision. China and India OF PROPHECIES WITH ILL companies, especially private com- eorts should be come India to play a more active role in are on their way to translating their 2. China and India should initiate panies to come and invest in India. FOURTH made to enhance international and regional aairs. We vision into reality. What shall we do policy dialogue and coordinate our INTENTION, CHINA INDIA We hope the Indian side will make our regional and international coop- are happy to see the recent improve- now? e answer is clear and simple. economic development strategy RELATION TAKES ITS OWN additional eorts to create more eration to promote common interests. ment of relations between India and its at is to cooperate. With the joint in order to ensure steady growth conducive environment for foreign We should step up our coordination neighbours. A stable South Asia is not eorts of China and India, we will not of our respective economy. China COURSE AND MOVES AHEAD investors, especially the visa service. and cooperation on regional and in- only a blessing to China and India, but only create a brighter future for our started its 12th Five Year plan last BECAUSE THE TWO COUNTRIES Two countries also can explore the ternational issues and work together to also a great contribution to the region two countries and two peoples, but year. is year India will launch possibility of jointly investing in address the challenges of global impli- and the world at large. With the joint also make fresh contribution to the its 12th Five Year plan. We should KNOW WHERE THEIR NATIONAL third countries. cations such as climate change, food se- eorts of our two countries, the situa- world peace and prosperity.  exchange our experience and INTERESTS LIE AND HOW TO curity, energy security, reform of global tion along the China and India border ( is is a speech by HE Zhang Yan, methods in changing the mould 4. Free trade agreement or region- nancial system, counter terrorism etc. area is on the whole peaceful. Eorts Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China of development, readjusting the HANDLE THEIR RELATIONS. al trade arrangement should be to ensure those issues will be handled shall be made for a good preparation at a lecture on China-India relations)

|52| India-China Chronicle . April 2012 April 2012 . India-China Chronicle |53| PHOTO FEATURE

REPUBLIC DAY & CHINESE NEW YEAR Ringing in the New t was a unique celebration – the all for good luck & fortune. Icombining of two joyous occasions More than 400 people took part nding expression in one. and le with an awareness of the making Chinese tea, and How to cook In Gujarat, the 26th day of many similarities that the two great authentic Chinese haka noodles etc. this year was celebrated as not countries had in common. A quiz on As part of the celebrations, the only the Republic Day of India China was also held and the Chinese Chinese delegation visited many but also the Chinese New Year to were surprised by the knowledge historic sites in Gujarat such as the strengthen India-China relations. e exhibited by the Indians present Adalaj step wells, the Sardar Patel celebrations were jointly organized who won all the prizes. “We must nd memorial, Akshardham temple, by the India China Economic & more dicult questions for Sarkhej Roza, Jhulta minar, Sidi Cultural Council (ICEC), Gujarat these Gujarati brains,” Mr Zhang Saiyed ni jali, Hutheesing Jain temple Chapter, and the Culture department Zhihong, Cultural Counselor, joked and the Sabarmati ashram. ere were of the Embassy of China in India in a lighter vein. also exchanges on Indian & Chinese and CCTV. Several Chinese visitors and culture with students from PDP e Chief Minister of Gujarat, Mr exchange students from China in University. Narendra Modi, wished the gathering Gujarat also attended and participated Ms Fang Wen showed interest in “A Happy Chinese New Year” via in a quiz on India’s Republic Day. organising opera shows, lion dances video message. ey too won several prizes. and dragon dances during Diwali e celebrations were inaugurated e usual lion dance and dragon later this year and during Vibrant by Mr Zhang Zhihong, Cultural dances to mark the Chinese New Year Gujarat in January 2013. Mr Zhang Counselor, Embassy of China, Ms were screened. Two popular Chinese Zhihong too expressed interest in Fang Wen, cultural ocer, Embassy of lms were also screened – Let’s Fall facilitating sports trainers for the China, Mr Bakul Bakshi Retd Chief in Lo e and Forever Enthralled. Some sports university mooted by Chief Commissioner Customs & Central quick and easy tips were also shared Minister Narendra Modi. Excise and Mr Jagat Shah, Chairman with the audience on: How to use e entire celebrations were covered ICEC, Gujarat. e Karnavati chopsticks, the traditional method of by CCTV, China’s national TV .  Club was the venue where a photo exhibition on the Beijing Opera, an authentic Chinese food festival, a quiz on India and China, trade & culture information, kite festival and a demo of Chinese language learning were held to mark the occasion. People from all over Gujarat – Ahmedabad, Baroda, Surat, Rajkot, Junagadh, Bhuj and Jamnagar gathered to take part in the celebrations. Several government ocials also attended. All visitors were greeted with the traditional red Chinese welcome scarf and handed a red envelope with a gi which are an integral part of the Chinese New Year. A “laughing Budha” was also gied to

