Kashmir is an inalienable and integral part of India

     New Delhi. The Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that Kashmir is an inalienable and integral part of India.

   He was interacting with the Members of British Parliament, Mr. Dan Carden, Ms. Anna McMorrin, Ms. Preet Gill and Ms. Sarah Champion, who called on him, in New Delhi today. The Foreign Secretary of India, Dr. S Jaishankar was also present on the occasion.

    The Vice President conveyed his strong concerns that there was considerable misinformation about Kashmir. He said that it was purely a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. He further said that radicalization and terror are global issues to which we have to find an effective strategy to combat it at various levels. 

   The Vice President said that the bilateral cooperation between India and UK has reached a new high in the areas of economics and commerce, science and technology, defence, education, cyber policy, counter terrorism, sharing of intelligence.

    He further said that our bilateral trade at just about US$ 12.19 billion has a large potential for growth. India is the 3rd largest investor in the UK and the 2nd largest international job creator in the UK, he added. 

   The Vice President said that Indian government over the last three years has championed the cause of ease of doing business. He further said that India has just jumped an unprecedented 30 ranks and are placed at No. 100 in the World Bank Rankings on Ease of Doing Business. India’s flagship initiatives such as the Make in India, Digital India, 100 Smart Cities program and Housing for All by 2022 (Urban Transformation Schemes), Digital India, Start-up India, Clean India and other programmes offer unlimited business opportunities to British companies, he added.

    The Vice President said that India is committed to a fair implementation of the Paris Agreement based on the principles laid down in the Convention – UNFCCC – especially equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibility. 

     He further said that an initiative of note is the International Solar Alliance, which was launched by India in partnership with France in 2015 to develop and promote solar energy. 

    He encouraged the UK to sign and ratify the Framework Agreement of the ISA and join us for the Founding Conference as a Founding Member early next year.

President hosts Belgian King, invites participation in Indian growth story

  New Delhi. The President of India Ram Nath Kovind, received His Majesty King Philippe and Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. 

     He also hosted a banquet in their honour. Welcoming the King and the Queen to India, the President said he was happy to know that India holds a special place for them and for the Belgian Royal family. 

   He said that this State Visit is even more special as India and Belgium are celebrating 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. The President said that India and Belgium enjoy warm and friendly relations.

     Our shared values of democracy, rule of law, pluralism and respect for human rights bind us together. World War I forms part of our shared history.

    Thousands of Indian soldiers fought and sacrificed for Belgium. We in India appreciate the Government of Belgium’s efforts towards recognising their valour and sacrifice.The President said economic relations form the core of the Indo-Belgian partnership. Bilateral trade is growing but we can do a lot more together. We must see how we can replicate the success of the diamond industry in other sectors. 

    The Indian economy is on a steady growth path. Our Make in India, Clean India, Smart Cities and other initiatives offer immense opportunities for Belgian investors. Belgium has global expertise in building and managing ports. India has an ambitious Sagarmala project to develop its port sector. We seek participation of Belgian companies in this regard.Subsequently, in his banquet speech, 

    President Kovind said that the remarkable transformation of the Belgian economy following the World Wars made Belgium a key player in intra-Europe trade and connectivity. It has, ever since, remained at the vanguard of Europe’s industrial progress.

     He stated that at the present juncture, when India is engaging with the world to bring new energy to its development, we welcome Belgian participation in our growth story. The President said that Belgium has been instrumental in the process of uniting Europe into a successful single market. 

    The Government of Belgium has remained committed to the European Union project. India, too, sees the European Union as a factor of stability in a changing world and sincerely wishes its people every success.

India gears up to welcome Global Food Titans

  New Delhi. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will inaugurate World Food India 2017 on 3rd November 2017 from Vigyan Bhavan New Delhi. WFI is the most anticipated international mega food event, as India welcomes to host biggest ever congregation of global investors and business leaders of major food companies from 3-5 November in New Delhi.

  Organized by Ministry of Food Processing Industries under leadership of Union Minister Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal, World Food India aims to transform Food Economy and realize the vision of doubling of famers’ income by establishing India as a preferred investment destination and sourcing hub for the global food processing industry. 

  This is the first time that India is hosting such an event for the Food processing sector.World Food India platform will strengthen India’s position as a Global Food Factory and is a positive step towards making the Country Food Secure. 

