December January February March April May

July August September October November

Issue No. 14 09 January 2010

Highlights

- ADB raises GDP forecast for 2009 to 7 per cent

- Record FII inflows in 2009

- Gems and jewellery exports jump 55% to $ 2.1 billion in November 2009

- Mobile user-base surpasses 500 million mark

- Direct tax receipts to beat target

- Life insurance industry expands 18 per cent in six months

- Iron-ore exports more than doubled in October 2009

- Manufacturing on higher growth in first half of FY 2009-10

- SEZs post exports of US$ 19.27 billion in January-June 2009

- Exports claw back into positive zone at 18.3%

- Industrial output up 10.3 per cent in October

- Government earned Rs.8,300 crore from telecom firms

- More sops to boost handloom sector

- India approves new policy to promote biofuels

- Nine FDI proposals get nod

- Govt to fast track employment visas

- Visa on arrival in India - from five countries

- ADB to provide two loans totalling $850 million to India

- Indian pharmaceutical industry valued at over US$ 20 billion

- India’s Retail Sector

- India, Sudan ink deal on expanding energy ties

ADB raises GDP forecast for 2009 to 7 per cent

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in a note that India is now expected to grow 7 per cent in 2009, a full percentage point higher than projected in ADB’s Outlook Update earlier. ADB’s revised forecast comes on the back of the country’s better-than-expected second quarter growth of 7.9 per cent, higher than GDP growth in the June quarter at 6.1 per cent and growth in the March quarter at 5.8 per cent. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has pegged the GDP estimate for the 2009-10 fiscal at six per cent while the Planning Commission has pegged GDP for the fiscal at 6.3 per cent.

However, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presenting the mid-year review of the economy in the Parliament projected the growth outlook to be in the upper bound of 7 per cent for 2009-10. This comes on the back of the expectation of better performance in industry and service sectors in the second half of the current fiscal. The Finance Ministry suggested a gradual withdrawal of the easy money policy by the Reserve Bank of India in a calibrated manner in order to ensure sustained economic recovery.

Record FII inflows in 2009

With the record FII (foreign institutional investor) inflow of over Rs 80,500 crore (US$ 17.3 billion), 2009 will go down as one of the best years in the history of the Indian stock market. But, even as FIIs invested in Indian equities, there were very few new investors. The number of FIIs who registered themselves with the Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) this year was higher by 7% over 2008. Data sourced from the SEBI shows that 113 new FIIs registered themselves in 2009 so far, taking the tally to 5,327.

However, the number of new registrations this year is 70% less compared to 375 new registrations recorded in 2008 and 223 in 2007. Industry watchers attribute the lower number of FII registration largely due to severe risk aversion among global investors after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, which deterred the pace of new entities entering the Indian market. Despite a slump in the number new entrants, the trend of overseas investors pouring money into the Indian equity continues unabated.

Gems and jewellery exports jump 55% to $ 2.1 billion in November 2009

According to the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), exports of gems and jewellery from India increased 55% to $ 2.142 billion in November compared to $ 1.383 billion a year ago. The growth was triggered by Christmas buying. The sudden jump in exports in November helped gems and jewellery exports to make good the loss from decline in exports in the previous months. Cumulative exports have dropped only marginally to $ 17.623 billion in April-November 2009 period compared to $ 17.922 billion in the corresponding period last year. Indian exporters expressed the hope that this trend will continue.

Mobile user-base surpasses 500 million mark

According to the figures released by the Telephone Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the total telecom subscriber base stood at 543 million at the end of November 2009, registering a growth of 3.34% over the previous month. India has emerged as the fastest growing telecom market in the world adding over 10 million users per month. A total of 17.65 million mobile subscribers were added during November 2009. The wireless subscriber base increased from 488.40 million in October to 506.40 million at the end of November 2009. However, due to an intense tariff war and entry of new operators, the revenue and profitability of the mobile firms are under pressure.

Direct tax receipts to beat target

India Inc has witnessed 34 per cent growth in advance tax payments in the third quarter, with corporate advance tax collections in October-December 2009 at Rs. 55,900 crore (US$ 11.94 billion), compared with Rs 41,500 crore (US$ 8.87 billion) a year ago. Overall direct tax collection registered 8.5% growth between April and December 2009 and corporate advance tax collection rose by over 20% during the same period. A clearer picture on India Inc’s performance will emerge only after the March 2010 advance tax payments. Advance tax is considered a quick indicator of a company’s performance.

Life insurance industry expands 18 per cent in six months

In the first six months of the current fiscal, the domestic life insurance industry posted an 18% growth. Renewal premiums rose by close to 24% over the same period in the previous year to stand at US$ 15.88 billion, while new business premiums rose by close to 18%. The growth in the industry is propelled by low commission single premium policies. For the April-October period, single premium policies witnessed a surge of around 42 per cent, with investors preferring non-linked policies signifying a clear trend towards traditional policies.

