One-Window Centre to promote Arab-Punjab trade

Chandigarh, Aug 8 (UNI) The Punjab Government and industry chamber Assocham today decided to jointly establish a mechanism to provide One-Window Facilitation Centre to promote economic and trade activities between the state Arab countries.

Announcing the decision at the 7th Indo-Arab Conference organised by Assocham here today, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal said the One-Window Facilitation Centre will promote the trade activities especially in agro-based products, auto components, agriculture equipments, sports goods and textile garments.

The conference also explored the possibility of collaboration in telecommunication and power sector particularly in renewable and hydro power.

Mr M S Badal while inaugurating the conference said, the Punjab Government will be sending a farmers' delegation to Arab countries for tie-ups in the mechanised farming so that the state's experience in agriculture could be shared with Arab investors.

Another delegation shall be sent for exploring opportunities in skill development and infrastructure sector, he added.

The Central government has also approved Textile Park' for Punjab and Arab countries, the minister said In the conference, which was attended by 15 diplomats from Arab countries, Ethopian High Commissioner said, she was hopeful of attracting investors in agriculture implements and mini-hydro projects.

The Arab League Ambassador pointed out that many countries will be interested in bringing in potential investors at the 8th Assocham Indo-Arab Conference to be held in November. Nearly 100 investors from Arab world are expected to participate in the conference.

Nigerian High Commissioner invited investors particularly in the areas of power sector, oil and gas and minerals such as gold and silver.

He said that high powered SMEs delegation was also expected to visit India and they will be visiting Chandigarh to have business tie-ups.

The Nigerian High Commissioner said he had received seven proposals for sugar industry and mining industry, which will be pursued with Indian businessmen and the government.

Assocham Secretary General, D S Rawat said the two exhibitions-cum-buyer seller meets were being organised in Sudan and Ghana in November and 100 exhibitors are expected to participate.

Diplomats from Ghana, Libya, Morocco, Angola, Senegal, Kenya and Tanzania also addressed and invited Indian investors and importers-exporters to visit their countries and offered their Missions cooperation.

The Arab League Ambassador said there was a need for further strengthening the Indo-Arab Forum. A number of projects are in the pipeline which will be materialised soon, he said.

The Secretary General of Arab League, with a high-powered delegation, shall be visiting India in December and many joint ventures were likely to be announced soon, he said.

UNI