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High Commission of India, ColomboMaking Headlines ...India—ConnectsThe Economic and Business Newsletter January, 2012Extracts from High Commissioner’s address on Republic DaySri Lanka - India trade volumesreach all time high – KanthaBilateral trade between Sri Lankaand India had surged by over 70% likely totouch reach a record $ 5 billion in 2011,Indian High Commissioner Ashok Kantharevealed on 26 January 2012.“In 2011, bilateral trade surged byover 70% and is estimated to havetouched an all-time high of US $ 5 billion,while Indian companies invested over $100 million in Sri Lanka,” Kantha said duringhis address at the ceremony markingthe 63rd Republic Day of India at IndiaHouse in Colombo.He said that 2011 performance had ensured that India remains the largesttrading partner of Sri Lanka in addition to being a leading investor. “India isalso largest source for tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka,” he added.High Commissioner also highlighted the vast expansion in India‟s developmentassistance and the growing recognition that Indian projects were being completedin a timely and efficient manner. Referring to the MoU signed for constructionand repair of 49,000 houses under a grant assistance of US$ 260 million, hepointed that this was perhaps one of the largest projects of its kind undertakenby India in a foreign country.Indian tourists accounted for over 1/5th of all tourist arrivals in SriLanka. Likewise, a quarter million Sri Lankans travelled to India. “Spotlight of the Month:Science & TechnologyDr. Abdul Kalam meets thePresident of Sri LankaIn this issue…..Making Headlines... 1Bilateral Beat 2-5NEWInvestment Opportunitiesin SL 6-7Spotlight 8-10Bilateral Economy 11-12Visit India 13-14Indian Economy 15-16Indian & SL Trade Query 17-20Sri Lankan Trade Fairs 21Useful Biz Links 22Contact Us…..Economic & Commercial WingHigh Commission of India36-38, Galle Face RoadColombo-3, Sri LankaSpotlight: Science & TechnologyMr. Manish, CounsellorTel: +94-11-2430560Fax: +94-11-2399287com.colombo@mea.gov.inMr. Amrit Paul, AttacheTel: +94-11-2422158Fax: +94-11-2446403com2.colombo@gmail.comWebsite: www.hcicolombo.orgThe Indian science and technology space has been very instrumental in bringing-in social and economicchanges.Click for More DetailsTo remove your name from our mailing list, please click here. Questions or comments? E-mail us or call us.Next Page

BILATERAL BEATDr. A P J Abdul Kalam address at PIM Alumini AuditoriumIndia‟s former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam during his visit to SriLanka from 20-24 January 2012, delivered a lecture titled „Economic Developmentand Creative Leadership‟ at a forum jointly organised by the Post Graduate Instituteof Management Alumni (PIMA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants(CIMA) on 22 January 2012.World renowned aerospace engineer and the 11thPresident of India Dr. A.P.J Adbul Kalam emphasised onthe need for a generation of creative leadership in all countriesin order to build vibrant businesses and in turn, createaccelerated national economic growth. He also urged educationalinstitutions in Sri Lanka to be geared up for the large number of creativethinkers needed by different disciplines and to facilitate the youth of Sri Lanka to doso, the former „People‟s President‟ also encourage co-competencies within a nation,proposing that India and Sri Lanka should make use of the unique „sea wealth‟ open to both countries, byjointly going into underwater research in a big way so that the wealth will be opened to both countries.“A nation‟s economic development is powered by competitiveness. Now competitiveness ispowered by knowledge. This is powered by technology and innovation which is powered by the resourcesinvestment and this is powered by revenue and return on investment. This in turn is poweredby volume which is powered by quality and value of products which is powered by employee productivitywhich is powered by employee loyalty which can be gained through management leadershipwhich is powered by creative leadership. One must exercise the need to change traditional roles. Thehigher the ratio of creative leaders in an organisation, the higher the chances of success within theorganisation and accelerated national economic growth,” he said.Dr. Kalam then went onto describe the traits a leader should possess, stating that leaders must havea vision, a passion to transform the vision to action, travel into unexplored territory by creating their own pathsand learn to absorb and manage failure and give success to team members, pointing out that this applies topolitics, industry, education or for any development.“A leader must have the courage to take decisions and have mobility in management. Everyaction of the leader should be transparent with integrity to succeed.”“What type of world we are going to see and itis it possible that there could be prosperity and peacethroughout the world or only for a few nations?” heasked the audience. “Sri Lanka or any other nationcannot live in isolation from the rest of the world. In aglobalised world our problems and efforts are sharedand prosperity and happiness will hence be shared.”He then went on to outline a vision for 2030 evolved by his students all across the world and highlightedsome of the plans set in motion in India in order to reach several goals by the year 2030. Kalam notedthat one major aspect of economic development is bringing about rural prosperity, adding that there will bemany business opportunities in India and that Sri Lanka and India should work together to improve bilateralrelationships.“The world needs compassionate leaders and leaders with a vision – Mandela and Gandhi areexcellent examples of this but this combination is very difficult to achieve,” he concluded.Previous Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

