PHD Chamber launches Trade and Investment Facilitation Services India to become a USD 100 billion investment destination by 2022

While launching the Trade and Investment Facilitation Services (TIFS), Shri Gopal Jiwarajka, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that TIFS under the auspices of PHD Chamber will provide a secure and personalized single entry point to all trade and investment related information in the Indian Economy and has the potential to become a USD 100 billion investment destination every year by 2022.  

TIFS is a vital component for international trade and investment community and is envisioned to facilitate firms across the globe for trade and investments in India while simultaneously meeting India's rapidly growing appetite for new markets to enhance trade and investments, said Mr. Jiwarajka. 

TIFS is an information and advisory hub to provide requisite and detailed information to facilitate national and international business firms to invest in India; advising them on prospective business opportunities in India in general and in States and promising sectors in particular, he said.

TIFs will be very useful in reducing the time and hassle involved in appraising fruitful investments in the continuously changing economic ecosystem for the global investors. The portal is a first-point-one-stop reference for existing and potential investors from around the world, he added.

With the launch of TIFS, we envisages US$ 1000 billion merchandize trade (exports and imports) and US$ 500 billion services trade (exports and imports) per annum in the next five years, said Mr. Jiwarajka.

TIFS will play a three dimensional role as an information center on all national and regional/local regulations and clearances, providing facilitative advisory services to help overcome key obstacles and strengthen key positive enablers for enhanced trade and investments and effective networking with relevant Indian and overseas agencies, said Mr. Jiwarajka.

Overall, TIFS will be different from various programs currently in force in the sense that the origin of PHD Chamber is from the states, from the grassroots and ultimate destinations of all investments are also states. Also, as majorly of the facilitation part is required by small and medium enterprises and again we have very good strength that our 70% members are from MSME sector, said Shri Gopal Jiwarajka.

IN NEXT 3-4 YRS MOBILE & BIOMETRICS WILL REIGN IN DIGITAL TRNASACTIONS IN INDIA : CEO, NITI AAYOG

India will witness exit of debit and credit cards in next three to four years as a vast majority of its digital transactions would happen through mobile wallet and biometrics modes as it has begun to embrace use and applications of technologies with such a faster and accelerated pace, according to CEO, NITI Aayog, Mr. Amitabh Kant.

Speaking on the occasion of an interactive session on Fostering International Economic Cooperation that preceded the well known Ambassadors’ Meet of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Friday, Mr. Kant declared that India would continue to globalize and dismantle rules and regulations that halt inbound investments as also create conditions for expansion of its economy.

India, according to him, in the last two and half years has undertaken massive reformative measures as a result in the recent past, it has witnessed 60 per cent growth in FDIs whereas in the rest of the world, FDIs shun by 16 per cent which is indicated of the fact that India has progressively reformed its statute in favour of healthier and flexible economic conditions.

“Physical banking in India is almost dead and it is adopting pervasive technologies with such an accelerated pace that in next three to four years, the digital transactions would move through mobile wallet and biometric modes completely replacing debit and credit cards”, said Mr. Kant.

“India belief in globalization and it would continue to globalize and shall never talk of protectionism as a result, it would emerge as an economy that would attract investments and growth and make India a hub of economic engagements par excellence”, said Mr. Kant.

Among others who spoke on the occasion consisted of Secretary (ER), Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. Amar Sinha; Chief Secretary, Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Basant Pratap Singh; Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Haryana, Mr. Devender Singh; Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy, Mr. George N Sibley; High Commissioner, High Commission of Canada, Mr. Nadir Patel; President, Sr. Vice President, Vice President and Secretary General of the PHD Chamber, Mr. Gopal Jiwarajka, Mr. Anil Khaitan, Mr. Rajeev Talwar and Mr. Saurabh Sanyal.

PHDCCI & ACCI SIGNS MOU TO PROMOTE TRADE & INVESTMENTS

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) and Anyang Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Korea here on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote, strengthen and develop trade, investment as well as economic, scientific and technological collaboration with their business communities.

The MoU was signed here between President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Gopal Jiwarajka and Chairman, Anyang Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr.  Lee, Sang Ho. Mayor, Anyang City Hall, Mr. Lee, Phil Woon; Chairman, Anyang City Council, Mr. Kim, Dae Young and the Secretary General, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Saurabh Sanyal were also present on the occasion among others.

The MoU also stipulates that the two Chambers would mutually assist and contribute towards the encouragement and expansion of trade and economic relations among entrepreneurs and will regularly exchange information of mutual interest on economy, foreign trade, trade rules and regulations, investment, customs as well as amendments pertaining to trade and investment legislations.

In addition, it also aims at rendering assistance in the organization or participation of business delegations in national, international and specialized exhibitions, information bureaus, symposia, conferences and similar events, taking place in India or Korea in a bid to improve and expand economic collaborations.

India to sign Free Trade Agreement with Kyrgyztan and Eurasian Economic Union

International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) linking India to Central Asia is likely to get operationalised shortly

 Talks have been initiated for signing of an FTA between India and Kyrgyztan and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) (Kyrgyzstan being one of the countries in the Union). The International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) linking India to Central Asia is likely to get operationalised shortly which would offer a shorter and cost effective trade route for India’s bilateral trade with CIS countries.

This was stated today at Indo-Kyrgyz Business Investment Forum, organized jointly by The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the  Investment Promotion Agency of Kyrgyz Republic under The Ministry of Economy, in collaboration with Lark Logistics Pvt. Ltd, Ministry of Tourism - Kyrgyz Republic, The Kyrgyz Embassy in India, at PHD House, New Delhi.