    India is expected to attract an investment of US$ 10 billion in food processing sector and generate 1 million jobs in the next 3 years. World Food India 2017 gears up to host over 2,000 participants, over 200 companies from 30 countries, 18 ministerial and business delegations, nearly 50 global CEOs along with CEOs of all leading domestic food processing companies, and representatives of 28 States in India. Germany, Japan and Denmark are Partner Countries to World Food India. Italy & Netherlands are the Focus Countries.

    Specially curated experiential platform ‘Food Street’ specially curated by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, is a lively vibrant zone, that will showcase Indian and foreign cuisines using Indian ingredients, flavours and fragrances to celebrate India's rich cultural heritage, the diverse uniqueness of its produce to create contemporary renditions and fusion food. After the inauguration from Vigyan Bhavan, 

   the Prime Minister will visit the Food Street at India Gate Lawns opposite National stadium.At the inaugural, host Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti will be joined by Chief Ministers of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Ministerial Delegations from a number of countries, leading global and Domestic CEOs, etc will also be present in the inaugural session. Exclusive CEOs roundtables have also been scheduled with Prime Minister of Indiai Narendra Modi, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Shri Arun Jaitley and Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu with CEOs of leading global & Indian food processing companies.

     Illustrative list of Industry Captains participating in World Food India from across the globe and India includes Mr Paul Bulcke , Chairman of the Board of Directors, Nestle, Mr Pieter Boone, Chief Operating Officer & CEO, Metro Cash and Carry, Mr Brian J McNamara, CEO, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Ms. Amanda Sourry, President, Food Unilever; Mr.Sharafuddin Sharaf, Al – Sharaf Group; Mr.Yusuff Ali, Managing Director, LuLu Group, Mr Kishore Biyani, CEO, Future Group; Mr Krish Iyer, CEO, Walmart India; Mr Amit Agrawal, CEO, Amazon, India to name a few.

    A total of 60 Global CEOs including Asia Pacific (APAC) leadership of leading companies will be interacting with leading CEOs from 100+ top Indian food processing leaders. Over 1000 B2B meetings are expected to take place over three days.International Ministerial & business delegations with 200+ members from 15 countries will take part in B2B/B2G meetings. 

    The mega event would also host 8 sectoral conferences, 2 plenary sessions on “India the preferred destination” with the Finance Minister of India as the Guest of Honour and one on “One Nation, one food law- an enabling regulatory environment for investment in the food sector” in association with the Food Standards and Safety Authority of India. In addition, there are 20 State sessions and 6 country sessions. 7 sectoral publications would be released at the event.

   A massive exhibition spread over 40,000 sq mtrs in the verdant C- Hexagon lawns of India Gate is expected to attract significant footfalls. More than 800 global companies representing 22 Countries & domestic companies will be exhibiting. Special focus on Farmer Producer Organizations & Women Entrepreneurs will connect them to corporates – international & Indian- increasing opportunities for sourcing & business.Ministry of Food Processing Industries’ 

     Theme Pavilion provides an exciting view of India’s offering to the world in terms of products, a geo mapping of produce availability and mega food parks.The event is supported by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Development of North East Region, Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Civil Aviation.

India is committed to partner Bhutan in its socio-economic development

     New Delhi. The Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that India is committed to partner Bhutan in its socio-economic development, and to support in its XII Five Year Plan. He was interacting with the King of Bhutan,

  His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, here today. Senior officials from both India and Bhutan were present on the occasion. The Vice President said that India and Bhutan share exemplary bilateral relations and these are unique and special.

  He further said that our historical and cultural linkages make us natural friends and partners. He thanked the King for his warm letter of felicitation on his assumption of responsibilities as the Vice President of India earlier this year. 

   The Vice President said that India is delighted to see the rapid progress which has been made in Bhutan while simultaneously preserving its very special culture as well as protecting the environment. He further said that the Government and people of India appreciate the vision of the Druk Gyalpos (Kings), which has guided relations between our two countries.

  With the wisdom and foresight of the Monarchs of Bhutan and Indian leadership, India-Bhutan relations have grown from strength to strength, he added. The Vice President said that India has been happy to share its knowledge, experience and resources with Bhutan and thus contribute to Bhutan’s socio-economic development.

    He further said that our development cooperation has been guided by the priorities set by the Government and people of Bhutan. India is committed to partner Bhutan in its socio-economic development, and to support in its XII Five Year Plan, he added.

  The Vice President said that India remains committed to consolidate existing hydro-power cooperation with Bhutan. Timely implementation of the ongoing hydro-power projects with minimum cost overrun, is important for both governments.

  This is the flagship area of our bilateral cooperation and has high visibility. We should do everything to make it a model of bilateral cooperation, which will be noted by others in the neighbourhood. 