BILATERAL BEATVisit of Hon'ble Minister of External Affairs of India Mr. S.M.Krishna to Sri LankaExternal Affairs Minister Shri S.M. Krishna is scheduled to visit Sri Lankafrom 16-19 January 2012. Agreements Signed on 17.01.20121. MoU between Government of India and Sri Lanka for Housing ProjectAn MoU specifying the modalities for the next phase of the Housing Project(construction of 49,000 houses) being implemented with India‟s assistance ofapproximately US Dollars 260 million was signed by Hon‟ble S.M. Krishna, ExternalAffairs Minister of India and Hon. Prof. G.L. Peiris, External Affairs Ministerof Sri Lanka.2. Line of Credit of US dollars 382.37 Million between Government of India and Sri Lanka for the restorationof Northern Railway Services.Line of Credit Agreement of US dollars 382.37 million for the restoration of Northern Railway Services wassigned by Mr. T.C.A. Ranganathan, Chairman and Managing Director, EXIM Bank of India and Dr. P.B. Jayasundera,Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Planning, Government of Sri Lanka. The Line of Credit will beused for track laying on the Pallai-kankesanthurai railway line, setting up of signaling and telecommunicationssystems for the Northern railway line and other projects as may be mutually agreed by the Governments ofIndia and Sri Lanka.3. Buyer’s Credit Agreement for US Dollars 60.69 million between EXIM Bank of India and Governmentof Sri LankaBuyer‟s Credit Agreement for US dollars 60.69 milllion was signed by Mr. T.C.A. Ranganathan, Chairmanand Managing Director , EXIM Bank of India and Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, Secretary, Ministry of Finance andPlanning, Government of Sri Lanka for financing Greater Dambulla Water Supply Project for supply, erectionand commissioning of water treatment plant and distribution across Dambulla region in Sri Lanka.4. MoU between Government of India and Sri Lanka on cooperation in the field of Agriculture.An MoU on cooperation in the field of Agriculture was signed by H.E. Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, High Commissionerof India and Mr. W. Sakalasooriya, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Sri Lanka. Underthe MoU, both sides shall promote development of cooperation in the fields of agricultural science and technology,agricultural production and agro-processing through joint activities, programmes, exchange of scientificmaterials, information and personnel. The cooperation will be effected through biennial work Plans andjoint activities.5. MoU between Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and TelecommunicationRegulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL)An MoU was signed by Dr. J.S. Sarma, Chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authorityof India (TRAI) and Mr. Anusha Palpita, Director General, TelecommunicationRegulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL). The MoU provides forestablishing a mechanism of technical and institutional cooperation in the fieldof telecommunications, with the purpose of development of telecommunicationsin both the countries.Previous Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

BILATERAL BEAT India to undertake construction of a cultural centre in JaffnaIn a ceremony held on 17 January 2012, Hon‟ble. S. M.Krishna, Minister for External Affairs, Government of India andHon‟ble Basil Rajapaksa, Minister for Economic Development, Governmentof Sri Lanka, presented awards to the top three architectswhose entries were selected by a jury, on completion of the NationalDesign Competition for the Jaffna Cultural Centre, to be constructedunder Indian grant assistance.Design selected forJaffna Cultural CentreAs part of its development partnership with Sri Lanka and inresponse to the request by the Government of Sri Lanka, the Governmentof India is undertaking a Project to construct a Cultural Centreat Jaffna at an estimated cost of Rs. 900 million.In order to preserve and foster the rich cultural heritage of theJaffna District and other nearby areas, which are replete with historical,archaeological and religious resources, it is decided to developthe Jaffna Cultural Centre as an iconic building that would serve as acynosure of cultural activities in Northern Sri Lanka The Centre isalso intended to create opportunities for cooperation amongst all SriLankan communities, including Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese. EAM hands over medical equipment at District Hospital in Kilinochchiand a School repaired under Indian AssistanceThe Hon‟ble External Affairs Minister of India, Mr. S.M. Krishna, visitedthe District General Hospital in Kilinochchi today, where a ceremony was heldfor him to handover critical medical equipment to improve the standard ofmedical care and to obviate the need to refer a number of cases for treatmentto Jaffna or to Colombo via ambulances.In his remarks on the occasion, Mr. Krishna pointed out that similarequipment had also been provided to the Mullaitivu District General Hospital.EAM Krishna visiting the DistrictHospital in KilinochchiEAM hands over houses (under the 1000 houses Pilot Project) and bicycles to beneficiaries inJaffnaThe Hon‟ble Minister of External Affairs of India, Mr. S.M.Krishna, handed over the first lot of houses to the beneficiaries underthe pilot project for 1000 houses on Wednesday, 18 January, 2012 atNalavadi, Ariyalai, Jaffna. In a symbolic gesture, he also handed oversome cycles to IDPs and formally announced the completion of theremoval of wrecks at KKS Harbour, at a ceremony organized in front ofthe Jaffna Public Library.Previous Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