Iron-ore exports more than doubled in October 2009

A joint study conducted by Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association, Kudremukh Iron Ore Company and the government owned trading house MMTC showed that India’s iron ore exports more than doubled to 9.3 million tonnes in October this year as compared to 4.4 million tonnes in the same month a year ago. India produces close to 200 million tonnes of iron ore every year, half of which is exported. China is the largest importer at 80% of the total Indian exports, while the rest is exported to Japan and Korea.

Manufacturing on higher growth in first half of FY 2009-10

According to a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) survey, India's manufacturing sector is on an uptrend with the majority of sectors recording positive trends in the first half of fiscal year 2009-10, as compared with the corresponding period in 2008-09.

Indian companies have raised close to US$ 2.6 billion from the international market through external commercial borrowings (ECBs) and foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) in October 2009, marking the highest amount raised by Indian corporates in a month after September 2008.

SEZs post exports of US$ 19.27 billion in January-June 2009

Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma informed the Indian Parliament on 9 December that the special economic zones in India, numbered 101, posted exports worth US$ 19.27 billion in the first six months of 2009 (January-June) as compared to US$ 21.41 billion in the last calendar year. The Government has already accorded approval for 570 SEZs in the country. SEZs have helped in attracting investments and new technology, Minister added.

Exports claw back into positive zone at 18.3%

After remaining in negative territory for 13 months, India’s merchandise exports grew 18.3% in November at $13.2 billion, against $11.16 billion a year earlier. The latest export growth figure not only overshadows the 13.5% contraction in the year-ago month, but also betters the 6.6% dip seen in the previous month. Exports have been progressively improving since May, when they contracted by 38.9%. While exports shrunk 26% from April to October, they declined 22.3% in the April-November period. Assisting the rebound was a near doubling of petroleum product sales overseas, as well a large increase in gems & jewellery exports.

Exports of petroleum products rose 85% to $2.4 billion, while that of gems & jewellery increased around 40% at $2.15 billion. Non-oil exports saw much less export traction, growing only 4.8% at $10.8 billion. The non-oil export basket comprises products from labour-intensive sectors like leather, textiles and handicrafts.

According to Commerce Secretary Dr. Rahul Khullar, cumulative exports will remain in negative territory this year. He felt that exports should stabilise in the fourth quarter. “That will be a crucial period. If we see exports in the range of $13-14 billion in the months up to March, we may have exports in the range of $165-170 billion in 2009-10,” he added. In 2008-09, India exported goods worth over $186 billion.

Industrial output up 10.3 per cent in October

India’s factory output rose 10.3 per cent in October from a year earlier as stimulus measures and domestic demand pushed the economy into its 10^th straight month of industrial expansion.

According to government figures, manufacturing output grew 11.1 per cent, rebounding from a 0.6 percent contraction in October,. Consumer durables production shot up 21 percent and capital goods production rose 12.2 percent.

The government also revised its number for September industrial output growth to 9.6 percent from 9.1 percent. At the same time, India's economy grew 7.9 percent in the July-September period, far faster than expected. India’s economy is a self-sustaining one and does not depend too much on exports or other economies for its survival.

Government earned Rs.8,300 crore from telecom firms

Minister of State for Telecom and IT Gurdas Kamat informed the Parliament that the government earned Rs.8,307.85 crore (Rs. 1 crore = Rs.10 million) from mobile telecom operators through licence fee in 2008-09 and Rs.4,112.3 crore in the first half this fiscal. Telecom operators pay 6 to 10 percent of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) to the government as licence fee.

Kamat said the government's earnings were rising as the country's telecom industry was fast expanding its operations.

More sops to boost handloom sector

The Government in a bid to provide sustenance and facilitate growth in the handloom sector introduced the Integrated Handloom Clusters Development Scheme (IHCDS) in 20 selected handloom clusters of the country. Under the scheme, each cluster will be developed in a time frame of four years at an upper cost of Rs, 2 crore, covering about 5000 handlooms per cluster. The Indian textile exports in November 2009 rose indicating a revival in European markets. The Indian Textile Ministry is seeking more sops to prop up the handloom and handicraft sectors.

India approves new policy to promote biofuels

On 24 December, in an effort to promote cost-effective clean energy sources, India approved a new policy that calls for blending at least 20 percent biofuels in diesel and petrol by 2017, apart from extending incentives to encourage its production in wastelands.

"The policy endeavours to facilitate and bring about optimal development and utilisation of indigenous biomass feedstock for production of biofuels," an official statement said, after a meeting of the Cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"The Indian approach to biofuels is based solely on non-food feedstock to be raised on degraded or wastelands that are not suited to agriculture, thus avoiding a possible conflict of fuel versus food security," the statement added. The salient features of the National Policy on Bio-fuels include:

- Setting up of a National Biofuel Coordination Committee under Prime Minister for broader policy perspective

- Setting up of a National Biofuel Coordination Committee under prime minister for broader policy perspective

- Setting up of a Biofuel Steering Committee under the cabinet secretary to oversee implementation of policy

- Bio-diesel production to be encouraged from non-edible oil seeds in waste, degraded, marginal land

- An indicative target of 20 percent blending of bio-fuels in diesel and ethanol by 2017

- Minimum support price to be announced for farmers producing non-edible oil seeds

- Financial incentives for second generation biofuels, including a national biofuel fund

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will be the co-ordinating ministry for biofuel development and utilisation, with scientific agencies being assigned specific roles.

