Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government is planning a dedicated industrial zone for Japanese companies coming to the state. It has already earmarked the area for the project right next to Maruti Suzuki India Limited car plant near Hansalpur in Mandal taluka of Ahmedabad district.
Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), the nodal agency for the planned industrial development in the state, has initiated the process of developing the dedicated zone to facilitate setting up of medium and large size units.
Sources in the government informed, "Apart from ancillary units of Maruti Suzuki, a number of medium and large Japanese companies are keen to invest in Gujarat. GIDC plans to acquire around 500 hectares of land for the proposed zone on the model of Japan Industrial Zone developed by Rajasthan government in Neemrana in Alwar district. We are planning it on a bigger scale. We expect at least 25 companies to invest Rs 100 crore to Rs 500 crore each."
However, officials said that land acquisition in the area would be a major issue, especially after the recent Mandal-Bechraji SIR row. The GIDC plans to acquire only 150 hectares initially. "Thereafter we will gradually acquire more land. GIDC is also developing a dedicated auto industry estate in the region," sources added. The state government has given 670 acres at around Rs 643 per square metre to Maruti in Hansalpur. The company has sought additional 330 acres close to the plant site. Maruti had signed a state support agreement with the government for the purchase of land near Hansalpur to set up an all new manufacturing facility in June 2012. The plant is expected to be commissioned by 2015-16.
The company is planning to invest around Rs 4,000 crore for the unit with 1 million car annual capacity. Total direct or indirect employment generated is expected to be 1.5 lakh. The state government has given 'mega and innovative project' status to the venture.
Success in my Habit
Monday, October 14, 2013
Kozhikode Cyber Park eyes W. Asian markets
Kozhikode: The UL Cyber Park here, the first IT special economic zone (SEZ) in the cooperative sector in the country, will focus on big data, cloud computing and apps development, says its Chief Executive Officer P. Gopinath.
“We will go with the latest trends in the IT sector in order to meet the needs of the global market, especially the West Asian market,” Gopinath told Business Line in an interview. “The park has the potential to function as a back-office for the West Asian banking and financial industry.”
Rs 210-cr park
The Rs 210-crore first phase of the park, with a built-up office space of nearly half a million square feet, will open in December. Gopinath claimed that several top global IT brands had expressed intent to set up shop in the park.
Since the global IT industry is not in the pink of health at the moment, will it not impact the prospects of Cyber Park? “Our becoming operational will coincide with the anticipated bounce-back of the US economy from its slowdown,” Gopinath said. The US recovery would boost the IT industry.
When the park, promoted by Uralunkal Labour Contract Cooperative Society Ltd, becomes fully operational it will have 2.7 million square feet of office space.
Located on a hillside surrounded by greenery just outside the Kozhikode city, the park is strategically placed in terms of road, rail and air connectivities. Bangalore is 350 km away, and Kochi — home to SmartCity and Infopark — is 200 km away.
“Cyber Park will be the IT hub of the North Kerala region which has a lot of IT talent and companies spread all over,” Gopinath said. “We can have linkages with the IT facilities at Bangalore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Coimbatore.”
The Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode; the National Institute of Technology; University of Calicut and University of Kannur are expected to supply managerial and technical manpower. Many IT firms as well as professionals, currently operating in Bangalore, were expected to relocate to the cyber park.
Sez status
The SEZ status, which reduces the tax burden of the companies substantially, will be an attraction for IT firms to the park. “We have a recipe for success in terms of strategic location, access, talent pool and the SEZ status.”
“We will go with the latest trends in the IT sector in order to meet the needs of the global market, especially the West Asian market,” Gopinath told Business Line in an interview. “The park has the potential to function as a back-office for the West Asian banking and financial industry.”
Rs 210-cr park
The Rs 210-crore first phase of the park, with a built-up office space of nearly half a million square feet, will open in December. Gopinath claimed that several top global IT brands had expressed intent to set up shop in the park.
Since the global IT industry is not in the pink of health at the moment, will it not impact the prospects of Cyber Park? “Our becoming operational will coincide with the anticipated bounce-back of the US economy from its slowdown,” Gopinath said. The US recovery would boost the IT industry.
When the park, promoted by Uralunkal Labour Contract Cooperative Society Ltd, becomes fully operational it will have 2.7 million square feet of office space.
Located on a hillside surrounded by greenery just outside the Kozhikode city, the park is strategically placed in terms of road, rail and air connectivities. Bangalore is 350 km away, and Kochi — home to SmartCity and Infopark — is 200 km away.
“Cyber Park will be the IT hub of the North Kerala region which has a lot of IT talent and companies spread all over,” Gopinath said. “We can have linkages with the IT facilities at Bangalore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Coimbatore.”
The Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode; the National Institute of Technology; University of Calicut and University of Kannur are expected to supply managerial and technical manpower. Many IT firms as well as professionals, currently operating in Bangalore, were expected to relocate to the cyber park.
Sez status
The SEZ status, which reduces the tax burden of the companies substantially, will be an attraction for IT firms to the park. “We have a recipe for success in terms of strategic location, access, talent pool and the SEZ status.”
Coal India registers 9.6 percent growth in coal production
New Delhi: Coal India Ltd. has registered significant improvement in coal production, dispatch and supplies to the power sector which has resulted increase in coal based power generation. In the quarter ending September, 2013, coal production has shown a growth of 9.6%, coal dispatch 7.2% and coal supplies to power sector 7% over the second quarter of last financial year. This has led to a growth of 7% in coal based power generation. This was stated by was stated by Union Minister of Coal, Shri Sriprakash Jaisawal while addressing the inaugural session of “Clean Coal India 2013” being organized by the Confederation of Indian Industries hear today. He said for sustainable growth rate of 8%, country need to increase the primary energy supply by three times and electricity generation by five times by 2031-32. The energy demand keeps on increasing due to rising population, accelerated industrialization and urbanization.
Text of the Minister’s speech is as follows:
“Energy security and environmental considerations are the two big challenges the world is facing today. India is not exceptional to these challenges but the difference is that our developmental goals are more pressing compared to the global environmental considerations and the fact that our dependence on coal in meeting our energy requirements would continue in near future also makes it further challenging.
For sustainable growth rate of 8%, we need to increase the primary energy supply by three times and electricity generation by five times by 2031-32. The energy demand keeps on increasing due to rising population, accelerated industrialization and urbanization.
I am pleased to inform that performance of Coal India Ltd. in terms of coal production, coal dispatch and also coal supplies to the power sector has been very good during the month of September, 2013 as well as during the Second Quarter of the current financial year. In September, 2013 coal production has increased by 15.6%, off-take by 9.2% and coal supply to power sector by 9% as compared to September, 2012.
In the quarter ending September, 2013, coal production has shown a growth of 9.6%, coal dispatch 7.2% and coal supplies to power sector 7% over the second quarter of last financial year. This has led to a growth of 7% in coal based power generation.
In our country, coal being cheap and available in abundance is currently the most widely used fuel accounting for 55% of primary energy supply and 70% of electricity generation. As the coal plays an important role in our energy mix particularly for power generation, we need to use it efficiently and reduce its environmental implications. We need to frame and implement policies that improve the overall efficiency of power generation from coal. Given that our domestic production of coal is not keeping pace with the ever increasing demand,part of the deficit in coal supply can very well be met by minimizing the wasted energy by making investment in efficient end use plants. Investment in energy efficiencies could be very attractive as an incremental capital investment is recovered in a reasonable time period, energy costs are lowered and energy productivity enhanced.
A one percentage point improvement in the efficiency of a conventional pulverised coal combustion plant results in a 2-3% reduction in Carbon-dioxide emissions. Highly efficient modern coal plants emit almost 40% less Carbon-dioxide than the average coal plant currently installed. The average efficiency of pulverized coal-fired plants is currently about 35% compared to 45% for the most efficient plants.
Coal use has huge environmental foot print particularly when it is put to use for power generation. A number of technologies have been developed in the recent past to meet coal’s environmental challenges and collectively these are known as Clean Coal Technologies.
Broadly Clean Coal Technologies include –
Washing of coal,
Coal Gasification,
Coal Bed Methane and Coal Mine Methane extraction
Underground Coal Gasification
Coal Liquefaction
Coal conversion technologies for power generation like Fluidised Bed Combustion, Super critical and Ultra Supercritical technologies, Integrated Gas Combined Cycle, Carbon Capture and Storage, Oxyfuel etc.
The Government has already awarded 33 blocks for exploration and exploitation of CBM in four rounds of bidding and two blocks have reportedly entered into commercial production. Coal India Limited has successfully implemented a CMM project in association with UNDP in BCCL area.
The Government has notified coal gasification and coal liquefaction as end uses under captive mining policy. Two coal blocks have already been allotted to two private companies for development of CTL plants in the State of Orissa.
Use of coal as mined is not easy in view of the contaminants that are inherent in the coal seams and those which get associated in the course of mining. These impurities make it difficult even to maintain the in-situ quality of coal as it occurs in a seam and thus require cleaning of run of mine coal to a desired level so that quality aspects and concerns of consumers are properly addressed.
Indian coals are high in ash content, as high as 45% or even higher. Ash consumes thermal energy while coal is burnt in boilers. Reduction of ash in the coal that is fired in boilers helps in reducing the wastage of thermal energy and leads to lesser consumption of coal for producing the same amount of thermal energy. Reduced coal consumption eventually helps in reducing Green House Gas emission such as Carbon-dioxide and improves the thermal efficiency of power plants. A cost effective and significant step towards improving power plant efficiency and reducing the Green House Gasesemissions from the coal-fired power plants in India would be to increase the availability of clean beneficiated coals using appropriate beneficiation technologies.
