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NATIONAL
ACTIVITY
The "Regional Trade Agreement"
concept, was common to all. It was necessary to understand
the impact these agreements had on specific sectors
of the economy and the benefits accrued.
Focus of the Seminar was on ASEAN &
China - a land of mystery, creating mystical thoughts
in the Indian mind! The mysticism would be dispelled
by the Speakers giving a more practical insight into
their country. The Association, firmly, believed that
India & China were emerging powers; had business
opportunities to offer and the automotive sector had
tremendous potential. The recent visit of the Chinese
Premier with a large business delegation and the CEO's
mission to China taken by ACMA 4 years ago, was proof
of this.
ACMA, Mr. Kejriwal said, was considering opening an
office in China. He ended on the positive note that
a good start would be made if the Counterpart Associations
offered office space to each other, on a reciprocal
basis.
Mr Shashank, Secretary-Economic Relations,
Ministry of External Affairs, inaugurated the Seminar.
Emerging points from his address, also,
stressed the "super fast" changes racing across
the globe:
- It was imperative for Indian companies to realise
the advantages in developing co-operation within the
ASEAN region. This would help strengthen business
linkages.
- The invitation to Speakers in different parts of
Asia and their acceptance, was proof of the serious
intent of the Automotive Industry to contribute to
a long term co-operation within the ASEAN region.
- Mr Kejriwal had aptly referred to the European and
the U.S. models of co-operation. However, use of this
model in Asia needed adjustments and an understanding
of the current status in ASEAN & China.
- Like Korea, the Indian goal should, now, be:
• to bring the rejection levels below 100 ppm
• to introduce cleaner technologies - from Euro
I to Euro II
• to usher in Globalisation and Cleaner Technologies,
together
- Industry should take advantage of the rapid growth,
through regional co-operation, e.g. SAARC - the recently
held meeting in Kathmandu was considered fruitful
- and Indonesia, Thailand and China with BIMSTEK of
which Myanmar was now a member. Japan and Singapore,
had a Free Trade Agreement that would open opportunities
for setting up joint ventures, etc.
He concluded that companies with their experience would
surely take advantage of such opportunities, grow rapidly
and take the economy with them.
Mr Deep Kapuria, ACMA Vice President
gave the vote of thanks with particular thanks to the
Speakers for having joined the Seminar and improved
the present level of understanding on China and the
ASEAN Region. The seriousness of mind and determination
to forge partnerships was proven by the effort made
to be present. It was necessary for all to "synergise"
in terms of co-operation. Towards this effort, ACMA
had taken a business delegation to visit Malaysia, Korea,
China, Uzbekistan and Iran.
Economic relationships paved the way
for peace and seminars, such as this, enabled dissemination
of knowledge, helping delegates to understand what the
Indian auto component industry was about.
Mr Kapuria thanking Mr Shashank for
joining the Seminar, mentioned that ACMA had, had the
privilege of meeting him during the Mission to Korea,
last year. This mission had been led by Mr. K Mahesh,
Past President, ACMA.
Vice President, ending his address
on a light note said that it was this Mission to Korea
that "ppm struck" Mr Mahesh was nick-named
"PPM Mahesh". Now, re-named "Deming Mahesh"!
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