Nine FDI proposals get nod

In December, nine proposals for bringing in a total foreign investment of US$ 112.25 million have been cleared by the government. Among the approved proposals is a proposal by Japan's Mitsui and Company to bring in US$ 69.83 million towards the establishment of a fully-owned subsidiary in the warehousing sector and the setting up of a joint venture entity in the container freight stations segment.

The other foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals to receive approval include that of Internet Global Services Ltd to invest US$ 21.42 million, a proposal by Goldman Agent Pvt Ltd. to bring in US$ 19.92 million and that of Diageo, the world's top manufacturer of liquor, for acquisition of its joint venture with Radico Khaitan. Other proposal that received government approval is that of Premiere Conferencing (Ireland) and Chennai-based R K Swamy BBDO Pvt Ltd.

Govt to fast track employment visas

Cabinet secretary KM Chandrasekhar informed that the government has decided to introduce a liberal dispensation for the issue of need-based work visas. This would help open up contract jobs at India’s infrastructure projects to foreign nationals. With this, multibillion-dollar projects in the power, steel and road sectors will be put back on track.

In areas where there is no national security angle, the labour ministry will provide work permits in four to five days. Approval will be deemed granted if the ministry fails to decide within 45 days, Cabinet Secretary said. In defence and atomic energy, the home ministry will take at most 15 days to decide. “There isn’t any cap on skilled workers and qualified professionals from abroad. However, we have to be restrictive about unskilled foreign nationals, as the country has a high incidence of unemployment,” he added.

Any project promoter is free to recruit up to 20 workers, or 1% of the workforce (whichever is higher), from overseas. Further, a committee of secretaries has now decided to allow promoters of power and steel projects to recruit up to 40 foreign workers without special permission,

Chandrasekhar said: “Even beyond these numbers, promoters are free to absorb foreign labour provided they justify the needs to the labour ministry.” He, however, said business visas would not be allowed in lieu of employment visas. Effectively, the policy decision would allow Chinese and other foreign nationals who had left the country recently to quickly return and join their projects.

Visa on arrival in India -- from five countries

Indian Ministry of Tourism announced on 8 December that India has decided to introduce visa on arrival on a pilot basis for citizens of Singapore, Finland, New Zealand, Luxembourg and Japan.

The scheme has been introduced for one year. The countries have been decided on the basis of being potential source markets for India without security concerns. The statement said that the introduction of Visa on Arrival scheme was expected to provide a quantum jump in tourist arrivals to India from these countries. It was further indicated that the modalities of the implementation of the scheme are being worked out with all the stakeholders and will be notified very shortly.

ADB to provide two loans totalling $850 million to India

A statement issued by the Indian Ministry of Finance stated that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will lend $150 million in four tranches over a period of three years for the restructuring and development of Khadi industry.

The ADB will provide a $700-million loan, in three tranches in as many years, to state-run India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd. to fund the country’s infrastructure programme.

The Manila-based bank will lend $150 million in four tranches over a period of three years, the statement added, for the restructuring and development of Khadi industry, which makes India’s traditional hand spun fabric.

Indian pharmaceutical industry valued at over US$ 20 billion

Replying to a question on December 3, 2009 in the Indian Parliament, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers informed that India’s pharmaceutical industry is now over US$ 20 billion. The industry has shown tremendous progress in terms of infrastructure development, technology base creation and a wide range of products. India now ranks third in volume and accounts for 10 per cent of the world’s production, fourteenth in terms of value, fourth in terms of generic production and seventeenth in terms of export value of bulk actives and dosage forms.

Indian companies export pharmaceuticals to more than 200 countries including the tightly regulated markets of West Europe, Japan, USA and Australia.

India’s Retail Sector

India is ranked first on the Global Retail Development Index 2009 conducted by AT Kearney across 30 emerging economies. India is also ranked fourth in the 2009 Retail Apparel Index.

The Indian retail market is the fifth largest retail destination globally. It is estimated to grow from US$ 385 billion in 2007-08 to US$ 405 billion in 2009-10 and to US$ 573 billion by 2012-13.

India, Sudan ink deal on expanding energy ties

India and Sudan signed an agreement on expanding ties in the oil and gas sector on the last day of a two-day India-Africa Hydrocarbon conference held in New Delhi. The agreement was signed by Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Jitin Prasad and Sudan's Energy and Mining Minister Angelina Jany Teny.

