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Issue No. 12 18 November 2009

Canadian Prime Minister Mr. Stephen Harper visits India

[15-18 November 2009]

Joint Statement on the visit of PM Stephen Harper to India

The Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Stephen Harper, paid an official visit to India from November 15-18, 2009, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh.  During his visit, Prime Minister Harper called on the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil, and the Vice President of India, Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari.  The Leader of Opposition, Shri L.K. Advani, and the External Affairs Minister, Shri S.M. Krishna, called on Prime Minister Harper.

In their discussions, the two Prime Ministers reviewed bilateral relations between India and Canada and discussed regional and global issues of shared interest. 

The Prime Ministers noted the depth and dynamism of the relationship between the two countries which is marked by common values and shared traditions of democracy, the rule of law and pluralism.  The two leaders recognize the contribution of the Indian-origin community in Canada in further strengthening the bilateral bonds between the societies of India and Canada. 

The Prime Ministers agreed on the importance of working collaboratively towards global economic recovery, building international efforts in advance of the G-20 meeting that Canada will host in 2010.  Prime Minister Harper looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Singh to Canada on this occasion in June 2010.

They also discussed approaches to address climate change with attention to the upcoming negotiations in Copenhagen.  The two leaders agreed on the importance of moving forward constructively on the WTO Doha Round negotiations.

Prime Minister Harper strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in November 2008 and expressed the hope that those behind the attacks would be swiftly brought to justice.  He also conveyed assurances that Canada stood firmly with India in dealing with global terrorism.  Both leaders reiterated the need for intensifying global cooperation in combating international terrorism.  They called for an early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework. 

The Prime Ministers discussed issues of shared interest pertaining to the region, notably the stabilization and economic development of Afghanistan.

The Prime Ministers agreed on initiatives to strengthen and diversify bilateral relations and to collaborate on a shared international agenda.  They also agreed to intensify the economic and trade relationship by concluding bilateral economic agreements. 

The two governments welcomed ongoing efforts to strengthen the institutional framework for bilateral relations, including working towards concluding negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, the Social Security Agreement and the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement.

The two leaders announced the setting up of a Joint Study Group (JSG) that will explore the possibility of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Canada.  They also welcomed the scheduling of the first meeting of the JSG in the first half of December 2009 in New Delhi, with the aim of concluding the joint study within six months.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in the area of energy.  The MoU will enable cooperation in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency, oil and natural gas, power generation, transmission, distribution and end-use, energy research and development.

The Prime Ministers recognize the important role played by the India-Canada Chief Executive Officers Forum, constituted by prominent companies from each country, and encourage them to pursue means for expanding commercial relations between the two countries.

The Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction with the functioning of the institutional mechanisms which steer bilateral cooperation and look forward to the launch of new mechanisms to reinforce the partnership.  Both leaders expressed the hope that through concerted efforts the institutional framework fostered by these initiatives would lead to an increase in bilateral trade from the current level to $15 billion annually in the next five years.

Both sides recognized education as an area of new momentum, the need to facilitate mutually beneficial linkages in science, technology and innovation, as well as build synergies between institutions of higher learning in Canada and India.

Recognizing the vibrant people-to-people ties linking the two countries, the two Prime Ministers noted the importance of citizens becoming better acquainted with each other through culture, sports and tourism.  They look forward to the Winter Olympics to be hosted by Canada in 2010, the Commonwealth Games to be hosted by India in 2010 and the Year of India to be celebrated in locations across Canada in 2011.

To achieve the goals set out in this Statement, the two Leaders committed themselves to sustained political engagement, a structured exchange of high level visits and regular dialogues between their officials.

India-Canada MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Energy

During Canadian Prime Minister’s stay in India, a Memorandum of Understanding concerning Cooperation in the field of Energy was signed with the objective of enhancing cooperation in the following areas:

(a) Energy matters: Discussions and exchange of ideas, policies of both countries and identifying and promoting bilateral trade and investment.

(b) Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency: particularly in hydrogen fuel cell technology, bio-fuels, wind and solar energy.