   The Vice President said that the security concerns of India and Bhutan are indivisible, intertwined and mutual. We look forward to continuing close cooperation with Bhutan on issues of mutual security concern, he added.

Investment opportunities in Latin American and Caribbean regions

Cuba.The Minister for Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu visited Cuba from October 28 to 31 to explore opportunities to tap the huge untapped potential, for not only bilateral trade but also investment in the Latin American and Caribbean regions.

  It has been the strategy to pursue new markets to expand India's trade footprint and targets to double trade with the Latam and Caricom region in the next 4 to 5 years. With the Caribbean region, 

   India’s bilateral trade was US$ 1755 million in 2016-17, constituting only 7.16 percent of India’s trade with the Latin American and Caribbean region.

  India has always enjoyed a good political relationship with Cuba, with India being one of the first countries to recognise the regime after the Revolution.

    The visit of the Commerce & Industry Minister was to leverage this age old political relationship to enhance the economic and commercial ties between the two countries. The Minister met almost the entire top leadership in Cuba including the First Vice President Mr. Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez Mario, Vice President and Minister of Economic Affairs and Planning Mr. Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Mr. Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz, Minister of Energy and Mines Mr. Alfredo Lopez Valdes, Minister of Industries Mr. Salvador Pardo Cruz and also the President of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce. 

  The First Vice President Mr. Miguel Diaz attached historic importance to this visit saying that ‘India has a prominent role in global dynamics” and aligned with the Minister for Commerce & Industries’ proposition of an integrated approach in multilateral organisations and environmental issues. Considering the overwhelming support and warmth in the meetings, a spontaneous decision was taken to take the next step in this econmic engagement in the form of an MoU between the Federation of Indian Exporters Organisation (FIEO) and the Cuban Chamber of Commerce. 

   The MoU priorities six sectors for bilateral trade and investments. These are Pharmaceuticals, Tourism, Renewable Energy, Bio Technology, Sugar and Infrastructure development. Similar MoUs were later signed with Barbados and Guyana. Prabhu also leveraged this opportubity to meet his counterpart from Haiti, Mr. Pierre Marie du Meny and the Barbados Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Mr. Donville Inniss.The Minister for Commerce & Industry also attended the inaugration of the 35th edition of FIHAV-2017 which saw particpation from over 70 countries.

     The Minister also inaugurated the Indian Pavilion in the presence of the Cuban Minister of Energy & Mines. The Minister said “FIHAV was an exhibition of goods but I exhibit the love and affection which 1.3 billion people from India have for Cuba”. Prabhu also engaged with the Indian diaspora, leading businessmen from Cuba and other prominent Cuban individuals, including the daughter of President Raul Castro and the son of Comrade Fidel Castro.

  The Minister for Commerce & Industry also visited the Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) and appreciated the high research standards and advancement in medical technology that Cuba has achieved. Prabhu reiterated the potential of coopertaion between the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry which is a world leader in generics and CIGB to find affordable health solutions.

Agreement between India-Armenia on cooperation & mutual assistance in customs

  New Delhi. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing and ratifying an Agreement between India and Armenia on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters.

  The Agreement will be signed on behalf of the two countries after it is approved by the respective Governments. This Agreement shall enter into force on the first day of the second month after the Contracting Parties notify each other in through diplomatic channels, that the necessary national legal requirements for entry into force of this Agreement have been fulfilled. 

  The Agreement will help in the availability of relevant information for the prevention and investigation of Customs offences. It is also expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of goods traded between the countries. 

   The Agreement would provide a legal framework for sharing of information and intelligence between the Customs authorities of the two countries and help in the proper application of Customs laws, prevention and investigation of Customs offences and the facilitation of legitimate trade.

  The draft text of the Agreement has been finalized with the concurrence of the two Customs Administrations.

  The draft Agreement takes care of Indian Customs' concerns and requirements, particularly in the area of exchange of information on the correctness of the Customs value declared and authenticity of certificates of origin of the goods traded between the two countries.

Agreement between India-Ethiopia for strengthening & promoting trade-economic cooperation

   New Delhi. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the trade Agreement between India and Ethiopia for strengthening and promoting trade and economic co-operation. 

 The trade Agreement was signed on 5th October, 2017 during the State visit of the President of India to Ethiopia from 4th to 6th October, 2017. The trade Agreement will replace the existing trade Agreement signed in 1982.

  The trade Agreement will provide for all necessary measures to encourage trade, economic cooperation, investment and technical co-operation.