|54| India-China Chronicle . april 2012 april 2012 . India-China Chronicle |55| EXHIBITION DATE VENUE EVENT PROFILE CONTACT PERSON 1 China (Qingdao) 04 -06 Qingdao International China (Qingdao) Garments & Textiles Export Fair (Autumn) Mr. Wan Jifei Garments & Textiles May-12 Convention & and 2012 China (Qingdao) Home Textiles & Fabrics Export Tel: +86-532-82772668 Export Fair Exhibition Center, Fair are the most important textiles & garment export fair Qingdao, China in North China and to be held from 04 to 06 May 2012 at Qingdao International Convention & Exhibition Center in Exhibitions&Trade the China 2 Nuclear Power 07- 09- TBA, Shenzhen, Nuclear Power Industry Exhibition is a specialized event China Nuclear Energy Association, Industry Exhibition MAY-12 Guangdong, China demonstrating industrial potential of foreign enterprises CNEA for manufacture of complex industrial products as well as a In India  In China wide range of technologies and services for providing full- Tel: +(86)-(10)-88305809 scale radiation safety of the states. EXHIBITION DATE VENUE EVENT PROFILE CONTACT PERSON Shows 3 Biotech China 09- 11- Shanghai World Biotech China is the only international exhibition in China Shanghai Modern International 1 India International 04- 06- NSIC Trade Centre It is one of the most professionally organized healthcare sector trade events in Paramount Exhibitors Medical MAY-12 - ECIL, Hyderabad, India. The show focuses on the overall development of the domestic medical Mr. Harish Arora MAY-12 Expo Theme Pavilion, that focuses on biomedicine, gene technology and life Exhibition Co. Limited Equipment Expo Andhra Pradesh, industry and a diverse range of biomedical supplies, catheters, laser surgery Tel: +91-172-2274801 Shanghai, China science. Biotech China has become the well known and Hyderabad India tools, imaging machinery, blood transfusion sets and other highly useful highly professional expo in this particular eld with widely Ms. Alfred Wang pharmaceutical systems and accessories are exhibited here. acknowledged fame in both China and the whole Asia Tel: +86-21-63288899 2 Greentech Fire 17- 18- TBA, This event o ers the best place for buyers & sellers and opportunities for :Joint Greentech Trade Fairs region. Safety & Security MAY-12 Visakhapatnam, ventures and collaborations, Sourcing requirements, Transfer of technology, Private Limited 4 International 16- 18- Shanghai New International Photovoltaic Power Generation Conference Shanghai New Energy Industry Global Conference Andhra Pradesh, research & development, Investment opportunities, Supply of plant, Mr. Kamaleshwar & Expo India machinery, process control equipments, projects, services etc. Sharan Photovoltaic MAY-12 International Expo & Expo is characterized as one of the de nite show for Association Tel: +91-11-25593846 Power Generation Centre(SNIEC), Photovoltaic Power Generation. For 3 days, it will showcase Conference & Expo Shanghai, China world’s largest Photovoltaic industry. 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Tourism & MAY-12 Exhibition Hall, the industry members as well as the commercial and non Co., Ltd Bengaluru MAY-12 Convention business relationships with a number of prospective clients at the same time Mr. Anees Ahmed Investment Real Taiyuan, Shanxi, commercial visitors about the latest developments and Centre, Bengaluru, nourish old business contacts. Large number of national and international Tel: +91-11-23765551 Estate Trade Fair China advancements in the elds of international travel and Mr. Jason Yang Karnataka, India buyers along with foreign delegates will attend this business fair and will tourism with focus on the role of real estate investment. Tel: +86-351-5249513 purchase products according to their requirement and budget. 5 Fabrics & 01- 03- Gayathri Vihar This is India’s premier platform for the textile value chain. The 8th Edition SS Textile Media 6 Rail & Metro China 30- 01- Shanghai New Metro China is the premier international trade event in the IMAG, Germany Accessories Trade JUN-12 Palace Ground, of this show will provide manufacturers and suppliers of apparel, fabrics, Private Limited Expo JUN-12 International Expo urban rail industry in China, which has been successfully Tel:+(49)-(89)-94922121 Show Bengaluru, trimmings, embellishments and related services to showcase their Ms. Kavita Centre(SNIEC), held since its rst launch in 2002. It serves as an ideal Karnataka, India merchandise to discerning buyers from across the world. F & A Trade Show Tel: +91-80-25544711 / Shanghai, China platform for companies in the industry to collect market has emerged as the most important international sourcing platform in India, 41151841 information, establish business contacts, to take advantage which is used by big buyers. of the great opportunity oered by one of the most 6 The Wedding & 13-13- Blue Sea, Mumbai, This fair has raised the expectations of Mumbai residents as the event is going Marriage Mantra vigorous economies in the world. Lifestyle Fair Worli JUN-12 Maharashtra, India to be a