(c) Power generation, transmission, distribution and end use.

(d) Energy Research and Development.

(e) Oil and Natural Gas: Provide for increased sustainable exploration and production, mining and drilling.

The MoU aims to strengthen a dialogue in energy with a view to promote energy security and stable energy markets, enhancing bilateral trade and investment opportunities and advancing the sustainable development of the energy sectors of both countries, including through the use of market mechanisms such as the Clean Development Mechanism.

Keeping in view Canada’s strength in the energy sector, India will be benefited in the sector of oil and natural gas, hydro-carbon, hydro-power, renewable energy and energy efficiencies. In the context of National Action Plan on Climate Change, Canadian industry will participate in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The Canada India Energy Forum will be the primary mechanism for cooperation in the field of energy.

India-Canada MoU on Joint Study Group

On 17 November 2009, Commerce and Industry Minister of India Mr. Anand Sharma and Canadian Minister for International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway Mr. Stockwell day signed an MoU for establishing a Joint Study Group (JSG) consisting of experts from both the countries to examine the feasibility of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries:

The objectives of a CEPA are to:

i. Broaden and deepen cooperation in all economic fields;

ii. Encourage trade and investment flows, bilaterally and regionally;

iii. Contribute to trade and investment facilitation through minimizing tariff and non-tariff barriers, reducing any administrative costs;

iv. Improve business climate in the two countries; and

v. Enhance transparency of regulation and promote cooperation among relevant institutions.

The JSG will comprise delegations of both participants, consisting of government officials. The JSG will be co-chaired by Joint Secretary NAFTA from Department of Commerce, Government of India and Chief Trade Negotiator, Bilateral and Regional of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Government of Canada.

The JSG would submit its report within six months of its constitution.

India-Canada bilateral trade

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

[Figures in thousand US dollars at the current rate]

Description	Jan-August 2008	Jan-August 2009	Percentage change
India’s Total Exports	1,389	1,379	(-) 1.4
India’s Total Imports	1,191	1,227	(+) 3
Total Trade	2,580	2,606	(+) 1

[Source: Statistics Canada]

Ongoing global economic recession has taken its toll on India-Canada bilateral trade. India’s exports to Canada during the month of August in current fiscal were down 1.4 per cent over the previous month whereas India’s imports from Canada during the same period registered an increase of 3 per cent. However, overall bilateral trade in the first eight months of 2009 registered a 1 per cent increase over the same period last year.

Events

According to a news item, Manitoba Provincial government in Canada opened a trade office in Alappuzha, Kerala through its Indian representative Global Network to assist companies from Manitoba with key intelligence on doing business with India, provide market research, facilitate business meetings for Manitoba trade delegations visiting India and take Indian trade delegations to Manitoba. The report further states that besides Alappuzha, the Manitoba Trade and Investment has opened offices at Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore for investment by Canadian companies in sectors such as agriculture, service industries, information and communication technology, energy, telecom, port and infrastructure, food processing, aviation, biotechnology, oil and gas, aerospace and defence.

Calgary-based Imaging Dynamics Company Limited announced that it has been awarded three separate contracts by hospitals in Mumbai – India-King Edward Memorial Hospital, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital – to supply its X-series 1590 digital radiography systems and Magellan software.

Richmond-based company, DDS Wireless International Inc., announced that it has signed a contract with ORIX Auto Infrastructure Services Limited, Mumbai for 1,000 Vector mobile data terminals which also includes a five year service agreement for support and maintenance of the system. The total contract is worth approximately $ 1 million.

On 29 October, Vancouver-based Minaean International Corp. announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Minaean Habitat India Pvt. Ltd. (MHI), has entered into a joint venture agreement with California-based Tolar Manufacturing Co. Inc. to pursue construction opportunities for stainless steel bus queue shelters (BQS) in New Delhi, India. MHI has been qualified as a prospective candidate after passing the initial technical qualification stage for a contract from the Delhi Transport Corporation to build and deliver 500 BQS.

