Sikkim invites Thai investors

Bangkok,Oct 4 – Sikkim Agriculture Minister Somnath Poudyal on Monday invited Thai investors to invest in infrastructure,floriculture and hospitality sector in the State. Mr.Poudyal, who is presently at Bangkok to encourage investors from the South East Asian countries, has invited investors to come visit the State before making investments. “It is the right time to forge a partnership between Thailand and Sikkim for common interest,’’ Agriculture minister said at the inaugural function of the ‘North East Indian Investment Opportunities Week’ at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, according to a press release here. The three-day business conclave, initiated by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the Indian Chamber of Commerce were attended by DoNER Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar and Chief Ministers of five Northeastern states and three cabinet ministers representing their states.

The governments of Sikkim, Meghalaya and Mizoram — rich in orchids — signed agreements with the Horticulture Research Institute of Thailand for training and capacity-building, tissue culturing, greenhouse technology, planting material and packaging of both cymbidium and dendrobium orchids.
Sikkim is now scouting for Thai partners for its proposed casino in a five-star hotel

Thailand’s Commerce Minister Krirk-Krai Jirapaet inaugurated the “North East Trade and Investment Opportunities Week.”
On Tuesday, Mr. Aiyar delivered the keynote address at a function organised by the United Nations offices in Bangkok to mark the first-ever International Day of Non-Violence.
A sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled.

Dr. Pawan Chamling Extends his trip to US

Gangtok,October3:The Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling who was on trip to New york from September 23 to attend Incredible India @ 60 Meet which concluded on September 27 after having a North East Investment conference at Hyatt hotel on previous day in which Dr.Chamling invited American investment in fields of tourism,power and education as per reports.

On September 28,Dr.Chamling was felicitated by Nepali community of New york represented by various associations such as New york Nepali Times,Nepal Tamang Society,Alliance for human rights group etc.

According to sources, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling return from New York was kept open indicating that he might extend his stay there by at least few day to meet the some investors and also to visit a couple of other American cities before he head to Bangkok to attend Northeast Investment Week which he decided to skip in order to extend his US stay and Minister of Food Security,Agriculture Shri Somnath Poudyal has led a 10 members delegation from Sikkim to Thailand.

Chief Minister is expected to be back later this week as per sources although no specific dates were mentioned.

Sikkim Handicrafts @ Bangkok Trade Meet

Bangkok, Oct 2 (ANI): Most of the small entrepreneurs from different parts of the North East States, who have come to participate in the "North East India Trade and Investment Opportunities Week" in Bangkok, have welcomed the initiative to expose the region to the outside world for investment.
The entrepreneurs said that if Thailand could make big progress in a span of three decades, then the North East region, which is full of natural resources and human potentialities, could also bring such rapid changes.
With this belief Ghotoli Suu Sema, a small time entrepreneur from Dimapur in Nagaland has come to Thailand. She has brought traditional Naga dresses and handicrafts to the Thai capital.
"Since there have been peaceful atmosphere for a decade we have seen a lot of development even at the village level," said Suu Sema, adding, "People of Nagaland are hardworking...I think varieties we are catering to the market are very exciting for outsiders."
She has brought around fifteen people with her to showcase her range of products to Thai people and business leaders.
Santi, a Thai visitor to the North Eastern stalls was quite impressed by the range of products displayed. He however felt sad that these things he could not buy them in Thailand.
"Thai people like these products especially shirt, shawl and handbags. Price is not expensive," said Santi, who wants to visit North East.
Okenda Tayang, a tour operator from Arunachal Pradesh, who runs Abor Country Travels and Expeditions, feels that Indian leaders and business delegation should learn from Thai experience. He wonders why we can't do the things the way Thais are doing.
"For every kind of development you need infrastructure in terms of good road or good electricity. Something that we have to learn, out leaders and dignitaries should pick up from them", emphasizes Tayang.
Even the tiny state like Sikkim has sent a sizable delegation. It is trying to promote itself in a big way.
" We have come here to interact with the investor and businessmen so that we can sell our products and also gain some experience, have some idea and knowledge of some other people also", said Namrta Thapa one of the government officials associated with the Handicrafts & Handloom directorate of Sikkim. Ten thankas (Buddhist painting) from Sikkim are at display in "Northeast Investor Opportunity Week" exhibition center,Bangkok, Thailand, from day one. "We are also displaying ten Buddhist paintings, handmade Lepcha carpet adorned with seven rainbow colours, round wooden decoration carved table, cardamom pouch, cotton kurta, laptop bags, handmade purse, wallet and other items in the fair," Ms Namrata Thapa, director of state handcrafts and handlooms department, said

Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur are also attending the meet.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio sounded quite optimistic about the whole event. "Something good will come out" he said talking to ANI.
In fact, Nagaland has sent the largest delegation to the event with a contingent of entrepreneurs and musicians.
Investment week is a follow up of the Third North East business Summit held in Delhi, which was attended by over 1000 delegates from India and abroad. (ANI)