BILATERAL BEAT EAM at the Handing over of the Galle - Hikkaduwa segment of the Southern Railway ProjectIndian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna flagging off thefirst train in the Galle - Hikkaduwa section, after handing itover to the Sri Lankan government on 19 January 2012.On this occation, he said that he was delighted to bein this wonderful and historic city of Galle, to formally handover the completed section of the Galle-Hikkaduwa railwaytrack. This ceremony marks the timely completion of this section,which is part of the Southern railway line executed byIRCON International Ltd, a leading Indian company in railwayinfrastructure.As part of our effort to assist the Government of SriLanka in the reconstruction of the Southern Railway coastalIndian Foriegn Minister S.M.Krishna flaggingoff the first train in the Galle - Hikkaduwa section,after handing it over to the Sri Lankangovernmentproject, the Government of India had pledged a line of credit of US$ 167.4 million. This involves reconstructionof railway lines, training of personnel from Sri Lanka Railways in India, procurement of rolling stock andbuilding of maintenance sheds.*******Call for Proposals under Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Research Programme 2012The Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India and the Ministry of Technology andResearch (MoTR), Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka concluded a Programme ofCooperation (PoC) in Science and Technology, on September, 23rd 2011. In terms of the PoC, funding canbe made available for selected Joint Research projects and Workshops in bilateral mode involving scientists& technologists from India and Sri Lanka, in the following areas:a. Food Science and Technology;b. Nuclear Technology Applications;c. Oceanography and Earth Science;d. Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals;e. Materials Sciences;f. Medical Research, including traditional medical systems; andg. Spatial Data Infrastructure and Space ScienceThe DST and the MoTR have invited Indian and Sri Lankan scientists/researchers to submit proposalsfor Joint Research Projects and Bilateral Workshops in any of the above areas in terms of the provisionsset out. The details of the call for proposal are enclosed and can also be seen at the High Commission of Indiawebsite (www.hcicolombo.org). The closing dated for receiving proposal is *29 February 2012*.Previous Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIESTrincomalee Port: Request for Proposal for port related Business ActivitiesSri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) had recently publishedRequests for Proposal (RFPs) to commence businessventures at the Port of Trincomalee. SLPA had published theproject proposal documents to private sector investors interestedin setting up port related business ventures in the Trincomalee Port Industrial Park. In a public advertisementSLPA had called for RFPs from international and local firms or consortia‟s to design, build, finance,manage and operate businesses at the Trincomalee Port.The Industrial Park which consists of 3,000 acres of land will have investment opportunities in variouspotential sectors. Each investor will be allocated five acres of land at the industrial park. However, investorsare allowed to subdivide or amalgamate the land according to their preferences. The investors will haveto comply with the requirements as requested in the project proposal document to get the SLPA approval toset up business ventures at the Trincomalee port. In addition, the government will provide the required infrastructurefacilities such as water, electricity, internal roads and other amenities to the Industrial Park.The cost of the document is SLR 25,000. The same can be purchased on normal working days from1000-1400 hours from the following address:Chief Engineering (Planning & Development)Sri Lankan Ports Authority,45, Leyden Bastian Road, Colombo1, Sri LankaInterested investors will be able to collect the project proposal documents at the Port CommitteeBuilding in Fort and the deadline for issuing the documents to investors will be April 10, 2012. According tothe RFP document, following business venture proposal has been identified:i. Development of marine processing and fishing development base, including fishing boat and repairfacility.ii. Bunkering oil storage and oil refining.iii. Boat building/ ship building / ship repairiv. Fertilizer storage/Processing and Bagging Plantv. Vehicle Assembling Plantvi. Warehousing Complexvii. Operation of Liquid Natural Gas(LNG) Plantviii. Food canning Industry for Export Marketix. Sea food processing and export plantx. Develop as a distribution hub connecting agricultural product in the area, including those in the Mahawelischeme: the main cargo would include rice, fertilizer, general merchandise, construction material andmachineryxi. Any other Import/Export related value added services, Port related Industry. More details can be obtained from www.slpa.lkPrevious Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIESHambantota International Airport: Request for Proposal for Airport Free ZoneThe Government of Sri Lanka has recently issued aRequest for Proposals (RFP) for investment opportunitiesat Hambantota International Airport. The RFPdocument can be downloaded from the website ofAirport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka Limitedwww.airport.lk . The cost of RFP is US$ 250. Onehas to go to the HIA link (on the homepage) and referto the section on Investment Opportunities in HIA.Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka Limited(AASL) has indentified the following potential investmentopportunities that are being offered to prospectiveinvestors, under the Stage I development programof the airport.i. Aviation traininga. Pilot trainingb. Aeronautical engineeringii. Aviation related industriesa. MROs (Maintenance, Repair & Overhauling)b. Livery servicesc. Aircraft manufacturingd. Aircraft storage parkinge. Component manufacturingf. Flying clubsiii. Hospitalitya. Hotelsb. Recreation activity providers – Ballooningc. Hospitality training schoolsiv. Utility providersa. Renewable energyb. Water supply – desalination/ waste water treatmentv. Warehousing facilitiesvi. Aerotropolisvii. Aviation related servicesa. Fuel farmsb. Bunkering services for private partiesviii. Food processingix. Other aviation related industriesThe last date for submission of the bid proposal and bid security is 1400 hours on 15March 2012. The pre-bid meeting and visit to the site is on 22 February 2012.Previous Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

Spotlight Continues: Science and TechnologyBrief IntroductionThe country has not only endeavoured to upgrade traditionalskills to make them relevant and competitive, but has alsobeen on a spur to develop advanced technologies on the frontsof science and technology, which has eventually played a pivotalrole in transforming the nation into a modern, industrialised society.Scientific knowledge and expertise, innovation, high technology,industrial infrastructure and skilled workforce are the keyfactors that have driven the progress of the country to a majorextent.India is also one of the top-ranking countries in the fieldof basic research. Certain developments that took place on thisfront in the recent past have been discussed hereafter.Space TechnologyIndian space technology has come a long way in terms of infrastructure as well as investments. Majordevelopments that took place on the space technology canvas are:K Narayana, Adviser and former Director of the Sathish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC), Indian SpaceResearch Organisation (ISRO) has told that the Geo-Synchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) - Mark (Mk)-IIIwill be launched by ISRO for experimental purposes in 2012 under which it would place a communicationsatellite in the orbit.Further, ISRO is said to have developed a launch base that is at par with international standards. It hasrecently launched Mega-tropiques satellite to measure the weather in tropics. This satellite is expected toprovide substantial aid in tropical meteorology.IIT-Kanpur-designed nano satellite 'Jugnu' has been recently placed into orbit by the Polar SatelliteLaunch Vehicle C18 (PSLV-C18) of ISRO. The loaf-sized satellite, that has marked a turning-point in Indianspace technology for miniaturisation, entails communication capabilities, power source and a controlsystem along with the basic functions of a much bigger satellite.Nuclear TechnologyDr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India will resume talks on nuclear power pacts with Russiaand Japan soon. Papers are being prepared to ink a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Japan to importnuclear technologies. After two reactors at Koodankulam nuclear power project in Tamil Nadu, Dr Singh iskeen to sign deals for third and fourth reactors on the same site with Russia during the talks. Hike in numberof nuclear power plants is on his priority list as he believes it would help India meet its future energy demandsto a great extent.Previous Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