Visits

From India

Rajkumari Ratna Singh, MP and Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, MP visited Ottawa from 18-24 October to attend the 7^th CPA Canadian Parliamentary Seminar.

Mr. Madhavan Nambiar, Secretary, Civil Aviation and Dr. Nazeem Zaidi, Director General (Civil Aviation) visited Montreal from 7 to 9 October 2009 to attend the high level meeting on International Aviation and Climate Change organised by ICAO in Montreal.

Mr. G. Gurucharan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, led a four-member delegation to Canada (Ottawa, Quebec City) from 19 to 23 October 2009 to hold further discussion with Canadian side on the proposed India-Canada Social Security Agreement.

Mr D Kashiva, Additional Industrial Adviser, Ministry of Steel, Co-Chaired the 8th Steel Task Force Meeting and Technical Workshop in Toronto on Oct 20-22, 2009.

Mr KP Krishnan, Joint Secretary (CM), Ministry of Finance participated in the first meeting of Standard Implementation Committee of Financial Stability Board of World Bank/IMF in Toronto 29-30 October 2009

Worst is over: PM on inflation

On October 12, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said that worst is over vis-à-vis the spiralling prices. He added that a good October-February rabi crop would positively influence the inflation scenario. However, data released on 29 October 2009 showed India’s annual rate of inflation rose to 1.51 per cent for the week ended 17-21 October 2009.

Speaking on the issue of rising prices leading to inflationary pressures, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission, said that inflation will not go beyond 5 per cent at the end of 2009-10. He further stated that though drought conditions are still there and would have their negative effect, its impact would be much lesser with the economy on the revival path.

Quarterly review of monetary policy by RBI

The Reserve Bank of India released its quarterly review of monetary policy on 26 October. Important highlights of the report are:

- Managing the trade-off between supporting growth and reining in inflation expectations pose a complex policy challenge

- Downward revision to the growth outlook from 6.5 per cent to 6.0 per cent in 2009-10

- Supply side constraints in a limited number of commodities, led by food, have been driving current inflation pressures in the economy.

- Sluggish demand, better Rabi season crops and selective import of certain commodities could neutralize some pressure on inflation

Fresh, friendlier tax regime from 2011

On 9 October, speaking at a seminar on the new Direct Tax Code, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said that a new direct tax regime with rationalised rates and simplified procedures will take effect from 2011. "We want to present all stakeholders with a tax regime that is simple and broad based, leading to lowering of tax rates, much better tax compliance and reduced litigation," said the FM. The government's endeavour is to incorporate best practices prevailing across the globe and to use innovative methods for attaining equity while framing the new direct tax regime. The new system will also take into account established and time tested practices which have withstood judicial scrutiny, he added.

Government approves divestment in power firms

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a proposal to divest 5 per cent stake in state-run utility NTPC Ltd and 10 per cent in Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVN). This will unable the Government to raise Rs. 8000 crore, said Commerce Minister Anand Sharma.

"After disinvestment it is expected that the market capitalisation of NTPC would be higher and it would help the company to raise resources in the international market on competitive terms," he said.

SJVN is a 75:25 joint venture between the Central Government and Himachal Pradesh. Minister said the Central Government's stake would come down to 65 per cent after the divestment whereas the state's share would remain at 25 per cent.

Relief to Exporters

The Government of India has decided that under the new Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14 announced in August 2009 the purpose of Export Promotion Scheme and Incentive Schemes, realization of export proceeds shall not be insisted if RBI writes off the requirements of realization of export proceeds (not under self-write off clause) and the exporter also produces a certificate from the Foreign Mission of India about the fact of non-recovery of export proceeds from the foreign buyer. This implies that an exporter would not be required to refund export promotion scheme benefits if he/she is unable to realize export proceeds due to genuine reasons, if RBI writes off the requirement and he/she is able to produce a certificate from the concerned Indian Missions confirming non-recovery of export proceeds from the foreign buyer.