The Kyrgyz delegation was led by H.E. Mr. Alymbek Orozbekov, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Kyrgyz Republic & Director State Agency for Promoting Investment, Kyrgyz Govt Officials and industrialists from Kyrgyz Republic.

Mr. Amar Sinha, Secretary-Economic Relations, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India, while speaking at the Forum meeting said that India is keen to enhance economic relations with the Kyrgyz Republic and with Eurasia. There is a need to increase bilatarel trade between  India and Kyrgz Republic, given the huge economic potential both countries can offer to each other, he added.

Mr. Alymbek Orozbekov, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Kyrgyz Republic & Director State Agency for Promoting Investment said that Kyrgyz Republic considers India as a strategic economic partner. He added that Kyrgyz Republic offers easy visa regime, liberal economic policies, has strategic geographical location in Central Asia, is on the ancient Silk Road, offers stable macro-economic environment, and has one of the lowest and most competitive tax regimes.

Mrs. Samarglul  Adamkulova, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic in India said that her Government offers wide investment opportunities in such varied sectors as agriculture, tourism, and particularly in mining, such as gold, tin, rare earth, copper, coal, mineral and ground fresh water, tungsten, antimony and mercury.  She said India has been a friendly political and economic partner for the last 25 years.

Mr. Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary General, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry stated that the global dynamics are changing and developed markets are saturating, and hence there is a need for Indian businesses to look for alternative markets. The CIS region offers countless opportunities for developing economic and commercial ties for Indian businesses but there is a dearth of information about the economic scenario and available business opportunities in CIS.

Even after 25 years of diplomatic relations, economic ties between India and Kyrgyz Republic have remained modest and cooperation between the two hasn’t reached desirable levels, he added. Sh. Saurabh Sanyal also stated that there is no doubt that the need of the hour is to develop strong economic relations with developing countries around the globe and Kyrgyz Republic is one of the prominent countries in the CIS region.

India is coming up in a strong way with growing middle class, rapid urbanization, increasing disposable income, and an abundant labour force which gives Kyrgyz Republic a prospective market for its products and services.

India is rapidly progressing at all fronts at the global level which can be majorly attributed to path breaking initiatives taken by the Government of India and schemes like the Ease of Doing Business, Make In India, Skill India, Digital India, Smart Cities, Clean India, amongst others that are aimed at increasing exports from India and making it a manufacturing hub.

It is a well-known fact that culture binds people. Hence, apart from trade and investment, both India and Kyrgyz Republic should promote tourism and cultural exchanges as people to people contact is very important to build long-lasting relationships.

There is great potential and opportunities for cooperation in sectors such as – Construction, Energy, Tourism, Agriculture, Medicine, Transport, Telecommunications, Mining, Textile, Industry, Banking, amongst others.

Some of the potential sectors, wherein significant investment projects are available in Kyrgyz Republic, are –

Sector  Amount of Investment (in thousands of USD)

Construction    34,233

Energy  69,235

Tourism 76,822

Agriculture     2,15,196

Medicine        4,250

Transport       62,800

Telecommunications      67,300

Mining  1,81,805

Textile 951

Industry        2,600

Banking

The Indo-Kyrgyz Business Investment Forum, will extend an excellent opportunity to explore business avenues in Kyrgyz Republic and discover channels for trade and joint ventures. The Forum will provide a platform to members who look forward to interact with the delegation and gain firsthand information on the intricacies involved in doing business in Kyrgyz Republic and discuss about the existing challenges present there.

DON’T BY-PASS MUNICIPALITIES WITH OTHER AGENCIES FOR WATER AND SEWAGE TREATMENT, ALLOW THEM TO RAISE FUNDS THOROUGH MUNICIPAL BONDS ONLY AGAINST VIABLE PROJECT, CHAIRMAN, DFC

Chairman, Delhi Finance Commission, Dr. Sudhir Krishna on Monday insisted that municipalities and municipal corporations should be retained as “nodal agencies” to treat city’s waste and sewage and be provided with teeth to raise funds for undertaking such jobs through bonds and betterment taxes only against viable projects.

Dr. Krishna while addressing a Conference on “Fast Tracking Development of STPs for Swachh Bharat” under aegis of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry here today cautioned, “by-passing civic bodies with their replacement with bodies like Jal Board etc. would not be a viable alternative given their expertise in field of sewage and water treatment”.

He strongly felt that with municipal bonds and betterment taxes, municipalities can garner funds against viable projects to part finance water and sewage treatment in cities like Delhi with acquisition of latest technologies in the field of STPs of course, with government support and monitoring.

According to him, municipalities should not be by-passed for the aforesaid jobs and emphasis should be on integrated approach so that the implementation becomes flawless.

Additional Secretary & Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Mr. U P Singh who delivered the valedictory address in the conference, however, admitted that not much has happened on Namami Ganga project so far adding that the process would shortly pick up the accelerated mode.

According to him, the government has an open mind to cleanse the Ganga and Yamuna with involvement of STPs and equally with participation from ecological solutions as diverse views have been cropping up on STPs.

Mr. Singh declared that the government of the day has began to plan also to cleanse rivers such as Kali, Hindon and Gomti with top priority being attached with Namami Ganga Project and results would soon be forthcoming.

Among others who sought implementation of Namami Ganga Project without any further delay comprised Global Head, Business Development, VA Tech WABAG Ltd., Mr. Rajneesh Chopra; Sr. Vice President, PHD Chamber, Mr. Anil Khaitan and its Director, Dr. Ranjeet Mehta.