Spotlight Continues: Science and TechnologyRenewable EnergyIndia is the fifth largest consumer of energy globally and is anticipated to become the world's thirdbiggest energy consumer by 2030, leaving Japan and Russia behind. In the wake of such projections, investmentsin renewable energy sector are on a high. Currently, India's renewable energy base is 18,455 megawatt (MW). In order to reduce carbon emissions, Department of Telecom hasdecided to make it compulsory for mobile companies to power theirtowers by renewable sources of energy. According to new rules, theywould be required to power at least 50 per cent of towers and 20 percent of the urban towers by hybrid energy sources. Further, this wouldbe scaled up to 75 per cent of rural towers and 33 per cent in urbanareas by 2020 Moser Baer India's renewable energy division Moser Baer CleanEnergy will invest US$ 1 billion, for setting up solar projects with acombined capacity of 300 MW in India and abroad by 2012. The companyhas ambitious plans for further supplementing its solar powergeneration capacity to 1,000 MW by 2015.While addressing the Bio Energy Summit organised by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), MrFarooq Abdullah, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), has revealed that a National BioEnergy Mission is under progress to accelerate sustainable development of the renewable energy sector. KKrishnan, Chairman, CII Task Force on Bio-Energy, also recommended alignment of bio-energy with solar,wind and hydro for development of sustainable technologies in the field.Science and Technology - Other Developments Eaton, a US-based electrical components company, projects great opportunities in India's developing civiland military aerospace industry. Increase in purchases of aircraft by the military and domestic airlines is amajor driver that has attracted Eaton to India. The company's aerospace division globally supplies hydraulicsand fuel systems that are used by flight control devices of Airbus, Boeing aircraft and many domestic andglobal military planes. Tata Communications Ltd would promote 11 new start-ups in 2011 entailing internet and mobile applications.The company has decided to extend help to Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship(CIIE) flagship programme, iAccelerate, at the IIM-A campus in Ahmedabad.Research and DevelopmentResearch and development (R&D) is an inseparable part of the field of science and technology. Indiais fast emerging as the global R&D hub of the world. Presence of world class institutions, a robust intellectualproperty regime and a rich talent pool of technical manpower available at a very competitive cost are majorfactors that are making India a viable destination for global researchers. An ecosystem set up with a positivepolicy framework and strong R&D focus is pushing India's position in the global arena. The US and Indiahave shared very fruitful partnerships in the recent past. US firms find India as a great market for investmentin the R&D of pharmaceuticals, high tech, biotech and green tech, and IT infrastructure, among others.Furthermore, to attract more of young talent towards scientific research, the Ministry of Human ResourceDevelopment (MHRD) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) have formed a committee thatwould launch a scheme on research start-up grant for newly-recruited faculty at the assistant professor levelin universities.Previous Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

Spotlight Continues: Science and TechnologyGovernment InitiativesDr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, in his recent meetingrelated to scientific research, endorsed private sector investment inR&D. He insisted on pushing private sector spending on research fromcurrent 20 per cent to 50 per cent. Addressing the representatives fromministries of science and technology, space, atomic energy, earth sciences,biotechnology and defence production, Dr Manmohan Singh encouragedemergence of prospects that would attract foreign direct investment(FDI) in India's scientific activities.He also asked the concerned departments to speed up the formationof the biotechnology industry research assistance council (BIRAC)and suggested that India should be one of the major publishers of scientificliterature in international journals.Moreover, India's Department of Science & Technology is beingassisted by The United States National Science Foundation (NSF) to developformer's Science and Engineering Research Board, which will boostthe infrastructure and capacity for research in India.The Government of Karnataka has requested the Centre to speed-up the development of Indian Instituteof Nano Sciences and Technology which would be set-up in Bengaluru at a cost of Rs 100 crore (US$19.26 million). To further promote nano technology in Karnataka, the State Government is also planning toallot an acre of land for establishment of 'Nano Lab' by the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced ScientificResearch.Road AheadK Kasthurirangan, Planning Board Member and former ISRO Chairman, said that India would doubleits spending from 0.9 per cent to almost 2 per cent on science and technology from the 12th Five Year Plan.The Government is focussing on development of education programs and scientific research in the next planwhich would enhance the contribution of science and technology for the overall economic development. Itwould also focus on tie-ups between industries and research institutions as well universities.Source: www.ibef.orgRelated Websites: www.csir.res.in (Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research)www.isro.org (Indian Space Research Organization)Previous Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

BILATERAL ECONOMYPartnership Summit - Visit of Sri Lankan Minister of Industry & Commerce to HyderabadMinister of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Rishad Bathiudeen lead the Sri Lankan delegation for the„New Age Innovation Partnership‟ themed Partnership Summit 2012, held in Hyderabad, Andra Pradesh,India, from 11– 13 January 2012.During his visit Minister Bathiudeen held discussions with Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry AnandSharma on 12 January.“The latest rounds of talks are aimed at trade promotion between Sri Lanka and these two countries,”said Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka Director General P.D. Fernando. Minister Bathiudeen is also expectedto extend the official Sri Lankan invitation for „Sri Lanka Expo 2012‟ to India during the meeting withhis Indian counterpart.According to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the organisers of the Partnership Summit2012, its sessions will focus on tourism and investment opportunities in the state of Andra Pradesh, alongwith high-level business networking among the participating countries.About 1,500 delegates from 30 countries took part in this three-day Partnership Summit at the HyderabadInternational Convention Centre. Among the participating countries are Bangladesh, China, theCzech Republic, Ghana, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the United ArabEmirates, the United Kingdom, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Turkey, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, AbuDhabi, Kuwait, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Mali.India-Sri Lanka trade crossed the $ 4.85 billion mark last year, from $ 656 million in 2000, thus recordinga eight-fold increase. India, which ranked as the 16th largest buyer of Sri Lanka in 2000, emerged asthe third largest buyer of Sri Lankan products in 2003 and continues to hold this position.Minister of Industry & Commerce,Sri Lanka, Mr. Rishad Bathiudeenwith Minister of Commerce & Industry,India, Mr. Anand SharmaPrevious Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDecBILATERAL ECONOMYBilateral TradeBilateral trade turnover amounted to about US$ 4.86 billion during the period January-December2011. During this period Sri Lanka's exports to India were about US$ 528.82 million; and imports from Indiawere about US$ 4.33 billion. During December, Sri Lanka's imports from India amounted to US$ 354.04 million;and exports to India aggregated US$ 46.97 million.According to Sri Lankan Customs, bilateral trade during 2011 has reached 4.86 billion USD comparedto 2.94 billion USD in 2010, which is 65.31% higher than the last year.Source: Sri Lanka Customs, www.customs.gov.lkTourist Arrivals from India to Sri LankaThe number of tourist arrivals in first twelve months of 2011 is 855,975. This is 31% increase comparedto the same period last year. The number of tourist arrivals from India to Sri Lanka between January toDecember 2011 is 171,374 which is approximately 20% of the total tourist arrival into Sri Lanka. In correspondingperiod last year 126,882 tourists form India visited Sri Lanka, which amounts to an increase of35.07%.Tourist Arrivals 2010 & 2011100000900008000070000600005000040000300002000010000020102011In 2010, out of the total 654,476 tourists, 126,882 were from India constituting 19.37%. In 2011, outof the total 855,975 tourists, 171,374 were from India, showing an increase of 20.02%. , India is the largestcontributor with every fifth tourist being from India.Source: Sri Lanka Tourism Development Board, www.sltda.gov.lkPrevious Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