Next decade to be decade of infrastructure

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Kamal Nath said on 12 October that the next spurt in economic growth is going to come from the infrastructure sector, particularly road and highways. Speaking at a function, he said that after the decade of Information Technology, the next decade of India will be the decade of infrastructure. Within infrastructure, the road sector, which is already immense in scope and marked by ability to touch all sections of the society and economy--is crucial for realising the objective of inclusive growth. The government has set itself a task of constructing 7,000 kms. of roads every year, which requires that there should be work in progress of around 20,000 kms. at any point of time," the Minister added.

In another report, the Central Government announced that it is envisaging an investment of $ 80 billion in the construction of roads and highways over the next four years, half of which is likely to come from private and foreign investors. India also plans to put up 120 projects, covering 12,000 kilometres of roads for bidding in the next 8-10 months.

Speaking at a conference organised by the National Productivity Council, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said India’s infrastructure sector has the potential to attract investment worth $ 1.5 trillion over the coming decade. The investment in infrastructure has risen from 4.9 per cent of the GDP in 2002-03 to 6 per cent in 2008, he added.

Exports may turn positive in December-January

The Government of India is hopeful that the exports will turn positive by the end of this year. On 14 October, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia said that a U-shaped formation is being seen and that exports are likely to enter positive territory by December-January. He said that there was an improvement in the exports every month. India’s exports slid in August by 19.4 per cent from a year earlier to $14.3 billion after tumbling by 28.4 per cent in July.

The rate of decline in India’s exports has been easing ever since merchandise shipments slumped a hefty 33 per cent last March. However, the appreciation in the value of rupee against the dollar has raised concerns that it could impact the recovery process of Indian exports.

The Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council said that the value of exports in 2009-10 will be marginally higher at $183 billion as compared to $182 billion in the previous year.

It said that gems and jewellery exports hit hard in the second half of last year seem to have recovered since June, with the average decline for the three months of June to August exports being 7.3 per cent.

Industrial output rises

In August, industrial output in India grew by 10.4 per cent indicating a steady turnaround in the economy. Both mining and manufacturing showed a double digit growth while capital and consumer goods grew an impressive 8.3 and 8.5 per cent respectively. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee termed it as a good sign of recovery. He hoped that the figure will be better when the final data of second quarter is made available. The economy grew 6.1 per cent in the first quarter of this year exceeding most analysts’ expectation, he added. The growth occurred due to the trickle-down effect of the government stimulus packages. Major business organizations in the country maintained that it was critical that the overall policy parameters and stimulus measures were not reversed at this point of time.

Indian textile industry likely to grow to US$ 115 billion by 2012

According to Union Textile Commissioner A B Joshi, the Indian textile industry is estimated to grow over two-fold to US$ 115 billion by 2012. The Textile Ministry is also pursuing Foreign Trade Agreements with the US and Europe and almost 40 per cent of total revenue is expected to come from these countries in the next three years. The Government is also looking at markets across Russia, China, South-East Asia, Middle-East, Japan and Latin America to promote India's textile exports.  It is expected that India's share of textile exports to the world would also increase from the current 4 per cent to around 7 per cent during this period. India’s textile exports have shot up from USD 19.14-billion in 2006-07 to USD 22.13- billion in 2007-08, registering a growth of over 15 per cent.  The industry accounts for around 4 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP), 14 per cent of industrial production and over 13 per cent of the country's total export earnings

India to be world’s 5^th largest coffee producer

A London-based International Coffee Organization has stated that if the coffee output in 2009-10 matches with the estimates, India is likely to climb up in the ranking list of top ten coffee producing countries in the world, becoming the fifth largest coffee producer. Currently, India is placed at sixth place. In 2008-09, the estimates coffee output of India stood at 4.37 million bags (each bag 60 kg). India is expected to produce 5 million bags in the new crop year. Coffee board’s post blossom crop forecast for 2009-10 is at 306,300 tonnes which will 44,000 tonnes more than last year.

Indian mutual fund industry soars

The Indian mutual fund industry touched an all time high of US$ 162.62 billion and the industry's average assets under management (AUM) grew by US$ 4.14 billion, or 2.61 per cent, in October 2009, on the back of increased inflows in fixed income plans. The combined average AUM of the 36 fund houses hit US$ 162.81 billion at the end of October 2009, according to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI).

