Download the PDF version here - Indo-American Chamber Of ...

US seeks answers on home sourcing of electronic items
The US has questioned India's move to make domestic sourcing of electronic products with security
implications compulsory for both public sector procurement and private sector telecom licensees at a
World Trade Organization forum, stepping up pressure on the country to limit its application only on
select goods.
In a submission to the committee on trade and related investment measures, the US has asked India to
explain the circumstances under which private firms may be required to purchase domestically
manufactured electronic products and whether it would apply only in the case of those electronic
products which have security implications for the country. "We will discuss all the issues raised by the
US with the departments of IT and telecom and give the relevant answers," a commerce department
official told.
In February this year, the department of information technology had issued a notification requiring the
purchase of domestically manufactured electronic products. The policy applies both to government
procurement as well as to procurement of those electronic products which have security implications
for the country.
The US asked India to explain the circumstances under which private firms like telecom service providers
may be required to purchase domestically manufactured electronic products. It also sought an answer
to whether this requirement would apply only in the case of those electronic products which have
security implications for the country. India was further asked to explain the purpose of requiring the
purchase of domestically manufactured electronic products, either for government procurement or for
procurement by non-governmental entities.
On the issue of who would determine whether an electronic good has a security implication, the US said
that it appeared that the decision would be left to different ministries. "If so, please explain how
differences in view between ministries on this question will be resolved. If not, please explain which
entity in the government will make this determination and what criteria or factors will be examined to
arrive at this determination," the submission said.
US commerce secretary John Bryson had also taken up the issue with commerce and industry minister
Anand Sharma during his India visit earlier this month stating that the provision would limit business
opportunities for foreign companies.
Click here for index
Citi India appoints Jane Ong as head of corporate affairs
Citi India recently announced the appointment of Jane Ong as the head of corporate affairs for Citi South
Asia, with responsibility for media relations, managing external and internal communications. She will
report to Pramit Jhaveri, CEO, Citi India.
Pramit Jhaveri, CEO Citi India said, "We are pleased to appoint Jane as our Corporate Affairs Head for
South Asia. Her extensive experience as a strategic advisor on corporate communications as well as her
understanding of the print and television media will prove to be an asset to our brand in India."
Jane has been the head of communications, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) India and head of
communications and marketing for RBS Global Banking & Markets in India. She has more than 20 years
of experience in communications, during which she has led a variety of roles across print and television
journalism. Earlier in her career, Jane was the head of Burson-Marsteller's corporate / financial practice
in Hong Kong.