VISIT INDIABandhavgarh National Park is one of the wild life sanctuariesin the Indian state Madhya Pradesh. The national park is situatedat 197 km away north-east of Jabalpur. This wild life park derivedits very name from an ancient fort in the area.This park has the highest numbers of Bengal tigers in India, apartfrom leopards and many species of deer and for this reason, it isvery popular among tourists who come wildlife spotting.This park has a large biodiversity. The density of the tigerpopulation at Bandhavgarh is one of the highest known in India.There is a saying about the Park that goes: "In any other Park,You are lucky if you see a tiger. In Bandhavgarh, you areunlucky if you don't see (at least) one."LocationBandhavgarh National Park is one of the popular national parksin India located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarhwas declared a national park in 1968, with an area of 105 km². TheBandhavgarh National Park is located on the Vindhya Mountains, spreadover an area of almost 700 kilometers. The nearest city is Jabalpur,about 200 kilometers away, from where you can visit the park. The worldfamous Bengal Tigers can be found in their largest numbers in this park,which was the hunting ground of the erstwhile Maharaja and his guests.Fast FactsStateDistrictFamous forLanguagesBest SeasonWeatherMadhya PradeshUmariaWildlifeHindi, EnglishFebruary - June(Closed 1 July-31 October)Summer 24-48°C, Winter 9-36°CAbout half the Bandhavgarh park is covered with fine trees of Sal, while mixed forests are found inthe higher reaches of the hills. Stretches of bamboo and grasslands extend to the north.Previous Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

VISIT INDIAWhat You Can Do and SeeJEEP AND ELEPHANT SAFARIOne can enjoy viewing the wildlife by two ways in Bandhavgarh - Jeep Safariand Elephant Safari.. Jeep safaris are undertaken during the early morninghours till evening. A forest department guide is always their with the visitors on thesejeep trips taken inside the park. Elephant safari trips are organized for tiger trackingearly in the morning. Elephant safaris can be taken up at around the safe time totrack tigers more quietly. The ideal time for taking the safari would be in the dawn orat dusk.You can visit the park in the months of February toJune as it is generally closed during the months of July, August,September and October due to the rainy season.BANDHAVGARH FORTThe Bandhavgarh park area is hilly and isdominated by the majestic Bandhavgarh fort, built in14th century. The fort and the adjacent hills have alarge number of caves belonging to the pre-historic period.There are very few places around Bandhavgarh that offer muchin the way of excursion. Katani and Umaria are two important urban habitationsaround Bandhavgarh National Park. Major tourist attractions in theregion include world-famous temples of Khajuraho, Jabalpur - a majorbusiness center of Madhya Pradesh and Bheraghat on the river Narmada.Source: www.bandhavgarhnationalpark.comPrevious Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

India's economic growth to remain robust: UN reportIndia's economic growth is expected to remain robust in 2012 and 2013, despite likely headwind ofdouble-dip recessions in Europe and the US. This has been highlighted in the World Economic Situation andProspects 2012, the United Nations' annual economic report.Indian economy is expected to grow by between 7.7 per cent and 7.9 per cent this year, the reportsaid. South Asia's economies are expected to grow by 6.7 per cent this year and 6.9 per cent next year, acceleratingslightly from 6.5 per cent last year.Robust domestic demand will sustain this increase (in South Asia), but the economic slowdown inIndia, where growth declined from 9 per cent in 2010 to about 7.6 per cent last year, brings down the regionalaverage, the report said. South Asia comprises India, Pakistan, Nepal, Iran, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.Trade and External SectorIntroductionInvestments from overseas entities in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI), foreign institutionalinvestment and capital inflows are fuelling India's foreign trade and external sector. India's efforts in the avenueare paying-off well as the country is increasingly being designated as an important nation, particularlyduring the times when the rest of the countries are suffering from the ripple effects of financial meltdown. India'sperformance with respect to foreign trade and external business is discussed below. Capital InflowsAccording to the weekly statistical supplement of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's foreign exchangereserves (forex) stood at US$ 293.54 billion for the week ended January 6, 2012. Foreign currency assetsaggregated to US$ 259.80 billion and the value of gold reserves stood at US$ 26.62 billion for the week. Thevalue of special drawing rights (SDRs) was calculated at US$ 4.41 billion, and India's reserves with the InternationalMonetary Fund (IMF) came out to be US$ 2.69 billion. FDIFDI inflow rose by 36 per cent to US$ 23.69 billion during January-October 2011, while the cumulativeamount of FDI equity inflows from April 2000 to October 2011 stood at US$ 226.05 billion, according to thelatest data released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).The services (including financial and non-financial) sector attracted highest FDI equity inflows during April-October 2011-12 at US$ 3.43 billion. India received maximum FDI from countries like Mauritius, Singapore,and the US at US$ 61.2 billion, US$ 15.2 billion and US$ 10 billion, respectively, during April 2000-October2011. FIIAccording to the data released by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), foreign institutional investors(FIIs) purchased stocks worth Rs 600,000 crore (US$ 119.25 billion) during 2011. ExportsINDIAN ECONOMYIndia's exports for the period of April- December 2011 have surged by 25.8 per cent to US$ 217.6 billion. Petroleumand Oil products made the highest growth at 55 per cent at US$ 43.9 billion in value. Gems & Jewellery,engineering and drugs & pharmaceuticals registered a growth of 38.5 per cent, 21.6 per cent and 21.5per cent respectively. Merchandise exports for the month of December 2011 grew by 6.7 per cent at US$ 25billion.Previous Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