Indian direct selling market to touch Rs. 5,320 crores by 2012-13

A report by Ernst & Young states that driven by a robust growth in the health segment, Indian direct selling market that grew 17 per cent last fiscal is poised to touch Rs. 5,320 crore (1 crore = 10 million) by 2012-13. The market has witnessed a good growth because of the robust health sector which has largely remained recession free and contributed to employment for several people.

Consumer confidence highest in India

According to a quarterly survey conducted by Nielsen Company, consumer confidence was highest in India followed by Indonesia and Norway. It was weakest in Japan, Latvia, Portugal and South Korea. Consumer confidence has been rising faster in Bric countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) than other markets, reported the survey. Confidence in major European markets was reported low.

Extra-fast economic recovery in India, China, Australia: IMF

The International Monetary Fund reported on 21 October that economies of India, China and Australia were especially recovering rapidly resulting in output gaps starting to close and pressures emerging. This will put pressures on authorities in these countries to tighten monetary policy ahead of others in the region. IMF called the three economies special cases, while adding that a tightening of monetary policy seemed unnecessary elsewhere in the region in the near future. It also advised Asian central banks not to raise interest rates to calm asset price growth.

India imports 37.5 tonnes gold in September

The data released by Bombay Bullion Association on 28 October showed that gold imports in India rose by 72 per cent to 37.5 tonnes in September as compared to 21.8 tonnes in August on the back of increased demand during festive season. This increase was nearly five-fold when compared with gold imports of 7.8 tonnes in July this year. During the festival season this year, the demand was more for gold coins than for retail jewellery. The imports stood at 54 tonnes in the same month last year.

Six Indian cities are among the top global destinations

According to a joint survey conducted by Global Services from CyberMedia and Tholons, six Indian cities - Bangalore, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune - are among the eight top global destinations for outsourcing of services. The other two destinations are Philippines NCR and Ireland’s Dublin city. India continues to top the list with revenues of $40 billion in IT-BPO export services in 2008. Indian IT-BPO export services posted 35 percent year on year growth rates in the last five years.

Pay raise coming India to top Asia salary growth

According to a survey by Hewitt Associates, companies in Asia are set to offer bigger pay raise next year as the region continues to rebound from global recession, notably in India where base salary levels are poised to jump nearly 10 percent, followed by Indonesia and China, 8.7 and 6.7 percent respectively.

India, Argentina sign n-deal

During the visit of Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner to India (13-17 October), India and Argentina signed 10 agreements, including one for civil nuclear energy cooperation. The joint statement issued after the signing of the agreement stated that both countries with a "long tradition in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, have reiterated their intention to develop, promote and cooperate in this field in accordance with their respective international obligations and commitments".

Addressing a meeting of Argentine and Indian business leaders, President Kirchner said that her country had probably the best developed nuclear energy sector in South America.

The two sides also agreed to triple the bilateral trade to $3 billion by 2012.

Doha trade deal possible: India

Speaking at a conference on global services trade in Washington, Indian Commerce and Industry Minster Anand Sharma conveyed the hope that while a perfect Doha deal may not be possible, a "balanced and fair" trade deal protecting the interests of the poorest countries could be reached.

Commerce and Industry Minister said India agrees that it is time for negotiations on services to proceed "horizontally" with agriculture and manufacturing to set the stage for a successful WTO ministerial level round later this year in Geneva.

But a "balanced and fair" Doha deal needs to take into account that developed countries already have a much larger share of services trade than developing countries, he said.

"I think offers have to be good from everyone, also from the United States of America," Minister said. Later, he discussed the Doha Round negotiations with US Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk.