India is improving significantly in Global Indexes: PHD Chamber

Indian economy is not only showing its growth resilience but improving significantly in the lead global indexes, said Mr. Gopal Jiwarajka, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

India has improved significantly higher than the BRICS economies in Global Competitiveness Index from 55th to 39th rank, Global Innovation Index from 81st to 66th rank, Logistics Performance Index from 54th to 35th rank,  Global gender gap from 108th to 87th rank during the last one year from 2015-16, said Mr. Jiwarajka.

The rate of improvement is encouraging at 35% in Logistics Performance Index followed by 29% in Global Competitiveness Index and at 19% each in Global Innovation Index and Global gender gap during the year 2015-2016, he said.

However, the country needs to focus more on its ease of doing business where the improvement has been stagnated at 130th rank during the last one year. The parameters where rankings have deteriorated and urgent improvement is needed are construction permits, getting credit, protecting investors, paying taxes and trading across borders. The other parameters where ranking has been stagnant and needs further improvement are enforcing contracts, starting business, registering property and resolving insolvency, he added

Also, we need to improve our ranking in World Happiness Index which is surprisingly very low at 122 out of 155 countries. Improvement in the work environment supported by state of the art social infrastructure including better health facilities, employment oriented education and skill development would go a long way to improve our happiness index. 

Going ahead, we look forward to significant improvements in the Global Indexes to continue as the country has lot of scope and potential to further improve its ranking owing to the number of reforms taken by our Government, said Mr. Gopal Jiwarajka.

NE States submit Rs.100 cr subsidy Proposal to PMO for Promotion of Food Processing & Logistic Units, says Principal Secretary, Horticulture & Cash Crop Development Department, Sikkim also Demand “COW PROTECTION” for Enhance Organic Fertility in Sikkim

The government of Sikkim has proposed to Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Union Ministry of Agriculture and Food Processing to enhance subsidy relating to food processing, logistics and post harvesting to a minimum of Rs.100 crores for entire north east including Sikkim to promote industrial activities in these areas, according Mr. Mr Khorlo Bhutia, Principal Secretary, Horticulture and Cash Crop Development Department, Government of Sikkiim.

Inaugurating Outreach Awareness Programme on Cold-Chain under aegis PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry here today, Mr. Khorlo Bhutia also announced that the government of Sikkim has also urged the PMO and other relevant departments in the central government to extend substantial financial support to the government of Sikkim or dairy development as it would lead to “Cow Protection”  that‘s manure would be useful to enable the state to retain its organic nature.

According to him, “Cow Protection” is critical in state like Sikkim to retain the fertility of its land and soil to go on producing organic produce for its people and export purposes because with their manure, the state would carry on the fertility of its land and soil as it has already emerged as the only organic state in the country.

Elaborating on the subsidy factor for food processing units and logistics industry and post harvesting techniques, Mr. Bhutia said that currently subsidies to promote these industries in north east amounted to Rs.13 crores per annum which is a peanut. 

Therefore, a proposal has already been submitted to the PMO including Ministries of Agriculture and Food Processing  and the union cabinet is likely to dispose off this proposal shortly as indication to this effect have already reached to the northern eastern states including Sikkim, he said.

With higher subsidy, the farmers of north east will not only be able to increase its agricultural and horticultural production but also gain in higher returns on their production because number of industries in these areas would come up that would also increase local entrepreneurship, he pointed out.

He also said that the government of Sikkim will shortly launch Rs.150 crores worth of cashless agri and horti cultural programme to promote cash crop in the state in next few weeks to enhance cultivation of cardamom, ginger, turmeric and the like.  This programme will be launched by the Chief Minister of Sikkim.

In his address Mr K D Bhattacharya, Deputy Director, MSMEs- Development Institute,   Kolkata, Government of India said that the Ministry of MSME has several subsidised programme and schemes to support for the prosperity of local entrepreneurs in Sikkim and urged to take advantage of them to hike organic produce in state for domestic consumption as also export.

Director, PHD Chamber, Dr. Ranjeet Mehta in his remarks appreciated the efforts of the state government for inviting investment in the state as with this, enterprise in the state will grow and so the employment.

LIKE TAX FOR LIKE PRODUCTS

Federation of Biscuit Manufacturers of India (FBMI), representing Rs.27,000 crores, organized biscuit Industry, is proud to be a part of the ONE NATION, ONE MARKET initiative, to be achieved through GST.  FBMI, affiliated to PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been supporting various initiatives of the government for more than 60 years. It has contributed to the nation’s goals of achieving food safety, food fortification and wastage reduction.

 FBMI is fully supportive of the mammoth efforts of the Government in transforming the current indirect tax regime through GST, through participative and consensus-building process.

 With 93% of the food basket comprising basic food, which is proposed to be exempt or taxed at lower GST rate, taxing the remaining 7% that comprises processed food items at higher GST rate will not be in the interest of fairness and simplicity, the basic goals of GST.

 Biscuits are an affordable and nutritious food item for all ages and socio-economic segments, consumed by 85% of all households and across all income segments in India.  Commensurate with the growth in the aspiring middle class, there has been an increase in the consumption of all types of biscuits. More varieties are now available and being bought across all income segments.  Given this, the tax system should not distort or interfere with the different products being introduced in the market, nor with the choices among them.

 FBMI does not endorse differentiation in GST rates within biscuits, as  all varities of biscuits, such as cookies, creams, crackers and glucose, are available at the same price points.

 Any distortion in the rates within competing products in this sector will create artificial layers. It will encourage spurious products to the detriment of the consumers. Moreover, it will make GST complex to administer and difficult to comply with by the traders, kirana stores etc. involved in the sale of these products.  There is a predominance of the SMEs at the retail level and they will are ill-equipped to handle multiple rates within a sector or industry. GST provides the right opportunity to correct these anomalies, by providing a simple uniform lower GST rate on all biscuits, instead of price based taxation.