INDIAN ECONOMY External SectorThe Government of India is highly active in terms of establishing and maintaining its relations with foreigncountries. The efforts are paying off well as the country is getting recognised on the global map as a growthorientedand investor-friendly nation. Certain foreign countries have taken steps to increase trade and businesswith India. Some of the recent developments in this space are discussed below: The exporters' body - Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), has recently stated that countriesfrom Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) intend to double their trade with India to US$ 50 billion by 2013-14. India made a trade of US$ 24.43 billion with LAC countries in 2010-11 out of which India's exports wereUS$ 10.23 billion. Hungary is very keen on investments from India in automobile industry, including auto components segment.Janos Terenyi, Ambassador of Hungary to India, has indicated that the European country is not onlyinterested to strengthen trade and business ties with India, but also desires bilateral co-operation in political,cultural and economic relationship.Currently, bilateral trade between India and Hungary is projected at US$ 30 million.Road AheadIndia Inc is now looking for new markets and resources to strengthen its presence globally. This would notonly provide a great impetus for their future growth, but would mark India as an international partner for inwardand outward foreign investments.Pharma retail market grows 15% in 2011Domestic pharma retail market clocked a robust 15% growth during 2011, mainly driven by therapieslike anti-diabetic, vitamin, anti-infectives and dermatology. The pharma sector continued to show its resilienceamid slowdown concerns in the economy with December posting a strong growth, with anti-infectives back infavour during the month. The domestic pharma retail reached a new milestone by recording overall sales ofRs 60,000 crore for the year 2011.Monthly Economic ReportThe overall growth of GDP at factor cost at constant prices, as per Revised Estimates, was 8.5 percent in 2010-11 representing an increase from the revised growth of 8.0 per cent during 2009-10. Overallgrowth in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) was 5.9 per cent during November 2011. During April-November 2011-12, IIP growth was 3.8 per cent. Eight core Infrastructure industries grew by 6.8 per cent inNovember 2011 as compared to the growth of 3.7 per cent in November 2010.Exports, in US dollar terms increased by 3.9 per cent and imports increased by 24.5 per cent, duringNovember 2011.The cumulative growth for April-November 2011 was 33.2 per cent and 30.2 per cent forexports imports respectively. Tax revenue (net to Centre) during April-November, 2011 recorded an increaseof 8 per cent compared with corresponding period of 2010-11 custom duties, service tax and taxes on incomeare the main contributors to the growth of tax revenue.Source: www.ibef.orgPrevious Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

INDIAN TRADE QUERIESS.NoProducts – Importers/Dealers in Sri LankaCompany NameTel/Fax/E-mail1. Polyester Yarn Mr. Shyam PathakM/s. Meher InternationalSurat,Gujarat,India.Tel: +91-261-2328237Mobile: +91-9638671724Fax: +91-261-23014237E-mail:shyam@meherinternational.inWebsite: www.meherinternational.com2. Salt and Garments Mr. C. Ganesh AyyaduraiM/s. Mistake International4/30-6, Chella Pandian Compound,Ayyan Kovil Street,Muthiahpuram,Tuticorin – 628 005,Tamil Nadu,India.Tel: +91-461-2355606Mobile: +91-9787695365E-mail: mistakeinternational@gmail.com3. Handicrafts, Honey, Coconut& Coir Products,Arecanut Plates,Spirulina, Cashew Nut,Spices and SportswearMr. V.N. RajeshkumarM/s. V IKNARA Exports5/154, Workers Estate,5th Cross Street, Neelangarai,Chennai – 600 041,Tamil Nadu,India.Tel: +91-278-2939515, 2445915Telefax: +91-278-2939660, 2444760E-mail: shivshakti_2003@yahoo.co.inWebsite: www.s-sengineers.com4. Handicrafts Mr. K.M. VasudevanBangalore,India.E-mail: kmvasudevan@gmail.com5. Pharmaceutical ProductsMr. Hardik B. PatelDirectorM/s. Sifam Pharmaceuticals408-409, Satyam Mall,Near Jodhpur Cross Roads,Ahmedabad – 380015,Gujarat,India.Tel: +91-79-26752513/ 65132513Mobile: +91-9825910011Fax: +91-79-26742513E-mail: export@sifampharma.comWebsite: www.sifampharma.com6. Cloves Ms. Nidhi ParwaniM/s. BLB Commodities PvtLtd28A, Annexure –II, 3rd Floor,ECE house, Kasturba GandhiMarg,New Delhi – 110001,India.Tel: +91-11-23322835Fax: +91-11-23352749E-mail: nidhi.parwani@blblimited.comWebsite: www.blblimited.comPrevious Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

