The Dollar Business organises Power Series Conclave on Aug 24

Ahmad Shariq Khan & Aamir H Kaki

Keeping the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the backdrop, The Dollar Business has organised the Power Series Conclave 2016-17 on “Make in India and Make for the World” on August 24, in New Delhi, to understand specific challenges and opportunities for stakeholders of India’s export-manufacturing community in the present global economic scenario. Discussions and debates on a series of ongoing concerns and opportunities were held.

The welcome note from Steven Philip Warner, President (VMPL) & Editor-in-Chief, The Dollar Business, set the tone for the event. In his address, he said, “Exports play a key role in the economic development of every nation and India is no different. In fact, India has emerged as a nation whose decisions have a great potential between the contours of the world economy.”

He further said, “During the current times, ‘Make in India’ does sound appropriate and well-timed. But I think “Make in India and Make for the World” may have to wait a bit for the time being, especially, when there are issues around the world such as the ‘Brexit’, currency crisis in Africa, oil crisis in Venezuela and the global economy is tilted towards downside."

“During such challenging times, it is even more appropriate that such a conclave should be organised, to meet, discuss and identify such issues and to spread an encouraging word,” he added.

Digvijay Singh, Member of Parliament - Rajya Sabha, General Secretary – Indian National Congress, in his address said, “As it stands today, India’s manufacturing sector is almost stagnant, contributing roughly about 16 percent to the country’s GDP. Manufacturing sector by itself is an export driver which creates employment and business opportunities.”

“We have a very ambitious manufacturing policy, where we want to raise manufacturing sector’s share from 16 percent to 25 percent in 2022 and to add one million jobs. I think with a little bit of effort and aggressive economic reforms coupled with real ease of doing business we can achieve the target.”

Dr. L B Singhal, Development Commissioner, Noida SEZ, Department of Commerce, GoI, talked about how SEZs across the country offer ideal ecosystem to give ‘that much needed push’ that Indian exports fraternity need across the country, thereby playing a key role in Make in India drive.

In his address, H.E. Mr. Georges de La Roche, Ambassador of Guatemala to India, emphasised on the opportunities in Central America for Indian exporters. He also talked about various trade opportunities in food and beverages and tourism and infrastructure sector which he regarded as strength of Indian exporters.

On the occasion, Mr H. E. Jan Luykx, Ambassador of Belgium, spoke on the increasing trade ties between the two nations, especially ever since the new NDA Government came into power.

Mithileshwar Thakur - Additional Director General, Directorate of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties, talked about  the importance of inculcating  a culture of R&D to enable Indian exporters to compete  effectively at global marketplace so that Indian manufacturers can move up the world’s R&D (spend) index.

Emphasising on skill development, continued R&D, and need for Government’s continued thrust on ‘creating an enabling environment’ for Indian manufacturers already combating challenging times in various overseas markets, Ajay Sahai, Director General & CEO, FIEO, spoke on the wide opportunities for India’s exports in specific sectors such as auto and textile and the challenges and prospects he envisions therein.

Other eminent speakers, who also presented their views, were Sanjiv Sawla, Chairman, Indian Oilseeds & Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEP) and Anil Sankhwal, Regional Chairman, The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India (GoI).

In addition, the event was attended by exporters and facilitators of foreign trade from all over India.