The agreement provides a broad framework to take forward the existing cooperation between the two countries. Minister Prasad pointed out that ONGC Videsh Ltd has already made an investment of $2.5 billion in Sudan in oil producing and in exploration assets. "The investment of our companies is expected to increase when some of the oil and gas assets in Africa are developed to produce oil and gas. Our focus has been to step up investments in the oil and gas sector of Africa for mutual benefit," he said.

MoS Prasad articulated five areas for India's participation in African oil and gas sector. These were to buy more crude, investment in upstream opportunities in Africa, as well as in third countries, explore scope to import more Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), make available Indian skills, talent and technology for cost-effective solutions and pursue community development projects.

Earlier, Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor urged African nations to partner with India as India offers both a huge market for energy products as also an investment and technology partner in the oil and gas sector. He also noted that India would also like to see development of Africa's own domestic market.

India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) – Calendar of Events

ITPO, the premier trade promotion agency of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India, has been organising a number of trade promotion events in India and abroad which includes trade exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, contact promotions programmes and department store promotions and other activities. As in the past, ITPO has brought out a Calendar of Events for the period January-December 2011 including events to be organised by other agencies at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. A brief account of forthcoming trade fairs is given below:

- India Book Fair - Books, Publications, Journals - Jan. 6-10, 2010, Mumbai

- Signage India - Digital signage, Advertising, 3D technology - Jan. 19-22, 2010, New Delhi

- Arogya - Traditional systems of medicine - Jan. 28 – 31, 2010, Bangalore

- India International Leather Fair - Jan. 31 - Feb. 03, 2010 Chennai

- Nakshatra - Astrology, Vaastu, healing therapies -Feb. 1-7, 2010, New Delhi

- 13th India International Security Expo - Security equipments, disaster management - Feb. 15-18 2010, New Delhi

- International Leather Goods Fair - Feb. 19-21, 2010, Kolkata - Leather, Leather products, Footwear & components, Fashion accessories, Machinery and equipment, Chemicals

- Tex-Styles India - Fabrics, yarns, fibres, home furnishing, accessories - Feb. 24 - 27, 2010, New Delhi

- Aahar Int'l. Food Fair - Food, Processed Food, Hotel & Restaurant equipment & supplies - March 10-14, 2010, New Delhi

- IT India - Computer hardware, computer systems, computer peripherals etc. - March 26 - 29, 2010, New Delhi

- India Dyes & Chemicals Expo - Dyes & Chemicals etc. -January, 2010, Ahmedabad

- India Int'l. Maritime Logistics Expo- Ship-building & dry-dock activities, port infrastructure, survey related activities – April 2010, Mumbai

- 4th East Himalayan Expo - Décor & Multi-products - April 23-May 02, 2010, Siliguri

- Aahar Int'l. Food Fair - Food, Processed Food, Hotel & Restaurant equipment & supplies - Aug. 27- 29, 2010, Chennai

- Print & Packaging - Printing and Packaging machinery, equipment and Technologies - Sept. 21-26, 2010, Chennai

- Sports Goods & Physical Fitness Equipment Exhibition - Sept. 21-24, 2010, New Delhi

- Delhi Int'l. Leather Fair - October, 2010, New Delhi

- India International Trade Fair - Multi-products and multi-sector show - Nov. 14 - 27, 2010, New Delhi

- I Pack – Packaging - Dec 10-12, 2010, Hyderabad

- Delhi Book Fair - Books, Publications, Journals - Dec. 11-19, 2010, New Delhi

- Stationery Fair - Educational & Office stationery, Teaching Aids - Dec. 11-19, 2010, New Delhi

- Energy -Tech - Energy management, alternative sustainable energy - Dec. 11-14, 2010, New Delhi

- Enviro –Tech - Environment-friendly technologies & systems, waste water management - Dec. 11-14, 2010, New Delhi

- Int'l. Arogya Fair - Traditional systems of medicine - Dec. 18 - 21, 2010, New Delhi

- India Book Fair - Books, Publications, Journals, Dec. 2010, Mumbai

For further information, ITPO’s Website: www.indiaportaloftrade.com may be accessed.

Power - an important sector for Foreign Direct Investment

Power is an important sector for foreign direct investment in India. The Indian economy continues to surge ahead. There exists a gap between the supply of power and its demand. The demand for power in the country continues to rise with the increased manufacturing activities, a growing population and the rising energy needs of a rapidly growing consumer base. The Indian power sector has come a long way from a mere 1362 MW generation capacity at the time of independence in 1947 to more than 155,000 MW at the end of 2009. India now has the fifth largest electricity market in the world and the world’s third largest transmission and distribution network. At the end of November 2009, thermal power plants accounted for an overwhelming 63.92 per cent of the total installed capacity, followed by hydro power (23.67%), renewable energy sources (9.77%) and nuclear energy at 2.64 per cent.

