BNCCI delegation to visit UAE, Kazakhstan

Kolkata, Mar 24 (UNI) A 15-member business delegation led by Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI) President Nayantara Palchoudhuri will leave for United Arab Emirates (UAE) tomorrow to attract investments and promote bilateral trade between Bengal and the Arab country.

The business delegation would meet members of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ms Palchoudhuri said.

The delegation would also visit the Jaber Ali Free Trade Zone to examine operation of special economic zones (SEZs).

The delegation would identify areas where joint ventures between India and UAE with particular reference to West Bengal could be possible.

During 2004-05, Indo-UAE trade stood at US$ 11706 million.

Exports stood at US$ 7138.93 million while the imports touched US$ 4567 million.

India exports readymade garments, cotton, gems and jewellery, marine products, tea, meat, among others while the import list includes petroleum, gold and silver, metal ores and precious stones.

The delegation will also visit Kazakhstan from April 1 to 3 to promote trade between the two countries.

Kairat Torebayev, Commercial Attache, Embassy of Kazakhstan, who is on a two-day visit to Bengal said relations between India and Kazakhstan do not match the vast potential.

''Our trade stands around US$ 94.75 million as on 2004-05. The necessary environment exists for increasing our economic and commercial cooperation manifold,'' Mr Torebayev said.

Major commodities of export from India to Kazakhstan are tea, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, machinery, tobacco and consumer items while imports include silver and gold, asbestos, steel, aluminum and wool.

Kazakhstan has good potential for investment in India in the oil sector, setting up of refineries, pipeline construction and gas sectors, as also in certain spinoff areas like industrial housing, laying of roads and training, Mr Torebayev said.

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