 Further, discriminationof food products, on the basis of their being branded or un-branded, premium or non-premium, will not only be against the principles of efficiency and equity, but will also lead to classification disputes and complex record-keeping and compliance system.

 Hence, FBMI, in a representation to the Government, has requested for a fair, simple, equitable and neutral GST regime.  This will be in line with the other good policy initiatives being taken by the government, such as ease of doing business and a liberal FDI policy, to attract new investors in the food processing sector in India and encourage existing businesses to expand.

 FBMI is of the view that GST regime can reach its optimum efficiency in tax collection, by expansion of tax base within biscuit industry at lower merit rate and not by taxing a section of the consumers at higher rates at the cost of others.

 A higher GST rate, even for a segment of biscuits, would impact demand in the entire value chain. It would result in cutting down on procurement of raw materials by biscuit manufacturers, that would adversely impact farmers across India.  Lower demand will also negatively impact investments, exports and employment in the food industry.

INDIA TEXTILE INDUSTRY TO REACH US$ 223 BILLION IN NEXT FIVE YEARS

The Indian textiles industry, currently estimated at around US$ 108 billion, is expected to reach US$ 223 billion by 2021. The industry is the second largest employer after agriculture, providing employment to over 45 million people directly and 60 million people indirectly. The Indian Textile Industry contributes approximately 5 per cent to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and 14 per cent to overall Index of Industrial Production (IIP). This was stated by Mr. Sanjay Aggarwal, Chairman, Industry Affairs Committee, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI)., today at the Technical Textiles Exhibition cum Buyer Seller Meet at PHD House, New Delhi.

Mr Sanjay Aggarwal also added that  the technical textile industry is also expanding proportionally in respect to the entire textile industry. In year 2015, Technical textiles accounted for around 29 per cent share of the global textile revenues. Demand for technical textiles is expected to stay steady during the period 2015-2020, due to a broadening application in end-use industries, such as automotive, construction, healthcare, and sports equipment etc.

In 2015, the global technical textiles market was valued at around $153 billion. On back of strong demand, the global technical textiles market is estimated to reach at $194 billion by 2020, with global consumption expected to surpass 40 million tones.

Investments

The overall textiles sector has witnessed a spurt in investment during the last five years. The industry (including dyed and printed) attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) worth US$ 1.85 billion during April 2000 to March 2016.

Mr Sanjay Aggarwal said that development and industrialization are the main drivers for the demand of Technical Textile products in a country. Given the large scale at which emerging nations are industrializing, the market for technical textiles can only be expected to grow in tandem with industrial growth in different parts of the world.

The market for technical textile in India stood at Rs 92,499 crore in 2015-16 and expected to grow at 12 per cent CAGR and reach 1,16,217 crores by 2017-18. India is expected to play a key role in shaping the future technical textile market with consumers spending more on home textile, sportswear products, and medical products.

Technical Textiles provides new opportunity to the Indian textile industry to have long term sustainable future. Despite of achieving high growth rate the per capita consumption of technical textiles in India is 1.7 per kg vis-a-vis 10-12 kg in developed countries. Globally, the technical textiles contribute to about 29 percent of textile industry, in some of the western countries its share is around 50 per cent while in India it is a meagre 10 percent only.

Mr Ram A Poddar, Co-Chairman, Industry Affairs Committee, PHDCCI, said that India’s textiles sector is one of the oldest industries in Indian economy dating back several centuries. Even today, textiles sector is one of the largest contributors to India’s exports with approximately 11 per cent of total exports. The textiles industry is also labour intensive and is one of the largest employers.

The textile industry has two broad segments. First, the unorganised sector consists of handloom, handicrafts and sericulture, which are operated on a small scale and through traditional tools and methods. The second is the organised sector consisting of spinning, apparel and garments segment which apply modern machinery and techniques such as economies of scale.

The Indian textiles industry is extremely varied, with the hand-spun and hand woven textiles sectors at one end of the spectrum, while the capital intensive sophisticated mills sector at the other end of the spectrum. The decentralised power looms/ hosiery and knitting sector form the largest component of the textiles sector.

The close linkage of the textile industry to agriculture (for raw materials such as cotton) and the ancient culture and traditions of the country in terms of textiles make the Indian textiles sector unique in comparison to the industries of other countries. The Indian textile industry has the capacity to produce a wide variety of products suitable to different market segments, both within India and across the world.

According to application and use textiles materials are of two types; i.e. conventional textile and technical textile. Conventional textiles are fulfilling the basic demands like climate protection, increase in the aesthetic sense, and used traditionally for clothing or furnishing. On the other hand, Technical textiles, as a distinct set of textiles materials and products manufactured and use primarily for their technical performance and functional properties rather than their aesthetic or decorative characteristics.

Backgrounder

Textile industry has created various products by using such fibers. The result of these efforts has enhanced the growth of technical textiles.

Depending on their functional requirements and end-user applications, the diverse range of technical textiles has been grouped into around 12 Segments.

The textile industry employs about 40 million workers and 60 million indirectly. India's overall textile exports during FY 2015-16 stood at US$ 40 billion.

Government Initiatives

The Indian government has come up with a number of export promotion policies for the textiles sector. It has also allowed 100 per cent FDI in the Indian textiles sector under the automatic route.

Some of initiatives taken by the government to further promote the industry are as under:

• India’s first integrated textiles city, which will largely cater to the export market and build a brand for Indian textiles abroad, is likely to be set up in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

• The Clothing Manufacturers' Association of India (CMAI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles (CCCT) to explore potential areas of mutual co-operation for increasing apparel exports from India.