Growth potential

It is estimated that India’s energy sector will require an investment to the tune of $150-200 billion over the next five years both in capacity creation and transmission and distribution sectors. The government has also revised its target of power capacity addition to 92,700 MW in the 11^th Five Year Plan (2007-12) from its earlier estimate of 78,500 MW to sustain the growth momentum of the economy. According to Planning Commission estimates, renewable energy projects worth US$ 16.50 billion for the generation of 15,000 MW power would come up in the 11^th Plan. In addition, the government has earmarked a total capital subsidy of US$ 6.88 billion for providing electricity connections and for the distribution of infrastructure to rural households under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana.

According to a study conducted by McKinsey, India’s power demand is expected to increase to 315-335 GW by 2017 if India continues to grow at an average annual rate of 8 per cent. This would entail a five to ten fold rise in production requiring investments worth $ 600 billion.

The nuclear power generation sector after the clearance of the Indo-US nuclear deal is expected to provide an opportunity of US$ 10 billion in the next five years. India has recently signed civil nuclear agreements with France, Argentina and Russia. Negotiations with Canada for such a deal have also been concluded recently.

Public Private Partnerships

The large amount of investments required in capacity creation and in transmission and distribution segments calls for public private partnerships. The government has, therefore, allowed the private sector to set up coal, gas or liquid-based thermal projects, hydel projects, and wind or solar project of any size in the country.

Government initiatives

• Introduction of the Electricity Act 2003 and the notification of the National Electricity and Tariff policies.
• Constitution of Independent State Electricity Regulatory Commissions in the states.
• Allowing foreign equity participation up to 100 per cent in the power sector under the automatic route.
• Allowing 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Indian power sector (except nuclear).
• Allowing 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the renewable energy sector.
• Providing income tax holiday for a block of 10 years in the first 15 years of operation and waiver of capital goods' import duties on mega power projects (above 1,000 MW generation capacity).

Useful links:

Official website of Ministry of Power, Government of India: http://powermin.nic.in

Official website of Central Electrical Authority: http://www.cea.nic.in

India-Canada bilateral trade

Bilateral trade figures for the quarter January-October 2009 are as under:

[Figures in thousand US dollars at the current rate]

Description	Jan-Oct 2008	Jan-Oct 2009	Percentage change
India’s Total Exports	1,760	1,491	(-) 15.3
India’s Total Imports	1,795	1,519	(-) 15.4
Total Trade	3,555	3,010	(-) 15.30

[Source: Statistics Canada]

Global economic recession continues to take its toll on India-Canada bilateral trade. India’s exports to Canada during the period January- October in current fiscal were down 15.3 per cent over the same period last year whereas India’s imports from Canada during the same period registered a 15.4 per cent decline. Overall bilateral trade in the first ten months of 2009 registered a 15.30 per cent decline over the same period last year.

Events

Vancouver-based CIBT Education Group Inc., an education management and investment company, has signed a term sheet agreement to license the CIBT School of Business and Sprott-Shaw Community College brand in select Indian States. The agreement is with a Canadian investment holding company with a presence in India. The term sheet, which will serve as the base for negotiations for a formal license, outlines the terms and conditions. It allows for the creation and marketing of new schools and institutes, the provision of selected programs at existing campuses in India and credit transfer programs between Sprott-Shaw and CIBT’s Indian and international campuses.

Toronto-based Canasia Power Corp., a specialist in the development of major power plants and related electrical infrastructure facilities, announced that it has entered into two memorandums of understanding (MOU) for projects in India. The first is a joint venture with Mississauga’s Admira Distributed Hybrid Energy Systems Inc. and Noida, India-based Bhagawati Gases Limited. The three will design, build and support renewable energy projects targeting 50MW of solar/renewable energy applications in different projects with a total capital investment of C$200 million. The second MOU is with Chem Process Systems Pvt. Ltd. of Ahmedabad to design, supply and support 100MW of solar energy systems. The two will design and execute a pilot project which is to be operational by April 2010 for review by the state government of Gujarat.

Forthcoming events

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is organizing the 16^th edition of Partnership Summit 2010 in Chennai from 22 to 24 January 2010. The Summit will be chaired by Mr. Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce and Industry, India and HE Mr. Najib Tun Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia will be the Guest of Honour. In the past, the Prime Ministers of India, Singapore, Canada, UK, Italy, Czech Republic and Presidents of India, Poland and Portugal have addressed the Partnership Summit since 1995. The Summit will showcase India’s potential, especially to foreign participants as a viable destination for doing business and for long-term investments in manufacturing and services. Business Delegations from Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Laos, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Uganda, United Kingdom and Argentina have already confirmed participation.

Visits

From India

Mr. A. Manickam, Joint Secretary (CPV), Ministry of External Affairs, accompanied by Mr. R K Mishra, Technical Director, NIC visited Montreal from 7 to 9 December 2009 to participate in the 19^th Meeting of the Technical Advisory Group on Machine Readable Travel Documents.