promising show of luxurious wedding trousseaus, services and lifestyle Mr. Aanal Mehta products without which a wedding is never complete. Addressing various Tel: +91-022-26469120 7 Green Processing 06- 08- Shanghai New The Green Processing China 2012 event will be the Reed Exhibitions China Head requirements of visitors, planning to get married in the upcoming season, this China JUN-12 International Expo renowned exhibition which will focus on the key elements Oce event will showcase some of the nest collections from eminent designers Centre(SNIEC), which is intended to a cleaner environment. It will oer Mr. Ken Xu having loads of expertise in wedding couture. Shanghai, China a vast horizon with excellent business platform for scrap Tel: +86-10-59339317 7 Electrical, 15-17- Codissia Intec Electrical, Electronics And Energy Expo And Conferences Coimbatore will Paramount Exhibitors metal dealers. Electronics And JUN-12 Technology Centre, explore a whole new world of electronics and energy. This event will be Mr. Harish Arora 8 China Auto Parts and 12-15- Shanghai New China Auto Parts and Service Show is one of the most Shanghai International Exhibition Energy Expo And Coimbatore, showcasing a wide range of products, services and technologies that pertain Tel: +91-172-2274801 Service Show JUN-12 International Expo professionally organized automobile sector trade shows in Co Limited Conferences - Tamil Nadu, India to these respective sectors. Mob: +91-9814211848 Centre(SNIEC) China. Organized at the Shanghai New International Expo Tel: +(86)-(21)-62792828 Coimbatore Shanghai, China Center, the show serves as an ideal platform for leading 8 Food & 21-23- Palace Grounds, Over the span of last 8 years since its inception in 2000, Food & The Indian Express Ltd. industrial experts from this sector to deliberate upon the HospitalityWorld JUN-12 Bengaluru, HospitalityWorld has established itself as India’s most comprehensive Ms. Darshana Chauhan latest developments and innovations from this sector. Karnataka, India hospitality tradeshow. The event is organised under the banner of ‘The Tel: +91-22-67440000 Express Groups’ premier hospitality trade publication - Express Hospitality - a 9 NEPCON West China 19- 21- Chengdu New NEPCON West China is an event dedicated to the sector Reed Exhibitions publication that enjoys the status of Indian hospitality industry’s favorite JUN-12 International of electronics manufacturing. This event will be extremely Mr. Mike Deng business magazine. Convention & bene cial for the exhibitors as it is in this event that they Tel: +86-21-51535100 9 Baicon 29 Jun- 1 Chennai Trade Baicon is one of the most reputed trade shows for the construction industry. Smart Expos Exposition Center, will be provided with excellent marketing opportunities by Jul 2012 Centre This event will be an extensive display of the latest and the most advanced Tel: +91-44-22501986 / Chengdu, Sichuan, being able to introduce their latest products and services to Chennai, Tamil equipments, machinery, technologies and materials that are related to 22501987 China the attendees Nadu, India the construction sector. Leading companies will be exhibiting their most innovative products and services that are related to the concerned sector. 10 Global Sourcing 26- 28- Shanghai World Electronics & Components Shanghai is a fabulous event Global Sources 10 Photo Today 29-JUN-to Palace Grounds, The Photo Today is characterized as an international exposition for tapping Buysell Interactions Fair : Electronics JUN-12 Expo Exhibition And bringing together the experts and decision makers from Tel:+(65)-(6547)-2800 Bangalore 01-JUL-12 Bengaluru, global opportunities of photography, videography, digital imaging frame Private Limited & Components Convention Center, the electronics and components industries in to contact Karnataka, India & album making industrial sector. The place proves to be an ideal optimum Ms. Karthika Ravi Shanghai Shanghai, China with the consumer businesses as they look to expand their choice for bringing all premiere companies under 1 roof. Tel: +91-44-28353739 trading options further along with a better professional Mob: +91-9884348473 understanding of the discipline itself. 11 India International 29-jun TBA, Aurangabad, India International Travel Exhibition (IITE) is the leading organizer of Travel and Global Trade Fairs & 11 China(Shenzhen) 28- 30- Shenzhen Convention The Huiduo Touch-Screen Exhibition will attract over 200 Huiduo Exhibition Co. Limited Travel Exhibition - 01-JUL-12 Bihar, India Tourism events in the fastest growing tier two cities of Central India. IITE has Conventions (GTFC) International Touch JUN-12 & Exhibition manufacturers to join in. Besides, the number of booths Mr. Anna Yu Aurangabad successfully completed its events at Indore, Aurangabad, Raipur, Nagpur & Mr. Anurag Gupta Screen Exhibition Center, Shenzhen, will be up to more than 500 and the area of exhibition will Tel: +86-20-85556058 Vijayawada. Tel:+(91)-(80)- 41483066 Guangdong, China exceed 10 thousand square meters.