• The Department of Handlooms and Textiles, Government of India, has tied up with nine e-commerce players and 70 retailers to increase the reach of handlooms products in the Indian market, which will generate better prices and continuous business, besides facilitating direct access to markets and consumers for weavers.

• The Union Ministry of Textiles, which has set a target of doubling textile exports in 10 years, plans to enter into bilateral agreements with Africa and Australia along with working on a new textile policy to promote value addition, apart from finalising guidelines for the revised Textile Up gradation Fund Scheme (TUFS).

• The Government of India has started promotion of its ‘India Handloom’ initiative on social media like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with a view to connect with customers, especially youth, in order to promote high quality handloom products.

• Subsidies on machinery and infrastructure

o The Revised Restructured Technology Up gradation Fund Scheme (RRTUFS) covers manufacturing of major machinery for technical textiles for 5 per cent interest reimbursement and 10 per cent capital subsidy in addition to 5 per cent interest reimbursement also provided to the specified technical textile machinery under RRTUFS.

o Under the Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP), the Government of India provides assistance for creation of infrastructure in the parks to the extent of 40 per cent with a limit up to Rs 40 crore (US$ 6 million). Under this scheme the technical textile units can also avail its benefits.

o The major machinery for production of technical textiles receives a concessional customs duty list of 5 per cent.

o Specified technical textile products are covered under Focus Product Scheme. Under this scheme, exports of these products are entitled for duty credit scrip equivalent to 2 per cent of freight on board (FOB) value of exports

• The Government of India has implemented several export promotion measures such as Focus Market Scheme, Focus Product Scheme and Market Linked Focus Product Scheme for increasing share of India’s textile exports.

• Under the Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme, financial assistance is provided for export promotion activities on focus countries and focus product countries.

• Under the Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme, financial assistance is provided for a range of export promotion activities implemented by Textiles Export Promotion Councils.

• The government has also proposed to extend 24/7 customs clearance facility at 13 airports and 14 sea ports resulting in faster clearance of import and export cargo.

• The Ministry of Textiles has approved a 'Scheme for promoting usage of geotechnical textiles in North East Region (NER)' in order to capitalise on the benefits of geotechnical textiles. The scheme has been approved with a financial outlay of Rs 427 crore (US$ 63.67 million) for five years from 2014-15.

Road Ahead

The future for the Indian textile industry looks promising, buoyed by both strong domestic consumption as well as export demand. With consumerism and disposable income on the rise, the retail sector has experienced a rapid growth in the past decade with the entry of several international players like Marks & Spencer, Guess and Next into the Indian market. The organised apparel segment is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of more than 13 per cent over a 10-year period.

The ‘Make in India’ efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi are going to be a big success and a real growth driver for the Indian manufacturing sector. Mr Sanjay Aggarwal said that I am sure our textiles industry would be one of the front-runners and core segments of the Indian manufacturing industry contributing 14 per cent of total industrial output and employing about 45 million people directly. Though the textiles industry has its huge contribution in terms of export earnings, industrial output and employment generation, when it comes to investment initiatives, Indian entrepreneurs are turning their backs on the sector.

Technical textiles wide range of applications, lack of competition, and growing consumer and industrial demands make it a big opportunity area and an attractive option to invest in. Moreover, factors conducive for the growth of manufacturing and consumption of Technical textiles are also available within the country. Though India is the second largest textile economy in the world after China, its contribution to the global Technical textiles industry is very less. Currently, there are very few market players in the Technical textiles segment.

Mr Vivek Seigell, Director, PHDCCI, said that the time has come to position India as manufacturing hub for technical textiles. In order to position us in the global market, we first need to understand technical textiles thoroughly. We need to create awareness among each vertical of the textiles industry. The government is keen on taking initiatives to promote technical textiles among the value chain, but efforts taken by the government are not enough. So, the first step into positioning India as a technical textiles hub is to carve out a clear vision, strategy and action plan for technical textiles. For this we need the support of the industry to map out existing technical textiles demand and future growth rates in each of the different technical textiles segments in domestic as well as global markets.

Present  at the Seminar, were Dr Arindam Basu, DG, Northern India Textile Research Association, Air Commodore Deooak Gaur, AVSM, Principal Director, Medical Services, IAF, Surgeon Rear Admiral Joy Chatterjee, VSM, Additional DG, Navy, and Mr VK Kohli, Director, Regional Office of Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, and Mr Viren Mehta, Vice President, - Marketing, Fibre to Fashion, apart from Mr Sanjay AGGARWAL, Chairman, Industry Affairs Committee, PHDCCI, Mr Ram A Poddar, Co-Chairman, Industry Affairs Committee, PHDCCI, Mr Vivek Seigell, Director, PHDCCI.

CALL FOR ALIGNING DEFENCE LOGISTICS WITH NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE: ADVISOR, TRANSPORT, NITI AAYOG

Advisor, Transport, NITI Aayog, Dr. Manoj Singh on Tuesday called for an intense and meticulous army-civil exchange on logistics and infrastructure to enable government and armed forces to put in place the desired logistics facilities for faster mobility both in times of crisis and peace.

Addressing a Seminar & Exhibition on Military Logistics & Transportation 2017 under aegis of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Army HQ here today, Dr. Singh said that at present dispensation not many channels of communication are open between army and civil and that time has come that a serious note of it is taken so that a proper coordination is developed in this direction.

“The proper army-civil exchange channel is now urgently called for in the national interests so that development of logistics is seen and done with integrated and holistic approach”, said Dr. Singh.