Seven Asian countries discuss water cooperation

Government officials, politicians and water experts of seven South Asian countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan) met in Abu Dhabi on Oct 22-23 to promote water cooperation on the rivers of greater Himalayan region.
The theme of the meeting was "First International Conference on Southern Asia Water Cooperation". "Around 40 percent of the world's population and 50 percent of the farm land depend on more than 245 rivers (in the region). Despite this fact, there are no international agreements that govern the use of these resources," Mohammed Al Bowardi, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi environment agency (EAD) said at the meeting. The need to develop the necessary frameworks to contribute to global efforts to protect natural resources and to mitigate the effects of climate change, because of their significant environmental, economic and political impact was stressed.

Oil and Gas – an important sector for Foreign Direct Investment in India

The oil and gas sector is one of the six core industries in India and has been instrumental in fuelling the rapid growth of the Indian economy. The petroleum and natural gas sector which includes transportation, refining and marketing of petroleum products and gas, constitutes over 15 per cent of the GDP. Higher economic growth rate over the past 5 years will lead to growing energy needs in the years to come. Hence, there is an emphasized need for wider and more intensive exploration for new finds, more efficient and effective recovery, a more rational and optimally balanced global price regime, etc.

India largely depends on crude oil and gas imports to meet the continuously increasing demand of oil and gas in the country. Against an annual requirement of 118 MMT crude oil, India produced only 33.50 MMT of crude oil in 2008-09. Gas demand in the country is dominated by the power and fertilizer sectors. In 2006, the total gas demand was around 152 MSCMD which is expected to increase from 8 per cent in 2005 to 20 per cent in 2025. India is registering an annual increase of 7-8 per cent in the demand of oil and gas in the country.

At the same time, petroleum exports have also emerged as the single largest foreign exchange earner accounting for 17.24 per cent of the total exports in 2007-08. During the period April-December 2008, the export of petroleum products touched US$ 23 billion. India is also emerging as the global hub for oil refining with capital costs lower by 25 to 50 per cent over other Asian countries. Already, the fifth largest country in the world in terms of refining capacity, with a share of 3 per cent of the global capacity, India is likely to boost its refining capacity by 45 per cent in the coming years.

Government initiatives

Keeping in view the growing demand for crude oil and gas in the country, the Government of India has taken many initiatives in recent years, namely,

- Implementation of New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) in 1997-98 to provide a level playing field for the award of exploration acreage.

[So far eight rounds of NEPL and four rounds of CBM have been conducted, the last one in August 2009]

- A Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Policy has also been introduced to ensure attractive financial and contract terms in order to explore CBM blocks.

- Abolition of the administered pricing policy.

- Vision 2015 for the oil sector which will focus on providing better services to customers covering four broad areas of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), kerosene, auto fuels and compressed natural gas/piped natural gas.

Investment opportunities

The entire gamut of exploration and production, refining, transportation and distribution and retail marketing activities present opportunities for FDI in:

· Production sharing contracts for oil and gas exploration under NELP

· Supply of crude oil

· Supply of gas

· LNG import and transportation

· Setting up of refineries

· Marketing petroleum products including LPG

It is expected that India’s energy sector will provide investment avenues worth US$ 120-150 billion over the next five years. According to the Investment Commission of India, the total opportunity in the oil and gas sector is expected to reach US$ 35-40 billion by 2012.

Foreign Direct Investment

· 100 per cent FDI is permitted under automatic route in petroleum and natural gas which includes exploration, petroleum product marketing, petroleum product pipelines, natural gas/LPG pipelines, and petrol refining in the private sector.

· FDI up to 26 per cent is permitted with prior government approval in petroleum refining by the Public Sector Undertakings.

· FDI is allowed up to 100 per cent In respect of actual trading and marketing of petroleum products with the condition that 26 per cent foreign equity would be divested in favour of Indian partner/public within 5 years.

Useful Link: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas: http://petroleum.nic.in

Trade Fairs/Exhibitions, etc.

The Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC)

The Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) is a unique initiation of Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers Association. BIEC is the first of its kind by any industry body in South and South East Asia.