Mr. J S Rawat, Deputy Director General, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India visited Montreal from 01 to 04 December 2009 to attend the meeting of PANS – Aerodromes Study Group.

From Canada

Premier of Ontario Province Mr. Dalton McGuinty, accompanied by Sandra Pupatello, Provincial Minister for International Trade and Investment, and representatives of 27 businesses and institutions in the field of clean and green technology visited India (Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad) from 6 to 11 December 2009. In Delhi, Premier McGunity called on Mr. Kamal Nath, Minister for Road Transportation and Highways, Mr. Kapil Sibal, Minister for Human Resource Development, Mr. Anand Sharma, Commerce and Industry Minister and also held talks with Chief Minister of Delhi, Mrs. Sheila Dikshit.

In Mumbai, Premier visited the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel to pay respects to victims of the November 2008 terrorist attacks in the city. In Hyderabad, Premier McGuinty participated in a plenary session and also held a roundtable discussion at the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.

During his stay in India, Premier McGuinty and members of his delegation held discussions with Indian business and academic leaders. Agreements worth $ 650 million were signed between Canadian and Indian companies in the field of clean technology.

One major highlight of the visit was the International Indian Film Academy’s announcement that their 2011 awards ceremony will be coming to Toronto — the first time this ceremony will take place in North America.

For the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD) 2010 in New Delhi – 7-9 January 2010 - three journalists from Canada, namely, Mr. Jaideep Singh, Ottawa, Mr. Gurpreet Singh, Vancouver and Mr. Jagdish Grewal, Toronto, have been invited by the organizers to attend the event. Mr. Harinder Thakkar, Minister of Government Services, Ontario Province,Ms. Ruby Dhalla, MP, Brampton and representatives of Indo-Canada Chambers of Commerce (ICC) have attended the event.

Forthcoming visits

From India

Dr. S. Natesh, Senior Adviser & Head, International Collaboration, Department of Biotechnology, India will lead a delegation to participate in a bilateral business-to-business partnering summit in Vancouver from 21-23 January 2010 to set up SME matchmaking programs in life sciences. The summit is being organised by ISTP Canada in cooperation with the Government of British Columbia (Ministry of Small Business Technology and Economic Development). Dr. Natesh will be accompanied by Dr. A Surolia, Director, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, Dr. Rakesh Tuli, Officer-on-Special Duty, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali and Dr. Dinakar M. Salunke, Officer-in-Charge, Translation Health Science & Technology Institute, Faridabad.

Mr. Gurbachan Singh, Joint Director (IB), MHA, India and Mr. Prem Nath, DGP, Commonwealth Games Planning, Delhi will visit as Foreign Security Liaison Officer for Vancouver Whistler Olympics, 12-28 February, 2010. A 9 member team led by Mr. Rajinder Kumar Gupta, Chef de Mission, will represent India at the Vancouver Winter Olympics to be held in Vancouver from 12 to 28 February 2009. The Indian athletes – Shiva Keshavan K.P., Jamyang Namgial and Tashi Lundup, will participate in three events, namely, Luge, Alpine Skiing and Cross Country Skiing respectively.

From Canada

Hon. Mr. Jean Charest, Premier of Quebec Province, will lead a high powered delegation to India (New Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi) from 31 January to 06 February 2010 consisting of more than 150 members largely drawn from the business circles and Presidents of Quebec based universities and senior officials of the Province. He will also be accompanied by Mr. Pierre Arcand, Provincial Minister of International Relations. The focus of the visit is to forge cooperation in hydro-power, energy, life sciences, aerospace, education, environment, infrastructure, multimedia, R&D, biotech, pharmaceutical and ICT. Premier Charest will also attend the Delhi Sustainable Summit 2010 being held in New Delhi during 5-7 January as one of the Speakers.

Hon. Michael De Jong, Attorney General (Minister) of British Columbia will visit India (New Delhi and Chandigarh) from 18 to 31 January 2009. In Chandigarh, he will inaugurate British Columbia’s office on 22 January 2010 which is being established to expand economic, cultural and academic ties between British Columbia and Punjab and Haryana.

Senator Donald Oliver from Nova Scotia Province will lead an official Atlantic Mission to India (New Delhi, Mumbai) to attend the Global Economic Summit planned in Mumbai during 20-22 January 2010. The delegation also plans to have business-to-business and official meetings in Delhi and Mumbai. The delegation will include ministers from Maritime Provinces, officials of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and businessmen representing biosciences, alternate energy, food processing, education, seafood, life sciences and digital media sectors. The mission is being organised by ACOA in partnership with the World Trade Centre (WTC) Atlantic and Mumbai. The entire mission will run from January 15-23, 2010.

Trade Fairs/Exhibitions/Events

“MP Exportech 2010” from 16-18 January, 2010 at Export Facilitation Centre, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

The Confederation of Indian Industry, in association with, Madhya Pradesh Laghu Udyog Nigam Ltd. (MPLUN), is co-organising “MP Exportech 2010” from 16-18 January, 2010 at Export Facilitation Centre, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. This event is co-sponsored by theMinistry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India and the Government of Madhya Pradesh.

