CII Communique - December, 2010

eport
South Asia
Afghanistan
Interactive Session with Afghan Diplomats
CII organized an interactive session with a 20-member
team of Afghan Diplomats on 26 November in New
Delhi. Mr Gurpal Singh, Deputy Director General, CII,
said that the associations play a key role in economic
development of the country. He briefed them on the
structure of CII and how CII works closely with the
Government and other agencies. He also briefed them
on the initiatives taken by CII to strengthen economic
cooperation between India and Afghanistan. CII also
made a brief presentation on the Indian Economy.
Bangladesh
Investing in Bangladesh
Afghan diplomats at CII, New Delhi
Muhammad Faruk Khan, Commerce Minister, Bangladesh addressing.
Also seen: Abdul Matlub Ahmad, President, India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce &
Industry; A K Azad, President, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry;
Tariq A Karim, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India; Syamal Gupta, Special Adviser,
Tata International Ltd.; and Annisul Huq, President, SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Addressing CII members in New Delhi on 23 October,
Mr Muhammad Faruk Khan, Commerce Minister of
Bangladesh, said that Bangladesh is an attractive
investment destination for Indian companies. He added
that Bangladesh coal-based industry has been opened
up in the PPP mode and Indian industry can greatly
benefit from this new opportunity. He made an emotional
appeal for all SAARC countries to come together, execute
and implement economic growth and help each other
to grow, as good economic relations can help the
whole region.
The Minister was accompanied by Mr. Annisul Huq,
President, SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry;
Mr. Abdul Matlub Ahmed, President, India-Bangladesh
Chamber of Commerce & Industry; and Mr. A K Azad,
President, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of
Commerce & Industry.
Mr Tariq Karim, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to
India, said that the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
to India has changed the overall scenario. Both countries
have come closer to each other.
India's Look East policy should cover North East and
Bangladesh. South Asian countries should come
forward to make a strong region like ASEAN and EU.
India should forge ahead in development along with all
neighbours, said Mr. Annisul Huq, President, SAARC
Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Mr A K Azad, President, Federation of Bangladesh
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the
business community has helped the economy grow
in both countries, and they have to take the lead in
furthering it. He suggested that the ASEAN model could
be initiated to further trade and economic cooperation
between India and Bangladesh.
Mr. Syamal Gupta, Special Adviser, Tata International
Ltd. said that Indo-Bangladesh
friendship and relations will be
further strengthened going forward,
particularly in areas of trade, business
and economic cooperation. He
added that CII and IBCCI have
decided to form a Joint Task Force
to identify new areas of economic
cooperation, consider issues on a
wider perspective and recommend
solutions with a view to strengthening
bilateral relations.
Nepal
CII Business Delegation Vists Nepal
Over the last two decades, CII has been constantly
working to further strengthen trade, investment and other
forms of economic cooperation with Nepal.
With the objective to continue these efforts, renew
its contacts and to explore new business prospects,
a CII Business Delegation visited Nepal from 27-29
November. The delegation had business meetings with
the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce
66 | December 2010 Communiqué