The Tibetan towers of 10 places to see in China Western Sichuan hese mysterious towers pepper the Tribal TCorridor of Western Sichuan province. Hundreds still stand—some 50 meters high with as many as 13 star-like points—and the oldest are that aren’t the Great Wall thought to be 1,200 years old. Nobody knows why they’re there or what they’re for, but some say they were defensive Glacier lakes, mountain forests, sandy beaches and more. Here’s a list structures used for observing the lawless valleys that surround them. Others suggest they could of some dramatic destinations that you may not have yet considered for have been used as status symbols, or storehouses, your trip to China: or both. Regardless, these secret towers of the Himalayas are one of China’s best kept secrets. There’s a whole lot more to China than an expo, cheap food and a big wall. Book a train or some plane tickets and check out some of these other Chinese spectacles.

Karakul Lake, Xinjiang China’s wild rivers hina is home to some of the mightiest rivers in Asia— Cthe Yellow, the Yangtze, the Mekong—and for many, the country’s massive damming projects are a tragedy. But Chi- na is still home to some unspoiled waterways that can o er glimpses of the country rarely seen. Last Descents River Expedition, run by a young American trying to protect China’s river heritage, can lead the way. e company organizes trips to rivers in Western China—including Tibet, Qinghai and Yunnan—that combine tourism with a social and environmental purpose.

Heaven Lake, home to China’s Nessie ince the beginning of last century the SHeaven Lake Monster has made several alleged ‘appearances’. In 2003, a group of soldiers claimed to have spotted a black and green animal with scales on its back and horns on its head. In 2007, a TV cameraman supposedly caught video and stills of three pairs of nned, seal-like creatures that “could arakul, a glacier lake 3,600 meters above sea level tucked in the Pamir Mountains, feels like the edge of the Earth. swim as fast as yachts.” KAlong the Karakorum highway and a stone’s throw from the Tajikistan border, Karakul is home to camels, yaks, Monster or not, Heaven Lake is a marvel. Kyrgyz herders and not much else. e walk around the lake (Karakul means “black lake” in Kyrgyz) takes about three e volcanic lake in Jilin province was con- hours and oers a spectacular view of the 7,500 meter high Muztagh Ata Mountain. sidered holy land during the Qing dynasty. Many visitors spend the night in a yurt belonging to a local family. For about US$10 a night, you’ll be fed rice, veg- From the top, catch a rare glimpse of North etables and yak meat and sleep in a collective bed heated by a small re pit. Dress warm. Korea just across the border.