According to him, the roads and railways expansion are being done in all parts of the country specifically in the north-east with an accelerated speed and much more could be seen taking off by end of current fiscal.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Nutan Guha Biswas, Chairperson, Inland Waterways Authority of India, also promised the industry that inland waterways would come up as per targets set in by the government for logistics movements for all sections of society including those of armed forces also as with their taking off, the logistics cost would come down heavily.

Lt. Gen. Sarath Chand, Vice Chief of Army Staff, who also spoke on the occasion emphasizied on logistics integration aspects among all stakeholders, but cautioned that loopholes that currently exists on logistics aspects need to be addressed with a sense of equity.

According to Lt Gen Sharat Chand, while investments on logistics could be liberal but armed forces should not be over stretched on its budget and on majority of logistics and infrastructure projects, the central and state pool should have maximum contribution in terms of their finance.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion Mohd. Jamshed, Member Traffic, Railway Board, in his observations emphasized that Indian Railways and Ministry of Defence would continue to cement their relationship for better and efficient military logistics so that efficiency and resource utilization are optimized for intended purposes.

Lt. Gen. Balbir Singh Sandhu, Director General Supplies & Transport, earlier speaking on the occasion stressed that India has already put up a large infrastructure for efficient movement of logistics and what needs to be done is to integrate all forms of infrastructure such as roads, highways, airways including railways in a proper manner so that it yields the desired results which can be possible only with integrated approach among all stakeholders.

Rajiv Bhatnagar, Chairman Defence Committee, PHD Chamber, in his remarks endorsed what Lt. Gen. Sandhu observed adding that this is what exactly PHD Chamber is seeking the government to take off the logistic movement with the same approach.

COLD CHAIN OUTREACH SUMMIT BEING ORGANIZED BY PHD CHAMBER AT GANGTOK ON 24TH MARCH FOR ITS ECONOMIC UPLIFT

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be organizing a day long Outreach Awareness Programme on Cold Chain on 24th of March 2017 at Gangtok in which host of policymakers, industry representatives and other relevant stakeholders will take part to establish cold chains in the entire northern eastern part of the country and especially in Sikkim.

The programme will begin at 10:00 am at Hotel Tarayana Grand, Dicheling, Gangtok, Sikkim (Near Chandmari Road) to deliberate on local issues and their relevance including consequences on possibilities of setting up of series of cold chains to prevent the wastage of food, fruit, vegetables and the like as also connect Sikkim with other prevailing cold chains in and around the country.

President, PHD Chamber, Mr. Gopal Jiwarajka pointed out that north east being of the critical significance, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare including the Chamber are of the view that huge possibilities exist in the north east and particularly in Sikkim to set up series of cold chains as these would engage the produce of the farmers of this part of India as well as create additional employment opportunities for its youth.

It is in this backdrop that the event is being organized as it would lead to explore the potential of north east and get its economic activities connected with the rest of India because of potential factor which needs to be realized without any further delay, he added.

Director, PHD Chamber, Dr. Ranjeet Mehta who is organizing the event said that policy makers from central as well as state including representatives of industry would assemble to extensively discuss possibilities for series of cold chain in this part of the country for its over all economic uplift.  He added that this programme is an initiative of NCCD, Ministry of Agriculture.

6th India Heritage Tourism Conclave- ‘Sustaining Heritage Tourism of Khajuraho’ 17th March, 2017, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry with an aim of generating awareness about promoting Heritage Tourism in our country with a focus on the mystical land of Khajuraho and putting it on the Global map as a prominent heritage tourism destination, organized the 6th India Heritage Tourism Conclave-‘Sustaining Heritage Tourism of Khajuraho’ on 17th March 2017 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

 The objective of this conclave was to highlight the importance of the heritage city (Khajuraho) which has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples in India and is considered the “high point” of Indian architectural genius during the medieval times.

 Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co Chairman, Tourism Committee, PHD Chamber, in his address highlighted the need of improvement in the connectivity infrastructure such as better rail and air connectivity which shall further aid in promoting tourism to the city.

 Smt. Kavita Singh (Rani Sahiba), Mayor, Khajuraho emphasized on the promotion of heritage of places like Dobhal, Orrcha, Bhimkund and Basmati which have remained unexplored, and said that the beauty of these places is mesmerizing.

 Mr. Ambuj Saxena, from BnB Nation gave a presentation on how to  encourage the inflow of tourists to Khajuraho by using social media. It is a unique way for the tourists to come and visit and share their experiences on social media.

 Mr. Igor Polikha, Ambassador, Embassy of Ukraine to New Delhi, addressed the gathering in Hindi.  He said that he was totally enchanted by the beauty of Khajuraho and was impressed by the cleanliness of the place. He said that there are more than 30,000 tourists who visit India from Ukraine. He requested the tour and travel operator industry to promote places like Khajuraho for the world to know and for people from all over the world to come and visit.

 Mr. Brijendra Singh Rathore, Ex-MLA, Prithvipur/ Newari in his address expressed his gratitude to Mr. Raja Bundela, Mr. Brijendra Singh and Mr. Narayan Singh Bhayal for their contribution to promote Khajuraho. He also emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Central and the State government to jointly promote the heritage tourism of Khajuraho. He also stressed on the need for better air and rail connectivity.

 Mr. G G Saxena, IAS (Retd), Former MD, Delhi Tourism Development Corporation, suggested a PPP model on the development of Khajuraho. He recommended starting special train services since the airfares are expensive.  Since we have the best technology services in our country, we should do everything in preserving the heritage of a place like Khajuraho.

 Mr. Arun Pateria, CMO, Khajuraho, in his address promised to take immediate action on all the suggestions and recommendations made by the eminent speakers in promoting the heritage tourism of Khajuarho.