North East India Trade & Investment Opportunities Week: Day 1

Unconfirmed Reports suggests that Dr. Chamling has decided to skip Bangkok meet

photos:Queen Sirikit National convention center in Bangkok

Bangkok,October 2, 2007: Queen Sirikit National convention center in Bangkok witnessed a rare event which seeks to strengthen ties between India and Thailand. The initiative has been taken up by Union Minister for Development of North East Region (DONER), Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar. The day started with inauguration followed by press conference where Five out of eight Chief Ministers of the North East States along with the senior Cabinet Ministers of Assam, Sikkim and Tripura were present. Mr. Aiyar stressed on the fact that for the first time in the history of diplomatic relations in Indian and Thailand, such a huge delegation of about 200 high level officials and businessmen has come to Thailand. There were questions from correspondents on the expectations of investment, about the Trilateral Highway project and about the dedicated airlines connecting Bangkok and the capital cities of the NE states of India. The answers to all these questions were in positive and showed optimism of Mani shankar Aiyar and his Thai counterpart the Commerce Minister, Krirk -Krai Jirapaet. On the question of insurgency in Northern Eastern States, Mr. Aiyar said that there is no insurgency or terrorism existing in the region except in some of the pockets, which is the scenario everywhere in the world. He also added that he has no complaint from the media. Almost 50 exhibitors from different areas are showcasing their products and are looking for either investors or trade partners. India is seeking investment from Thailand in various sectors that include infrastructure, energy, food processing, tourism and hospitality, handloom and handicrafts, rubber and bamboo. The inaugural session was followed by Ethnic Fashion Show & Cultural Program "COLOURS OF PARADISE" and gala dinner at Retro Live Cafe.

THE NORTHEAST INDIA TRADE AND INVESTMENT WEEK BEGINS IN BANGKOK

Bangkok, 02 October, (NEPS): Complementarities in trade & business and mutual synergies have the potential of enhancing India-Thailand trade & commerce, and strengthen bilateral relationship between the two countries, said Mani Shankar Aiyar, Union Minister of DoNER, Govt. of India, today in Bangkok, Thailand.
He was speaking at the Inaugural Session of the “North East India Trade & Investment Opportunities Week”, being jointly organized by the Ministry of DoNER, the Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India, and the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The Investment Week, which will be attended by over 300 Indian and Thai businessmen, Govt. officials and other dignitaries, has been organized to project the North East of India as a favorable investment destination to prospective Thai investors and businessmen, and to create meaningful bridges of co-operation between Industry representatives from the two countries.
Commenting that the Investment Week will witness the largest ever high-powered delegation from India in Thailand, the Minister said India-Thailand business co-operation and exchange are reaching new heights, Aiyar emphasized that the North-East of India must develop the necessary absorptive capacity to accept significant Thai investments in sectors of strategic importance like Infrastructure, Agro & Food Processing, Tourism, Handloom & Handicrafts, etc. Saying that the India-Thailand FTA is a great positive step towards an improved bilateral relationship, Aiyar stressed upon the need for improving connectivity between the two countries, especially Air Connectivity.
The Inaugural Session had H.E. Mr. Krirk –Krai Jirapaet, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce, Thailand as the Chief Guest. The Thai Commerce Minister had earlier visited 3 North Eastern states for identifying areas for mutual business tie-ups and investment, as part of a high profile Thai business delegation. Energy, Food Processing, Agriculture and Textiles are some of the sectors Thailand is interested to explore in the North East, said Mr.Jirapaet. The proposed Trilateral Highway Project, which would connect Thailand, India and Myanmar, would create new economic opportunities for both North-east India and South East Asian countries like Thailand, added the Minister.
The 4-day mega Investment Week which will also have Exhibitions and Expositions on the North-East, is expected to generate concrete business between the 2 countries, which are emerging economic superpowers in new resurgent Asia.
The Inaugural Session also witnessed the presence of Ashwani Kumar, Minister of State for Industry, Govt. of India, Chief Ministers of Sikkim,Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, H.E. Smt. Latha Reddy, Indian Ambassador to Thailand, among other important Govt. and Industry dignitaries from both the countries

Dr.Pawan Chamling to attend Bangkok meet to transform investment in Sikkim

New Delhi, Sept 29 (ANI): Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), Mani Shankar Aiyar, today said that the forthcoming traders meet in Bangkok would help in transforming the business scenario in the north eastern States of the country.At least 154 Indian businessmen and around 209 Thai business leaders are expected to participate in the "North East India Trade and Investment Opportunities Week" in Bangkok, beginning October 1. Aiyar said that the four-day meet would transform the investment scenario in the region.India is seeking investment from Thailand in various sectors that include infrastructure, energy, food processing, tourism and hospitality, horticulture, handlooms and handicrafts, rubber and bamboo.The Investment Week is a follow up of the Third North East Business Summit held in April this year in New Delhi, which was attended by over 1000 delegates from India and abroad.A thirty-five-member delegation comprising of Thai government officials and businessmen had already visited Assam, Meghalya and Tripura States, earlier this year, to explore the investment potential in various sectors.External Affairs Ministry will also be holding a high-level meeting on 'Look East Policy' in New Delhi later this month, which will be attended by Defence Minister A K Antony, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Commerce Minister Kamal Nath and Aiyar.
(ANI)