Located in Bangalore, BIEC offers state-of-the-art facilities for holding large sector-specific buyer-to-buyer and buyer-to-customer exhibitions, trade fairs, congresses, international conferences, seminars and training programmes. BIEC complements its 40,000 square metres of covered column-less air-conditioned space in three innovative and functionally-designed exhibition halls-which have been built to showcase large to very heavy machines and products.

The entire complex-titled as ‘IMTMA-Naoroji Pirojsha Godrej International Exhibition & Conference Centre’ also comprises a world-class Conference Centre, integrating two large-sized halls for holding mega-events as well as four additional halls for organizing seminars and training sessions. Key facet of the complex is an ultra-modern ‘Food Court’, which is capable of housing over half a dozen sit-down and take-away food counters.

BIEC is the first exhibition centre in India to get “Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Certification”. BIEC is also a member of UFI-the global association of the exhibition industry as well as IAEE-International Association of Exhibitions and Events.

[Website address: www.biec.in]

“Medifest” from 11-13 December, 2009 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India.

The Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AIMED), New Delhi is organising the “Medifest” from 11-13 December, 2009 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India. Medifest’09, a premier medical and healthcare trade event, is a grand show that delivers a diverse assemblage of medical suppliers at one place at one instance. The show brings high level business opportunities for all related to healthcare industry by providing numerous opportunities of trade expansion.

The objective of Medifest, is to bring together all those related with medical and healthcare sector under one roof and provide global overview and comprehensive information on the current developments done in the industry. The event will facilitate transaction of significant volume of exports and domestic orders.

[For complete details, please access website: www.vantagemedifest.com]

“Global Meet on Green Revolution II” Summit-cum-Exhibition from 8-9 February, 2010 at The Lalit Hotel, New Delhi, India

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation, Government of India and the Planning Commission of India, is organising the “Global Meet on Green Revolution II” Summit cum Exhibition from 8-9 February, 2010 at The Lalit Hotel, New Delhi, India. The event will largely focus on the Knowledge, Technologies, Partnership and Sustainability that are needed for bringing Evergreen Revolution to ensure global food security.

The Global Meet on Green revolution – II will witness deliberations from all walks of life that include visionaries, scientists, diplomats, opinion leaders, industry leaders, government heads, decision makers, farmers as well as business delegations from India and abroad. The Summit will provide an excellent platform to expand business ties and network opportunities among key players.

[For complete details, please access website: www.assocham.org]

“17th edition of the India International Seafood Show (IISS) – 2010” from 19th to 21st February' 2010 at Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai.

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the nodal agency for promoting seafood export from India, in joint collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Sea Food Exporters Association of India is organising the “17th edition of the India International Seafood Show (IISS) – 2010” from 19th to 21st February' 2010 at Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai.

IISS - 2010 promises to project the capability of the Indian Marine Seafood Industry for Value Addition and providing a strong foundation of business and partnership opportunities in the marine and seafood sector.

Value Addition being this event's theme, IISS - 2010 has a tremendous scope for increasing the opportunities and introducing various technologies for the market and its products. The event has exhibitors from various seafood domains such as seafood value added products, packaging material suppliers, machinery suppliers, fish net manufacturers, fish feed manufacturers, aquaculture, additives, fishing equipments, electronic equipment manufacturers, cleaning equipments, edible ingredient suppliers, ECGC/Banks, fishery technologies and others.

[For complete details, please access website: www.indiaseafoodexpo.com]

“Automation 2010”, the 5^th International Exhibition and Conference, from 21-24 September, 2010 at the NSE Complex, Mumbai, India.

The IED Communications Ltd is organising the “Automation 2010”, the 5^th International Exhibition and Conference, from 21-24 September, 2010 at the NSE Complex, Mumbai, India.

Automation 2010 will highlight products, trends, services and solutions in the field of factory automation, robotics, process automation and control, drives and various bus technology, system, building automation, field instrumentation, hydraulic and pneumatics.

[For complete details, please access website: www.automation2010.in]

Tenders

Global Tender Notice OFMK/VM/GTE/SCREW/P0649

The Ordnance Factory Medak, Yeddumailaram, India invites sealed tenders for supply of “Stablized Remote Control Weapon Station with 12.7 MMHMG as per OFMK Specification No: 01/OFMK/R&D/IN/NSQR/SRCWS/12.7” as per details below:

Cost of Tender Document: US$ 15

Quantity: 1 No.