Burma Road, Yunnan Gulangyu Island he Burma Road once ran from Mandalay to Kunming very visitor to China has a car story—or several (see Tand was the scene of bloody battles during World War EPeter Hessler’s Country Driving)—and rarely are they 2. On the Chinese side, start in Riuli, once known as a positive. Gulangyu, an island o the coast of Xiamen, Golden Triangle hub, today home to several jade markets. might be the only place of true calm le in today’s auto- Pass by spectacular valleys and terraced rice plantations on obsessed China. the way to Tongsheng, which is home to the Museum of Gulangyu, home to 16,000 people on one square kilo- Yunnan-Burmese Anti-Japanese War. meter of land, famously has no motorized vehicle (with a Before heading to Dali, spend a few days hiking few exceptions). Not even bicycles. No honking, no traf- through unspoiled villages along the southern portions c jams, no near-death experiences. Can this place even of the Nu River. Once in Dali relax in one of the Old be called China? e hilly island is part Old Havana, City’s myriad cafes before heading to Kunming, Yunnan’s part Hawaii – a pedestrian’s dream. capital and one of China’s coolest cities.

Guangzhou’s Little Africa Cuandixia village, Beijing ucked into the heart of Guangzhou’s Old City is one of the Tmost fascinating corners of China you didn’t know existed: A eijing is great, but sometimes you just need to escape. community of some 20,000 traders hailing from Nigeria, Senegal, BIt’s not hard. Just outside the city are some charming Ghana and elsewhere in Africa. villages tucked in the lovely hills to the west, many in the Situated near Canaan Export Clothes Wholesale Trading shadow of the Great Wall. Center, Little Africa, or “Chocolate City,” as some politically Cuandixia village, about 90 kilometers from down- incorrect locals sometimes call it, arose in the 1990s as traders town Beijing, is more than 400 years old and is home to ocked to the southern Chinese province nicknamed ‘the more than 70 preserved courtyard homes built during world’s factory.’ Vibrant social and religious communities have the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynas- developed and many traders will gladly talk with visitors about ties. It’s o en a stand-in for ancient China in lms and their lives—both the good and bad—in Guangzhou. TV shows. e nearby hills are green and lush, a contrast to the dusty landscape that surrounds the capital. Cuandixia makes for a good day trip and home stays can also be arranged.

Get Naked in the Moganshan Hills arly last century, wealthy foreigners living in Shanghai came Eto Moganshan to lounge away the summer in stone villas, Surf in Hainan play tennis and swim in the municipal pool. Today, Moganshan ainan Island, sometimes called, perhaps generously, is making a comeback, thanks in part to Naked Retreats, a col- “China’s Hawaii,” is a growing tourist destination lection of restored farmhouses. (Don’t be fooled by the name – H o the country’s southern coast, just east of Vietnam. any nudity should probably be conned to your bungalow.) It’s famous for hosting Chinese beauty pageants, but is Upon arrival, guests are taken on a ‘decompression walk’ and also home to a small but growing community of surfers encouraged to spend a few minutes in awe of the scenery. Activi- – both Chinese and foreign. Each November, Sanya, ties include cycling, bass shing and mountain hikes. Visitors can the island’s capital, hosts the second annual Surng wander through dewy tea plantations and bamboo forests, or swim Hainan Open. Check out Hainan Adventures for surf in a reservoir to the buzz of cicadas. Accommodations are basic— lessons and travel packages. the wooden oors creak and there’s no air-conditioning—but bungalows come with Western-style kitchens, at-screen TVs and wireless Internet.