INDIAN TRADE QUERIES ….continues7. Coir and Coconut ProductsMr. L.S. ShivakumarChief Export ManagerM/s. ALS Exports,2/8A, 7th Street, VNR Nagar,Vadavalli,Coimbatore – 641 041,Tamil Nadu,India.Tel: +91-422-2426336Mobile: +91-9894051430/9894605446Fax: +91-422-4221430E-mail: als@airtelmail.inWebsite: www.alsexports.com8. Yarn Mr. Mahesh KathiriyaExport MarketingM/s. Onetex Exports Pvt Ltd64, Onetex House,Hirabaug, Varachha Road,Surat – 3950006,Gujarat,India.9. Polyester Fiber Mr. Anand SharmaDGM – ExportsM/s. Pashupati Polytex Pvt LtdKashipur,Uttranchal,India.Mobile: +91-9725726636E-mail: info@onetexindia.commahesh@onetexindia.comMobile: +91-9634097009E-mail: polyfibre@yahoo.in10. Cement, CementClinker, Steel Items,Salt, Wheat and AgroFood ProductsMr. S. MohandasManaging DirectorM/s. Cans India Imports ExportsEnterprises,Room No. 101 & 102, ParvathyComplex,2nd Floor, 95 C, WGC Road,Tuticorin – 628 002,India.Tel: +91-461-2325917Mobile: +91-9486243917Fax: +91-461-2325917E-mail: tnfpco@gmail.com11.Black Pepper, CinnamonMs. Nidhi ParwaniM/s. BLB Commodities Pvt Ltd28A, Annexure –II, 3rd Floor,ECE house, Kasturba GandhiMarg,New Delhi – 110001,India.Tel: +91-11-23322835Fax: +91-11-23352749E-mail: nidhi.parwani@blblimited.comWebsite: www.blblimited.com12.Gold Imitation Jewels,Silver Jewels and FancyJewelsMr. Manoharan ThomasM/s. Sky Blue Exports,21-7, Ground Floor,Sri Ganesha Complex,10th Street, Gandhipuram,Coimbatore – 641012,Tamil Nadu,India.Mobile: +91-9843361184E-mail: skyblueexports@yahoo.inPrevious Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

INDIAN TRADE QUERIES ….continues13.SareesMr. A. Syed AbuthahirProprietorM/s. Sasha exports10, Kaithey Millath Nagar6th Street, Madurai,Tamil Nadu,India.E-mail: sashaexpo@gmail.com14. Traditional & FashionClothing, Accessories,Jewellery, Home DécorProducts and Gift ItemsM/s. Injela CreationsJaipur,Rajasthan,India.Mobile: +91-7737782770E-mail: injelacreations@gmail.cominjelacreations@yahoo.comWebsite: www.stylencraft.in15. Automotive Products,Hardware Products andHandicrafts16. Spices, Coconut andGarmentsMr. Sajid SaifiM/s. Motherstar OverseasEL-35, Sector-2,Bawana Industrial Area,New Delhi – 110039,India.M/s. J.B.R. International Export22A, 1st Street Kannan Colony,Alandhur,Chennai – 600 016,India.17. Stationary Items Ms. Dipal RajyaguruExport Import ExecutiveM/s. Phoenix Infosoft Pvt. Ltd303-304, Shanti Aradhana,Opp. Takhteshwar Police Station,Sahkari Hatt, WaghawadiRoad, Bhavnagar – 364 002,Gujarat,India.Tel: +91-11-22530124Mobile: +91-9899566820E-mail: info@motherstar.netMobile: +91-9940026637E-mail: jbrexports81@gmail.comTel: +91-278-2511242E-mail: pencila.exports@gmail.com18. Fashion Jewellery, DryFruits, Spices, CorporateGifts and TractorParts19. Disposable Items, TableMats and Curtains20. Diwali Decorations,Marriage Collectionsand Handicrafts21.Polyester YarnMr. Kunal kalraM/s. Maac OverseasIndia.Mr. Abbas TravadiInt‟l Business DeveloperRajkot,Gujarat,India.Mr. Arpit JainM/s. Anil Hastkala Pvt Ltd87, Vikas Path, Near ClockTower, Alwar, Rajasthan,India.Mr. Devendra KumarM/s. Shree Durga Syntex PvtLtdSurat,Gujarat,India.Tel: +91-11-23950077/ 23950066Mobile: +91-9910554488/ 9810399996E-mail: maacoverseas@gmail.comWebsite: www.maacoverseas.comE-mail: abbas_td@yahoo.comWebsite: www.essenspeciality.comMobile: +91-9414023501E-mail: anilhastkala@gmail.comTel: +91-9909854514E-mail: shreedurgasyntex@gmail.comWebsite: www.shreedurgasyntex.comPrevious Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