Hill girls to perform in Bangkok Business Meet

Cultural show add-on to business meet
Kalimpong, Sept. 28: A four-member dance troupe of St Joseph’s Convent here today left for Bangkok to participate in the Northeast India Trade and Investment Opportunities Week to be held from October 1 to 4.
The troupe comprising Rhea Gurung, Bitisha Thapa, Yankeela Bhutia and Shivani Karki — all students of Class IX — will perform yak and Nepali folk dances.
“Our girls will also be part of a Mizo dance since some members of the Mizoram troupe could not get their passports made on time,” said Maria Goretti, the teacher-choreographer accompanying the girls. The troupe may also be asked to perform on the third day
Goretti told The Telegraph on phone from Guwahati before taking a flight to Bangkok that the students have been rehearsing in the Assam capital for the past few days.
“We are excited and consider ourselves lucky to have got an opportunity like this,” said Bitisha. “We only got two-three days to practise back home, but tried to compensate by practising till late in the evening,” added her friend Rhea.
Organised by the Union DoNER ministry and the Thai ministry of commerce together with the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Calcutta, the event will showcase possibilities of doing business with Northeastern states. The cultural items are an add-on to the main programme.
The principal of the school, Sister Erica, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the students to showcase their talent to a global audience.”

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling to head for Bangkok from New York

CM presents state`s business prospects before investors at New York conference

Gangtok,Sept 27: After conclusion of the one-day North East India Investment Conference in New York, Sikkim chief minister Dr.PawanChamling will be leaving for Bangkok to participate in a business summit. Chief ministers of other north eastern states except Meghalaya, which will be represented by its deputy CM, will take part in the summit.The summit will be inaugurated by the industries minister of Thailand and the state chief minister will present a paper on investment opportunities in Sikkim in the field of tourism, horticulture, power, natural resources with the aim of wooing private investors.Officials with Dr. Chamling informed he would be leaving New York tomorrow at 10 am for Bangkok with state delegation to attend the three-day business summit due to begin on October 1. The summit will end on October 4, he said.The chief minister is scheduled to return home on October 5.The chief minister, who has been out of the state since September 21.The chief minister left the country on September 22 for New York and made a presentation on Investment Opportunities in Sikkim in the first session of the one-day North East India Investment Conference in New York.The conference was organized jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the ministry of development of north eastern region (DoNER) on September 26 at Hotel Hyatt in New York coinciding with the four-day long India @ 60 Event which commenced on September 23.In his presentation, Dr. Chamling reportedly mentioned that Sikkim needs to utilize its natural resources and tourism potential to improve the living conditions of the people and expressed desire for investment from outsiders.While taking up the topic of horticulture, he said that the state had a potential for large scale production of floriculture and horticulture with its favorable climatic conditions. Floriculture also can be taken up successfully in the state, the chief minister revealed to the prospective investors stating that as many as 550 varieties of orchids were available in the state.In the power sector too, there was potential for producing 8000 mega watts of hydel electricity but currently only less than 25% of potential capacity were being produced in the state, the chief minister said in his presentation disclosing that the state government had identified many areas which had power production potential.He also attracted the investors to the tourism industry elaborately describing the beauty of the Sikkim and the north eastern region of India. He informed of onshore casino policy of state and also recent opening of historical silk route to China and invited investors to impart knowledge of the latest technology to the state`s youths. He also talked on collaboration with upcoming Sikkim Central University with US institutions.

CHAMLING WILL PRESENT A PAPER ON INVESTMENT AT BANGKOK

Gangtok, September 28: After conclusion of the one-day North East India Investment Conference in New York, chief minister Pawan Chamling attending Bangkok to participate in a business summit. Chief ministers of other north eastern states except Meghalaya, which will be represented by its deputy CM, will take part in the summit.The conference was organized jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the ministry of development of north eastern region (DoNER) on September 26 at Hotel Hyatt in New York coinciding with the four-day long India @ 60 Event which commenced on September 23. The summit will be inaugurated by the industries minister of Thailand where the Chamling will present a paper on investment opportunities in Sikkim in the field of tourism, horticulture, power, natural resources with the aim of wooing private investors.

Northeastern Indian states plan Bangkok investment 'bazaar'

India will showcase the business potential of its northeastern states during a four-day bazaar in Thailand in October, part of a major campaign to open the region to investors in Southeast Asia.

The central ministry of the Department of North Eastern Region in collaboration with the Indian Chamber of Commerce is organising the North-East Investment Week in Bangkok from Oct 1-4. "The idea is to sell the Northeast overseas, mainly to investors in Southeast Asia," said Pradyut Bordoloi, industries and commerce minister of Assam state.

Trade delegations from eight northeastern states, including Sikkim, will participate. Sectors such as power, tourism, inland waterways, processed food, horticulture, rubber, IT and telecoms, handloom and handicrafts and bamboo will be the focus areas.
Thai Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet first proposed the idea during a mission to northeastern India in June.

For more information on investing in northeastern India, see http://northeast.nic.in/