|60| India-China Chronicle . April 2012 April 2012 . India-China Chronicle |61| F I L M R E V I E W The Flowers of War Directed by: ZHANG YIMOU’S courtesans on the run, while the other encompasses spite of Bale’s yeoman e orts—is not always clear, largely cloistered schoolgirls who sing in the church choir and who the result of the script’s weakness. If there are too many plot he horrendous assault of Japanese troops in late 1937, deeply mourn the recent death of their Catholic priest. To contrivances, there are also a number of startling surprises which came to be known as the Rape of Nanking, save both the prostitutes and the adolescent girls—who that render the lm theatrically potent. Tcaused the deaths of over 200,000 Chinese. e list of recoil from any association with fallen angels—Miller must Overall, cinematographer Zhao Xiaoding’s vision is atrocities is endless and no lm to date presents them in put on the Father’s black robes and emulate priestly behavior. simply magnicent; costume designer William Chang more harrowing fashion than director Zhang Yimou’s e Gradually, he acquires a new dignity and compassion. He Suk-Ping’s work is impeccable; and Tao Jing’s sound design Flowers of War. stops trying to bed the sultry leader of the courtesans, Yo Mo makes a major contribution to the lm’s undeniable impact. Its opening sequence, in which an outmanned Chinese (Ni Ni), and begins to treat her like the clever, formidable e Flowers of War will likely be remembered as a triumph unit ghts ries-against-tanks to save a few endangered survivor that she is. of the genre. women, is as blunt as it is brutal. Hard-drinking American In the second act, momentum slows and sections of e lm, set during the Japanese invasion of China, is mortician John Miller (Christian Bale) is introduced, eeing dialogue seem incongruously sentimental. However, if one told from a young girl’s point of view, not as a history lesson, the same Japanese units and, through some miraculous is willing to extend imagination and allow that centuries but as an intimate, elemental and paradoxically universal accidents, nding his way to a battered but still-standing of Chinese tradition permit raw emotions to be expressed celebration of the human spirit. Bale stars as a dissolute cathedral whose Red Cross ag theoretically protects the in the midst of blunt catastrophe, then these speeches may Westerner who seeks refuge in a Catholic Church. ere inhabitants. be accepted as part of ancient Chinese mores surviving to he meets a beautiful Chinese courtesan who helps him Adapted by Liu Heng from the novel by Yan Geling, present day. Considering Zhang’s profound understanding rescue a group of schoolgirls from a terrible fate at the hands e Flowers of War oers two distinct species of “owers”: of his country’s national characteristics, the lyrical passages of the Japanese. One group consists of beautiful have a legitimate place. Contrasting with them are ruthless e lm represents one of China’s most ambitious military sequences—especially a scene in which a single productions, involving the recreation of 1937 Nanking built Chinese soldier wipes out an entire Japanese squad. is from scratch over a one-year period and the collaboration should be reality enough for most viewers. Audiences should of one of Hollywood’s most sought aer leading men be dazzled by Zhang’s skill and inventiveness. (Christian Bale).  Still, e Flowers of War’s primary concern is rst and foremost brutality against women in wartime. Saving as many of them as possible is the thrust of the action. e motivation for Miller to become a better man—in

|62| India-China Chronicle . April 2012 Have a dragon year!

ecember is the month China starts decorating itself. and had become a custom since it started in 1983. With Every shop, o ce building, public site starts putting changes in society, it is but a given that the way Spring Festival Dup Christmas trees, ‘Santa’s and reindeers. Surprisingly, is celebrated will continue to evolve. not many Chinese celebrate Christmas as a festival in the way As young people go back to their hometowns, it is time Christians would do; but the spirit is there everywhere – at not just for a re-union with families but also with old friends least in the big cities. Much like in India I suppose, where from school and the neighborhood. Many a strong friendship people like an extended period of festive spirit (Navratri to is re-a rmed and many lost romances are relived. If somebody Diwali can be taken as an example), the Chinese seem to like is unable to make it back home, friends go to his/her parents the festive mood that starts right from December and goes up instead to “bainian” or pay respects for the New Year. ere to the spring festival in January/February. is a custom to drink Chinese rice wine while paying New Year I have written about the spring festival earlier, when last respects. is is a sort of a coming of age ceremony for young year I had visited my friend at her Gansu province home to people when parents themselves oer the extremely strong rice spend the Spring Festival with her wine to their children. Boys are even and her family. is year, I asked my oered a smoke by the father when friends and colleagues about how he is considered “grown-up.” they see customs changing with Like in India, family is also very time. My colleague Jacob Jiang, important in China. Chun Jie or university educated at Nottingham Spring Festival is the time when and a native of Dalian in the north, the family cherishes some happy says that certain northern customs memories, eats sumptuous food and have remained unchanged such forgets its sorrows to welcome the as the tradition of not getting a New Year with great happiness, re haircut in the month of the Spring crackers and the colour red. Festival for fear of causing death To all my Chinese friends – to one’s maternal uncle. Irene, zhu nimen chunjie kuai le!! And another colleague of mine who to my Indian ones – Naye saal ki along with Jacob represents China’s shubhkamnaayen! And a very new brigade of condent, uent in happy and prosperous New Year to English, Western-educated youth, you all!!!  says that with the advent of social networking, younger people are tending to celebrate Spring Festival ‘online’ with constant updates and greetings on media such as Weibo, QQ groups– as Spring Festival is celebrated mostly with family, social networking sites have provided an eective way of keeping in touch with friends made during university and work-life. Younger people are also getting less and less SUMELIKA interested in watching the annual ‘CCTV Chinese New Year BHATTACHARYYA Gala’ broadcast by the Chinese national TV channel, CCTV, Chronicle Bureau, Shanghai which was much anticipated every Spring Festival evening

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