INDIAN TRADE QUERIES ….continues22. Spices and Agro Commodities23. Fresh Vegetables andFruits24. Vegetables, Fruits,Handicrafts, Coir Itemsand Agro Commodities25. Spices and Agro FoodProductsMr. Rohit KavarMarketing ManagerM/s. The DML Group9th FloorEmbassy Tower,Opp Jubilee Garden,Jawahar Road,Rajkot – 360001,India.Mr. S. Soundara RajanProprietorM/s. Desi Exports1/64, North Street,Asthinapuram,Ariyalur Dt – 621 704,Tamil Nadu,India.Ms. Lavanya DiazProprietorM/s. Shine India International6, TNPCB Housing Complex,Govindaraj Nagar,Moulivakkam,Chennai – 600 125,Tamil Nadu,India.Mr. R. NavinprabhuManaging Partner77A, Athipalayam Road,Chinnamettupalayam,Saravanampatti,Coimbatore – 641035,Tamil Nadu,India.Tel: +91-281-2222991/ 992Fax: +91-281-2230505Mobile: +91-9714360600E-mail: rohit@dmlgroup.inWebsite: www.dmlgroup.inMobile: +91-9585830112E-mail: exportsdesi@gmail.comMobile: +91-934565244E-mail: shineindiainternational@gmail.comTel: +91-422-4369994Mobile: +91-9944799994/9092903300E-mail: info@tradeznext.comWebsite: www.tradeznext.com26. Water Purification SystemMr. Vineet KanwarSenior Manager – ExportsM/s. Kent Ro Systems LtdA-2, Sector – 59,Noida – 201 309,India.27. Kitchenware Products M/s. Charmy International“Om” Balaji Ind. Estate,Plot No. 13,Manda Dungar,Rajkot – 360 003,Gujarat,India.28. Hot Rolling Mills Mr. R.S. GillExports ManagerM/s. Ganpathy Alloy CastingsIndustrial Area B,Malerkotla – 148 023,Punjab,India.Tel: +91-120-3075000Mobile: +91-9312081865Fax: +91-120-4259000E-mail: vkanwar@kent.co.inWebsite: www.kent.co.inMobile: +91-9925220772E-mail: info@charmyinternational.comWebsite:www.charmyinternational.comTel: +91-1675-645892/ 255273Mobile: +91-9988090647Fax: +91-1675-250251E-mail: exportsganpathyrollsindia@gmail.comWebsite:www.ganpathyalloycastings.comPrevious Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

SRI LANKA TRADE QUERIESI. Wants to Import/ PurchaseS. Products Company Name & Address Tel/Fax/E-mailNo1. Indian Companies M/s. Kect Group of CompaniesSri Lanka.Mobile: +94-772969371/ 711402807E-mail: nareshmotiani21@gmail.comkectgroup@gmail.comWebsite: www.kectgroup.com2. Shaving Blades Mr. M. Jameel HassenSri Lanka.3. Sewing Thread Mr. Sene WeerasingheManaging DirectorM/s. Don Peiris WeerasingheLtd,No. 7, Sri WijayawardenaramaRoad,Nugegoda.E-mail: ceylontrading@yahoo.comTel : +94-11-2852888Mobile: +94-777784066Fax: +94-11-2813351E-mail: dpw_ltd@yahoo.comSRI LANKAN TRADE FAIRS AND BUSINESS EVENTSS. No Events Organiser (s)1.Sri Lanka will witness the EleventhEdition of Pro Food Pack and Agbizexhibition on the 6 th 7 th and 8 th ofJuly at the sirimavo BandaranaikeMemorial Exhibition Centre in Colombo.For further information you may contactSRI LANKA FOOD PROCESSORS ASSOCIATION,No. 1, 1/1, Anderson Road,Colombo-05,Sri Lanka.Tel: +94-11-7548770Fax: +94-11-754771E-mail: info@slfpa.orgWebsite: www.slfpa.orgPrevious Page Back to Cover Page Next Page

USEFUL BIZ LINKS National Portal www.india.gov.in Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) http://www.ciionline.org Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) www.ficci.com Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) http://www.assocham.org National Association of Software & Service Companies http://www.nasscom.in Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion http://dipp.nic.in India Brand Equity Foundation http://www.ibef.org Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs http://moia.gov.in Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC) http://www.oifc.in Indian Investment Centre (IIC) http://iic.nic.in Reserve Bank of India (RBI) http://www.rbi.org.in Ministry of Commerce & Industry (Deptt of Commerce) http://commerce.gov.in/ Ministry of Law, Justice & Company Affairs, Department of Company Affairs (to register and check status of acompany) http://www.mca.gov.in/ Ministry of Finance www.finmin.nic.in Central Board of Excise & Customs (Customs tariffs) www.cbec.gov.in Income Tax Department http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in Directorate General of Foreign Trade (Trade Complaints) http://dgft.delhi.nic.in India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) http://www.indiatradepromotion.org Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) http://www.fieo.com National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI) http://www.nic.in/ncti Indian Council of Arbitration http://www.ficci.com/icanet Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) http://www.ecgcindia.com Export Import Bank http://www.eximbankindia.com Export Inspection Council http://www.eicindia.org The State Trading Corporation of India Ltd. http://www.stcindia.com Minerals and Materials Corporation Limited www.mmtclimited.com India Credit Rating Agency Ltd (ICRA) www.icra.in Credit Rating & Information Services India Limited (CRISIL) http://www.crisil.com/ Engineering Export Promotion Council http://www.eepcindia.org Overseas Construction Council of India http://projectexports.nic.in Agricultural and Processed Food Products Exports Developments Authority (APEDA) http://www.apeda.com/ Basic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Export Promotion Council (CHEMEXCIL) http://www.chemexcil.gov.in Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) www.pharmexcil.com Pesticides Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India www.pmfai.org CAPEXIL http://www.capexil.com Plastics & Linoleums Export Promotion Council http://www.plexcon.org Council for Leather Exports http://www.leatherindia.org Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council http://www.gjepc.org Cashew Export Promotion Council http://www.cashewindia.org Electronics & Computer Software Export Promotion Council www.escindia.com Apparel Export Promotion Council http://www.aepcindia.com Carpet Export Promotion Council http://www.indiancarpets.com Cotton Textile Export Promotion Council http://www.texprocil.org Export Promotion Council for Handcrafts http://www.epch.com Handloom Export Promotion Council http://www.hepcindia.com/ The Indian Silk Export Promotion Council http://www.silkepc.com Synthetic & Rayon Textile Export Promotion Council www.synthetictextiles.org Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) http://www.mpeda.com/ Rubber Board http://www.rubberboard.com Tea Board http://tea.nic.in Spices Board http://www.spicesboard.org/ or www.indianspices.com Coir Board http://coirboard.nic.in/ Indian Institute of Packaging http://iip-in.com Indian Diamond Institute http://www.diamondinstitute.net GSI India (formerly EAN-India) http://www.gs1india.orgPrevious PageBack to Cover Page