Port Blair, Dec. 22: The ASEAN–India Free Area emerged from a mutual interest of both parties to expand their economic ties in the Asia-Pacific region. Andaman & Nicobar Islands endeavours, close proximity with these South East Asian countries and have a greater scope of trade with these countries compared to mainland India. Under the ‘ACT EAST’ policy of Govt. of India, the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Aceh Chamber of Commerce & Industry with the active support of A & N Administration and Indian Embassy at Indonesia a WEBINAR was held today at 10.00 AM.
The Webinar was represented from the A&N Administration by Mr. Sudhir Mahajan, Secretary (Shipping) & Mr. Abhishek Dev, Secretary (Industries), and from Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industries by Mr. Surendra Prahladka, President and other Office bearers were present. In the Indonesian side Mr. Raghu Gururaj, Counsul General of India to Sumatra & Mr. Almer Hafis Sandy, Chairman of Joint Business Council Aceh, Indonesia and representatives of Aceh Chamber of Commerce & Industry was present in the Webinar.
In his welcome address Mr. Surendra Prahladka, President, ACCI briefed about the initiatives taken by both the Chamber of Commerce. He also explained about the bottlenecks in conducting trade between these Chambers. He stated that businessmen in A&N Islands are ready to invest in Indonesia and enquired about the assistance which will be provided by the Aceh Province in terms of incentives so that investors can invest money in Aceh province.
Mr. Abhishek Dev, Secretary (Industries) explained about the various initiatives taken by Andaman & Nicobar Administration under aegis of Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India for having direct trade between these Islands and ASEAN countries. He further detailed about the Joint Task Force for promoting greater trade, tourism and economic activity between A&N Islands and Indonesia. The Task Force was constituted consequent upon the visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to Jakarta where it was discussed by the leaders of both countries to take necessary steps to enhance connectivity between A&N Islands and Provinces in Sumatera Island to promote trade, tourism and people to people contacts; facilitate B to B linkages between the Chamber of Commerce and the Indonesian Companies. Some of the issues of declaring customs port, Plant quarantine, etc. pointed out during the first meeting of the Joint Task Force are already resolved in due coordination with various Ministries of Govt. of India and the others are under process for resolve which is duly followed up by this Administration. He also informed that A & N Administration is looking forward to the second meeting of JTF, which is scheduled to be held very shortly.
Mr. Sudhir Mahajan, Secretary (Shipping) informed that up-gradation of port infrastructure is in the process. Trading between these counties especially importing constructions materials will be a win to win situation due to its geographical proximity with Indonesia. Allowing air connectivity, IT & ITES sectors, Fisheries sector, Tuna fishing, etc. are other possible field of trade between these two countries. Two more ports of Port Meadows and Kamorta ports are declared as Customs Port which will ease the business. Yacht Marina is coming up which will encourage Yacht Tourism in these Islands. He also informed that in respect to NCV issue the matter has been taken up with Ministry of Shipping, GOI for amending the BIMMS agreement.
Mr. Raghu Gururaj, Counsul General of India to Sumatra informed that the Government of India is giving high priority on development of trade between A&N Islands and the Provinces of Sumatra due to its geographical proximity. He explained that the Aceh Chamber of Commerce & Industry is fully aware of the impediment in trade and the certain issues have been taken with the Ministry in Jakarta. He also urged to take up the issues which need relaxation and approval from the Ministry with the Government of India.
Mr. Almer Hafis Sandy, Chairman of Joint Business Council, Aceh stated that the Aceh Chamber of Commerce & Industry is interested to have trade link with the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the sectors of agro products, infrastructure materials, fisheries and other tourism related businessmen are very much eager to do the business. The Aceh Chamber is also aware of the constraints in doing the business and expects that the issues will be resolved during the second Task Force meeting.
Mr. Girish Arora, Past President, ACCI explained the prospects in the field of Tourism and creating infrastructure in various fields including high end hotels and Yacht Marina, etc. under PPP mode or Joint Venture in collaboration with Aceh Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The aspect of sea plane service between A&N Islands and Banda Aceh as done the case of Bali and Raja Ampat may also be explored. Since Indonesia is having technical expertise in fishing, the aspect of fishing under Joint Venture may also be explored.
Mr. Chandrasekar, Vice President of ACCI enquired about the cost of construction materials like stone aggregates, steel, cement, etc. at F.O.R. Port Blair so that they can take action to bring materials from Indonesia. He also expressed that since the distance between Aceh Province and A&N Islands is comparatively very less as compared to the mainland of India it will be very easy to bring the materials if the cost is viable.
The Counsul General of India to Sumatra informed that the requirement of materials may be sent through mail so that the cost factor can be worked out and will be intimated. The business prospects of exporting materials from A&N Islands may also be explored.
The Webinar concluded with vote of thanks to all participants by the President, ACCI and it was decided that in future also such webinar will be conducted for better understanding and business interest between these two countries.