CII Communique - December, 2010

eport
Middle East
UAE & Syria
CII business delegation to UAE and Syria
Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of India, with CII business delegation members
CII organized a business delegation to accompany
Mrs Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of India, to
UAE and Syria from 23-28 November. The President
addressed large business gatherings in both countries.
Business opportunities and areas of cooperation were
discussed with the local business community and select
government officials. The CII team comprised of senior
representatives from companies such as Punj Lloyd,
Tata Communications, HCL, Thermax Group, Larsen &
Toubro, Bharat Pumps and Compressors, Solo Energy,
Pearl International etc.
‘India & League of Arab States’ Report
Dr Subakant Behera, Joint Secretary (PP&R), Ministry of External
Affairs; Dr Ahmed Salem Al-Wahishi, Chief Representative, League
of Arab States Mission in India; Youssouf Omar Doualeh, Dean,
Arab Diplomatic Corps & Ambassador of Djibouti to India; Atul Punj,
Chairman, CII Gulf/MENA Committee & Chairman, Punj Lloyd Ltd,
and Sami Mohammad Al-Sulaiman, Ambassador of
Kuwait to India & Chair – GCC Countries
India and the 22 countries of the League of Arab Nations
are set to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
Bilateral trade is expected to reach US$120 billion by
2010–11 and US$ 240 billion by 2014, rising strongly
from $20 billion in 2004-05. This was highlighted in a
report entitled ‘India & League of Arab States- Exploring
New Horizons’ which covers India’s economic relations
with all members of the League. Launched in New Delhi
on 24 November, ahead of the visit of Mrs Pratibha
Devisingh Patil, President of India, to Syria and UAE,
the CII publication was brought out in cooperation with
the Embassy of Arab League of Nations.
The publication provides an
overview of the economic scenario,
policies, main sectors of industry,
market size, investment and trade
policies, and export - import
scenario of India and all the 22
countries in the region. The report
covers opportunities for business
as well as details on key MNCs
operating in the main sectors of
Industry, important agencies and
websites in the region.
Dr Subakanth Behera, Joint Secretary, (PP&R), Ministry
of External Affairs, said that this initiative of highlighting
the Indo-LAS relations has been undertaken with the
objective to explore new horizons of collaboration and
also to harness investment and trade between India
and the LAS region. This publication intends to serve
as a handbook to the business community to facilitate
taking decisions based on well-supported facts and
guidance.
The common sectors of interest to both regions include
oil and gas, chemicals, infrastructure, real estate and
food processing, among others. Moreover, investments
from the LAS region into India have been on a continuous
upswing, especially in sectors such as infrastructure, real
estate, telecom and food processing, added Dr Ahmed
Salem Al-Wahishi, Chief Representative, League of Arab
States Mission in India.
Mr. Youssouf Omar Doualeh, Dean, Arab Diplomatic
Corps and Ambassador of Djibouti to India said that
the publication will further help businesses expand
trade and explore new areas of business interest. Mr
Sami Mohammad Al-Sulaiman, Ambassador of Kuwait
to India, and Chair – GCC countries added that security,
defence and education are new areas of interest which
will shape the relationship.
“The business guide will serve as a reference material
for Indian Industry and for the business community of
these countries to better understand the market trends
and business opportunities and provides an in-depth
analysis of the trade and economic dynamics of India
and the members of the League of Arab States,” said
Mr. Atul Punj, Chairman, CII Gulf/MENA Committee, and
Chairman, Punj Lloyd Ltd.
Communiqué December 2010 | 65