Global Tender Notice 53/09/M&E(G)

The National Security Guard, India invites sealed tenders under two bid system (technical and Commercial) for “Laser Aiming Designators (LAD) for MP-5 S.M.G)” as per details below:

Earnest Money: Rs. 4,25,000/- (INR)

Cost of tender set: Rs. 500.00 per set

Quantity: 346 Nos.

The closing of tender is on 24 November, 2009 up to 1530 Hrs (IST) and the will be opened on the same day at 1600 Hrs (IST).

[Complete details of the tender and tender documents are available on website: www.nsg.gov.in/tenders.html]

Global Tender Notice OFMK/VM/GTE/Screw/P0649

The Ordnance Factory Medak, Yeddumailaran, India invites sealed tenders for the supply of “Stabilized Remote Control Weapons Station with 12.7 MMHMG as per OFMK specification No. 01/OFMK/R&D/IN/NSQR/SRCWS/12.7” as per details below:

Cost of Tender Document: US$ 15

Quantity: 1 No.

The closing of tender is on 27 November, 2009 up to 1400 Hrs (IST) and the will be opened on the same day at 1500 Hrs (IST).

[Complete details of the tender and tender documents are available on website: www.tenders.gov.in and www.tenders.gov.nic.in]¸

Global Tender Notice 34/09/A&A

The National Security Guard, India invites sealed tenders under two bid systems for “Light Support Weapon” as per details below:

Earnest Money: Rs. 7, 45,000/- (INR)

Quantity: 252 Nos.

The closing of tender is on 27 November, 2009 upto 1100 Hrs (IST) and the will be opened on the same day at 1130 Hrs (IST).

[Complete details of the tender and tender documents are available on website: www.nsg.gov.in/tenders.html]

Global Tender Notice 61/09/A&A

The National Security Guard, India invites sealed tenders under two bid system (technical and Commercial) for “General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG)” as per details below:

Earnest Money: Rs. 2,10,000/- (INR)

Cost of tender set: Rs. 500.00 per set

Quantity: 22 Nos.

The closing of tender is on 02 December, 2009 up to 1530 Hrs (IST) and the will be opened on the same day at 1600 Hrs (IST).

[Complete details of the tender and tender documents are available on website: www.nsg.gov.in/tenders.html]

Expression of Interest

The Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Electronic Division (BHEL-EDN), a major electrical equipment manufacturer located in India invites Expression of Interest from OEMs for “Transfer of Technology/Business Sharing Agreement for IGBT based Variable Frequency Drive System for Induction and Synchronous Motor Control”.

The closing of tender is on 16 December, 2009 up to 1600 hrs (IST) and the tender will be opened on the same day at 1600 hrs (IST).

[Complete details are available on website: www.bhel.com or www.bheledn.com or www.tenders.gov.in].

Expression of Interest

National Mineral Development Corporation under Ministry of Steel and a Navratna Public Sector Company invites Expression of Interest for “expansion of business, acquisition of Iron Ore and other mineral properties/manufacturing/processing and other allied activities overseas by way of fresh prospecting or mining leases, participation in existing initiatives through joint ventures or otherwise/outright purchase etc” from companies or their mandated merchant banker for submission of proposal giving their credentials viz. company profile, brief technical and financial details of the mineral assets.

[Complete details are available on website: www.nmdc.co.in]

Expression of Interest

The Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Electronic Division, manufacturer of Power Semiconductor Diodes and Thyristors, are looking for a Technology Partner for “IGBT Module Encapsulation and Expansion of Semiconductor Diode/Thyristor Plant” at Bangalore, India.

[Complete details are available on website: www.bhel.com or www.bheledn.com]

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Published by : High Commission of India, Ottawa, Canada

Editor : Deputy High Commissioner

Sub-Editor : Second Secretary (Com)