 Mr. A B Shukla, IAS (Retd), Member, National Monuments Authority,  emphasized on working together under one umbrella t develop and promote beautiful city of Khajuraho.

 Mr. Raja Bundela, Honorary Member, Media and Entertainment Committee, PHD Chamber, in his address expressed his gratitude to all the distinguished speakers and guests present for the conclave. He stressed on forming a local committee in Khajuraho which would have local participation and will work closely on the problems faced by the tourists. He also said that there is a need for improving the tour packages for the tourists who visit Khajuraho.  He also proposed to organize a theatre festival in Panna, Madhya Pradesh in the month of July/August 2017.

 Those who graced the occasion were Smt. Kavita Singh (Rani Sahiba), Mayor, Khajuraho, Mr. Brijendra Singh Rathore, Ex-MLA, Prithvipur/ Newari, Ms Daniela Maria, Head, Culture Department, Embassy of Romania to New Delhi, H.E. Mr Igor Polikha, Ambassador, Embassy of Ukraine to New Delhi, Mr. Narayan Singh Bhayal, Convenor, INTACH, Khajuraho, Mr. G G  Saxena, IAS (Retd), Former MD, Delhi Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. A B Shukla, IAS (Retd), Member, National Monuments Authority, Mr. Vikram Singh, MLA, Rajnagar, Mr. Shankar Pratap Singh, Mr. Manvendra Singh, MLA, Mr. Arun Pateria, CMO, Khajuraho, Mr. Ramesh Bhandari, District  Magistrate, Chattarpur,  Shri. Pushpendra Singh (Guddu Raja), President, Chatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh, Ms. Archana Singh, Mayor, Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh,  Mr. Govind Singh, Mr. Bahadur Singh, Prominent Educationist, Mr. Surya Pratap Singh, Darshana NGO, Mr. Brijendra Singh (Mama ji), Khajuraho, Mr. Ambuj Saxena, BnB Nation, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Delhi Tourism , Ms. Yana and Ms. Elina, INTACH, Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co Chairman, Tourism Committee, PHD Chamber, Mr. Raja Bundela, Honorary Member, Media and Entertainment Committee, PHD Chamber, Mr. Anuj Gupta, Honorary Member, Tourism Committee, PHD Chamber and Mr. Yogesh Srivastav, Director, PHD Chamber.

PHD Chamber signs MoU with Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture

In a significant and historic development, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry signed an MoU with Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) to expand its activities towards the western region of India.

 Mr. Gopal Jiwarajka, President, PHD Chamber and Mr. Shantanu Bhadkamkar, President, MACCIA signed the MoU in the presence of Shri Suresh Prabhu, Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Government of India at the Ministry of Railways, New Delhi.  

Both the chambers have agreed to work on common interests to push forward India’s growth story. They have agreed to conduct joint research activities on crucial economic areas and make representations to the government on areas such as agriculture, industry, ease of doing business and socio-economic development at the grassroots for the upliftment of living standards of the people.

Joint activities would also include organizing programs, roundtables, exhibitions on various industrial and socio-economic areas in the coming times.

This is a major breakthrough for both the chambers as collaborative efforts with their respective strengths would not only be fruitful for their respective regions but also for the overall socio-economic development of the country, said Mr. Gopal Jiwarajka, President, PHD Chamber.

Industry dignitaries from the MACCIA who joined at the signing of MoU include Mr.  Shantanu Bhadkamkar, President, MACCIA, Mr. Santosh Mandalecha, Sr Vice President, MACCIA, Mr. Samir Dudhgaonkar, Vice President, MACCIA, Mr. Anil Kumar Lodha, Vice President, MACCIA, Mr. Lalit Gandhi, Vice President, MACCIA, Mr. Sagar Nagare, Acting Secretary General, MACCIA among others.

Industry leaders from PHD Chamber including Mr. Gopal Jiwarajka, President, PHD Chamber, Mr. Rajeev Talwar, Vice President, PHD Chamber, Mr. Sharad Jaipuria, Former President, PHD Chamber, Mr. Sandeep Aggarwal, Chairman, Railways Committee, PHD Chamber, Mr. Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary General, PHD Chamber, Mr. Jagmohan Bhanot, Advisor, PHD Chamber, Dr. S P Sharma, Chief Economist, PHD Chamber among others were present while signing the MoU with MACCIA.

The members of MACCIA appreciated the establishment of foundations- FWF and RDF at PHD Chamber which no other chamber has done so far and also valued research work undertaken by PHD Research Bureau, the research arm of PHDCCI.

Both the presidents of Chambers- Mr. Gopal Jiwarajka, President, PHD Chamber and Mr. Shantanu Bhadkamkar, President, MACCIA assured maximum support to each other for the mutual benefit of all members and stakeholders of both the chambers.

EVOLVE WAYS & MEANS FOR EFFECTIVE DISPOSAL OF 15% HAZARDOUS MEDICAL WASTES: PHD CHAMBER

India Hospital Summit-2017 which is organized here under aegis of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry has concluded that ways and means ought to be worked out to suitably dispose off 15%  hazardous medical and bio-wastes in all hospitals and nursing homes to make sure that the health workers and communities around them are not infected.

The Summit also felt that the assumption that 85% of bio-medical waste which is not that infectious, however, if the 15% of aforesaid categorize medical wastes is subsumed in the remaining non-infectious 85% of medical wastes, it becomes more hazardous and creates threatening conditions in the atmosphere as well as localities around such health centres.

The PHD Chamber also held that existing rules and regulations to regulate the bio-medical wastes need to be complied with by all hospitals and nursing homes in and around Delhi and non-compliance should be dealt with heavy penalties.