MP Exportech 2010 is a reverse buyer seller meet and shall focus on the following categories:

- Handicrafts, Handloom & textiles

- Ayurvedic, Herbal & Pharma products

- Small Machine Tools & Spares

- Processed Food

- Stone Craft/Building Materials.

The prime objective of MP Exportech 2010 is to establish firm linkages between international markets and export industries of Madhya Pradesh. It will bring together manufacturers, sellers, exporters and international buyers on a single platform. MP Exportech 2010 will provide international trade and marketing exposure to export-oriented products of Madhya Pradesh.

[For complete details, please visit website: www.mpexporters.in]

44^th India International Garment Fair (IIGF)

The India Trade Promotion Organisation is organizing “44^th India International Garment Fair (IIGF)” from 20-22 January, 2010 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India. The fair will feature the following products:

- Casual Wear and City Wear

- High Fashion and Occasional Wear

- Lingerie

- Speciality

- Sportswear

- Accessories and Fashion Jewellery 

[For further details, please access website:  www.indiaapparelfair.com]

“Silk Paradise Show” from 20th to 22^nd January' 2010 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India.

The Indian Silk Export Promotion Council  sponsored by the Ministry of Textiles, India is organising the “Silk Paradise Show” from 20 to 22 January' 2010 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India.

The show is a creatively conceptualized re-introducing to all that is widely known about silk and more, showcasing India’s rich culture, lifestyles, resources and abundant potential. Silk Paradise will bring exporters and importers under one roof, where global buyers can meet over 100 best Indian suppliers of silk products at one location with their exquisite collections.

[For complete details, please contact Mr. Subash Mittal, Chairman, The Indian Silk Export Promotion Council, 62, Mittal Chambers, Nariman Point, Mumbai-400021, India at (Tel: 91-22-22025866/22027662; Fax: 91-22-22874606; Email: isepc@bom2.vsnl.net.in)]

“International Conference and Exhibition on Post Harvest Management and Valorization of Agri-Horticultural Produce” from 19-20 February, 2010 at NASC Complex, New Delhi, India.

The conference will deliberate on the various aspects of post harvest losses and stakeholders to minimize it in order to make more per capita food availability without much intervention on increase in production. The theme and exhibition is organized to review the recent developments in the field. The experts comprising of scientists, academia and technocrats as well as professional consultants in the field would actively participate in the seminar and discuss the future prospects of assimilating post harvest management of Agri and Horticulture produce along with process industries. Apart from food security, the conference will address the issues related to Nutritional Security and hidden hunger as well as discuss the bottlenecks and possibilities of export of finished goods.

[For any further information, please access website: www.pmfai.org]

3^rd edition of International Jewellery Show (IIJS 2010)

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council is organizing  3^rd edition of International Jewellery Show (IIJS 2010), which is a buyer-to-buyer Jewellery Show, from 19– 22 February, 2010 at Goa, India.

India is the largest manufacturer of gems and jewellery ranging from exquisitely crafted jewellery to diamonds and coloured stone. The upcoming edition features a special section for loose diamonds and color stone manufacturers. The IIJS Signature will be limited to only 120 of India’s top selected companies displaying jewellery and loose stones representing the cream of the Indian gem and jewellery industry. This uniquely positioned trade show has all the unique features with select exhibitors, compact size, modern exhibition concepts, great hospitality, networking opportunities, unbeatable beachside venue, and much more to experience. The show is positioned as a niche jewellery event with high experiential quotient, emphasizing on design and innovation which presents the new India to the visitor.

[For more details, please access website:  www.iijs-signature.org]

Indian Furniture and Accessories Show (IFAS)

The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts is organizing an exclusive product specific fair called “Indian Furniture and Accessories Show (IFAS)” from 13-15 March, 2010 at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

The fair is a very effective medium for marketing Indian exports and is also considered ‘One Stop Sourcing Event’ by the overseas buying community. Indian furniture and accessories industry has come of age now as it has exquisite designs, styles, craftsmanship and finish besides a very diverse range to suite the requirements for living room, bedroom, dining room, hotels, restaurants, clubs, entertainment centers, beaches, garden and other outdoor activities. The range of accessories includes all sorts of home decor items which are not only fabulous in designs but in texture and quality also. More than 300 leading Indian companies are exhibiting their product range at the show.

[For more details, please access website:  www.epch.com]

“INDIASOFT 2010” from 10-12 March, 2010 at Birla Auditorium, Rajasthan, India.

INDIASOFT is a benchmark for showcasing and seeking India’s tremendous potentials in IT services and solutions. There will be a world of innovations being displayed by Indian IT services companies at the event. The main focus of INDIASOFT 2010 is on “Embedded Software, E-Governance, Software Services and IT Enabled Services”. The fair will be marked by the presence of IT professionals, CEO’s, etc from across the globe as well as host of renowned Indian companies.