The aforesaid views were collectively expressed in the Indian Hospital Summit-2017 by panellists and experts such as Sr. Vice President, PHD Chamber, Mr. Anil Khaitan; Director General of Health Services, Government of NCT of Delhi, Dr. Ravindra Aggarwal; Director General, Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI), Dr. Girdhar Gyani; CEO, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), Dr. B K Rana; Hony. Secretary General, Indian Medical Association, Dr. R N Tandon; MS, Baba Sahib Hospital, Dr. Punita Mahajan and Secretary General, PHD Chamber, Mr. Saurabh Sanyal.

Director General of Health Services, Government of NCT of Delhi, Dr. Ravindra Aggarwal in his observations was very specific, emphasizing that 2016 regulations relating to management of medical and bio wastes in hospitals and nursing homes ought to be complied with without any compromise on each of them.

In case, someone is violating the regulations, the NGT people are keeping a close eye on all hospitals and nursing homes and might perhaps undertake surprise visit to find out if established rules are being adhered to.  Their violation will be dealt with strict penalties and even with punitive measures, he emphasised.

6th India Heritage Tourism Conclave

6^th India Heritage Tourism Conclave – Sustaining Heritage Tourism at Khajuraho under the aegis of PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Chief Guest Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Hon’ble Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India inaugurated the Two Days Conclave.  Hon’ble Minister highlighted the significance of heritage of Khajuraho. Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste also released a Knowledge report on the occasion highlighting a roadmap to further heritage tourism in this beautiful city.

The programme aims at generating awareness about promoting the heritage tourism of Khajuraho and bringing Khajuraho on the global map of prominent heritage tourism destination. It also aims at highlighting the importance of heritage city (Khajuraho) and its sculptures which belongs to more than 1100 years ago. The dignitaries while addressing the press also highlighted the need of improvement in infrastructure such as better rail and air connectivity which is currently a hinderance in planning a vacation trip for this heritage city.

Mr Mukesh Gupta, chairman, tourism committee, highlighted the significance of Public Private Partnership in creating better infrastructure for Tourists at all tourist places in India. It can play a vital role in the development of tourism industry since it has a plenty of opportunities for employment and foreign revenue, etc.

The officials who addressed the press were Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Mr. Mukesh Gupta, Chairman, Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co Chairman, Tourism Committee, PHD Chamber, Mr Igor Polikha, Ambassador, Ukraine, Ms Daniela Maria, Dy  Ambassador & Head, Culture & Tourism, Embassy of Romania, Mr. Raja Bundela, Prominent Film Director, Actor, Producer, Mr. Anuj Gupta, Film Producer and Mr. Yogesh Srivastav, Director, PHD Chamber.

Free Health Check Up Camp organized by PHD Family Welfare Foundation in association with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GOI on the occasion of International Women’s Day – 8th March 2017 at Rohini, West Delhi

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, PHD Chamber’s Family Welfare Foundation in association with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India and Delhi Police Rohini District organised a massive free Specialized Health Check up Camp for 500 underprivileged women & children living in slums & resettlement colonies on 8th March 2017 at Durga Mandir, Avantika, Rohini  Sec-1, West Delhi.

The aim of the camp was not only to provide free health check up facilities but also to create awareness among women, particularly those from the weaker and underprivileged sections of the society to take proper care of their health and not ignore their health problems.

Specialists like Cardiologist, Gynecologist, ENT, Pediatricians, Medicine, specialist, Orthopedicians, Dentist and Ophthalmologist were part of the Camp for free consultation.  Spot investigations like BMD test, blood test, B P check up, ENT, Dental check up & ECG etc. were also conducted on doctor’s advice.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS GENDER AGNOSTIC

Women Startups Summit 2017 conducted under aegis of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry here today concluded with a happy note that women entrepreneurship is rising and so are women startups.

Therefore, there is a growing need to consider any women entrepreneur as an entrepreneur only and the baggage of a women as a founder or co-founder has to be done away with since entrepreneurship is gender agnostic.

The aforesaid view arose at a Women Startup Summit 2017 in the wake of International Women’s Day in which Founder, Heads Up for Tails, Ms. Rashi Narang; Founder, Chambers of Ink, Ms. Sukriti Jiwarajka; Co-Founder, Medimojo, Dr. Shikha Suman and Fashion Designer, Ms. Rina Dhaka took part among others.

It was also suggested that Startups and particularly the women startups should have a sustained business model at their possession before attempts are explored for venture capitalists for their fund requirements as such a model would attract them finances automatically.

It was also felt that in the absence of a sustained business model by any startups, no venture capitalists would come forward to burn their money and therefore, fund raisers should be searched with necessary due diligence.

On the occasion, the President, PHD Chamber, Mr. Gopal Jiwarajka who presided over the Startups Summit announced the PHD Chamber created Startups Coaching and Mentoring Cell which provides necessary training once in a month for young entrepreneurs and even facilitate match making exercise with their possible fund raisers provided the idea has an appeal.

Among others who spoke on the occasion comprised Chairman and Co-Chairman, Innovation Committee, PHD Chamber, Mr. Deepak Pahwa and Mr. V K Mishra; Co-Chairman, Education Committee of the Chamber, Dr. Rubina Mittal; Film Producer and National Award Winner, Ms. Savita Raj Hiremath; Executive Director, Sheela Foam Limited, Ms. Namita Gautam; CEO, Hareepatti, Ms. Gurleen Kaur; Co-Founder, Baby Destination, Ms. Tamana Dhamija; Partner, Hingorani & Associates, Ms. Priya Hingorani and Sr. Secretary, PHD Chamber, Dr. Jatinder Singh.