[For further information, please access website: www.indiasoft.org ]

13^th International Portage Conference – Chandigarh – 30Sep-04 Oct 2010

The Indian National Portage Association will be organising 13^th International Portage Conference in Chandigarh during 30 September-04 October 2010. The conference is open to participants engaged in the field of Early Childhood Special Education. The theme of the conference is: Quest for Excellence in Early Intervention and Portage: Planet Earth.

[Compete details are available on website: www.inpa.org.in or contact Prof. Tehal Kohli, President, INPA – Email: tehalkohli@gmail.com]

Global Tenders

Global Tender Notice No. DLRL/IMP/200990006

The Defence Electronic Research Laboratory (DLRL), Hyderabad, India invites sealed tenders for “Supply of 68 Channel, 2GHz Sate Speed Logic Analyzer” from the manufacturers/suppliers as per details below:

Quantity: 01 Set

The closing of tender is on 18 January, 2010 up to 1600 hrs (IST) and the tender will be opened on 19^th January, 2010 at 1100 hrs (IST).

[Complete tender details are available on website: www.drdo.org]

Global Tender Notice No. CO/CONTS/0028N/M II/Backhoes/09

The Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited, Tamil Nadu, India invites sealed tenders for “Supply of 02 Nos. Of Backhoes along with FMC for 7 years for Mine-II” as per details below:

Equipment: Crawler Mounted Hydraulic Backhoes – 2 Nos.

Bid Guarantee Amount: US$ 17,300

Cost of Tender Document: US$ 250

The closing of tender is on 20 January, 2010 up to 1430 hrs (IST) and the tender will be opened on the same day at 1500 hrs (IST).

[Complete tender details are available website: www.nlcindia.com]

Global Tender Notice No. ORDFYS/OFK/DAVP/04/09-10/EO/19

The Ordnance Factory Khamaria, Madhya Pradesh, India invites sealed tenders in two bid system for “Procurement of Multi Use Selay Time Measuring Equipment” as per details below:

Quantity: 01 No.

Cost of Tender Document: US$ 50

Earnest Money Deposit: US$ 5000

The closing of tender is on 28 January, 2010 up to 1400 hrs (IST) and the tender will be opened on the same day at 1500 hrs (IST).

[Complete tender details are available on website: www.tenders.gov.in]

Global Tender Notice No. OAO/YVJ/Camera Trap/09-10/71

The Wildlife Institute of India invites sealed tenders in two bid system from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) or their authorized distributors for “Procurement / Import of 500 nos. of Camera Trap” as per details below:

Cost of Tender Document: US$ 8.00

Earnest Money Deposit: US$ 2000.00

The closing of tender is on 01 February, 2010 up to 1500 hrs (IST) and the tender will be opened on the same day at 1600 hrs (IST).

[Complete details of tender and tender documents are available on website: www.wii.gov.in]

Global Tender Notice

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Mumbai Region, India invites E-tender for the purchase of “Compact Single Plug Cementing Head with Quick Latch Coupling” as per the details below:

Cost of Tender Document: Rs. 22,500/- (INR)

Earnest Money Deposit: Rs. 4,40,770/- (INR)

Quantity: 04 Nos.

The closing of tender is on 26 February, 2010 up to 1400 hrs (IST) and the tender will be opened on the same day at 1500 hrs (IST).

[Complete details of the tender and tender documents are available on ONGC’s website: https://etender.ongc.co.in]

Global Tender Notice No. Y18AC09002

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Mumbai Region, India invites E-tender to procure “Various Types of Valves for MH & B&S Asset” as per the details below:

Tender Fee: Rs. 45000/- (INR)

The closing of tender is on 01 February, 2010 up to 1400 hrs (IST) and the tender will be opened on the same day at 1500 hrs (IST).

[Complete details of the tender and tender documents are available on ONGC’s website: https://etender.ongc.co.in]

Global Tender Notice No. 01095/CP/FRD/L-269/RADL/09-10/02-09

The Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Defence Research and Development organisation (DRDO) Complex, India invites sealed tenders (separate price bid and techno commercial bid) for “Development of AAAU for AESA Radar” from the manufacturers/suppliers as per details below:

EMD:    2% of the quoted value towards EMD subject to a maximum of Rs. 2 lakhs

to be enclosed along with the price bid indicating the details in the techno-   commercial bid.

Tender Fee: Rs. 500/- (INR)

Quantity: 10 Nos.

The closing of tender is on 10 March, 2010 up to 1600 hrs (IST) and the tender will be opened at 1000 hrs (IST) on the next working day.

[Complete tender details are available on website: www.drdo.org]

_______________________________________________________________________

Published by : High Commission of India, Ottawa, Canada

Editor : Deputy High Commissioner

Sub-Editor : Second Secretary (Com)