I would like to reiterate that we need to make coal more environment friendly with proper planning and implementation right from conceptual stage. Washeries should be considered as profit centers of a mining project.
We have taken proactive measures on coal beneficiation that also ensures consistent supply of quality and sized coal to customers. In CIL, which is the single largest coal producing company in the world, the coal washing capacity is confined to 17 washeries operating today. Twelve are dedicated to wash coking coal with a capacity of 22.18 Million tonne per year and five are operational for non-coking coal with a capacity of 17.22 Million tonne per year. Coal India has planned to create additional washing capacity in the country through sixteen new coal washeries in first phase. The total installed capacity of these new washeries will be 92.1 Million tonne per year. Ten will be dedicated for non-coking coal with total capacity of 73.5 Million tonne per year and six for coking coal and their total capacity will be 18.6 Mty. Private participation is also being encouraged for installation of washeries to meet demand supply gap of washed coal.
When the issue of adoption of efficient and environmental friendly technologies comes up, the only available technology for power units is the Super Critical technology. Already eleven supercritical units with a total capacity of 7,400MW have been installed and a large number of supercritical units are under construction. About 50 percent of coal-based capacity addition in the Twelfth Plan is expected be based on supercritical technology. For the Thirteenth Plan, it has been decided that all coal fired capacity addition shall be through supercritical units. Moreover, integrated gasification with combined cycle plants is one of the focus areas for research in the country. Though this technology is commercialized, research efforts are being carried out to make it commercially viable to suit Indian coal – as it carries more ash content.
I am sure that this seminar will deliberate the relevant issues and come out with possible solutions for making our energy plans sustainable. While most of the above issues are taken care of by the policy makers, necessary additional policies, monitoring and regulatory mechanism are to be put in place to have total implementation.”
Text of the Minister’s speech is as follows:
“Energy security and environmental considerations are the two big challenges the world is facing today. India is not exceptional to these challenges but the difference is that our developmental goals are more pressing compared to the global environmental considerations and the fact that our dependence on coal in meeting our energy requirements would continue in near future also makes it further challenging.
For sustainable growth rate of 8%, we need to increase the primary energy supply by three times and electricity generation by five times by 2031-32. The energy demand keeps on increasing due to rising population, accelerated industrialization and urbanization.
I am pleased to inform that performance of Coal India Ltd. in terms of coal production, coal dispatch and also coal supplies to the power sector has been very good during the month of September, 2013 as well as during the Second Quarter of the current financial year. In September, 2013 coal production has increased by 15.6%, off-take by 9.2% and coal supply to power sector by 9% as compared to September, 2012.
In the quarter ending September, 2013, coal production has shown a growth of 9.6%, coal dispatch 7.2% and coal supplies to power sector 7% over the second quarter of last financial year. This has led to a growth of 7% in coal based power generation.
In our country, coal being cheap and available in abundance is currently the most widely used fuel accounting for 55% of primary energy supply and 70% of electricity generation. As the coal plays an important role in our energy mix particularly for power generation, we need to use it efficiently and reduce its environmental implications. We need to frame and implement policies that improve the overall efficiency of power generation from coal. Given that our domestic production of coal is not keeping pace with the ever increasing demand,part of the deficit in coal supply can very well be met by minimizing the wasted energy by making investment in efficient end use plants. Investment in energy efficiencies could be very attractive as an incremental capital investment is recovered in a reasonable time period, energy costs are lowered and energy productivity enhanced.
A one percentage point improvement in the efficiency of a conventional pulverised coal combustion plant results in a 2-3% reduction in Carbon-dioxide emissions. Highly efficient modern coal plants emit almost 40% less Carbon-dioxide than the average coal plant currently installed. The average efficiency of pulverized coal-fired plants is currently about 35% compared to 45% for the most efficient plants.
Coal use has huge environmental foot print particularly when it is put to use for power generation. A number of technologies have been developed in the recent past to meet coal’s environmental challenges and collectively these are known as Clean Coal Technologies.
Broadly Clean Coal Technologies include –
Washing of coal,
Coal Gasification,
Coal Bed Methane and Coal Mine Methane extraction
Underground Coal Gasification
Coal Liquefaction
Coal conversion technologies for power generation like Fluidised Bed Combustion, Super critical and Ultra Supercritical technologies, Integrated Gas Combined Cycle, Carbon Capture and Storage, Oxyfuel etc.
The Government has already awarded 33 blocks for exploration and exploitation of CBM in four rounds of bidding and two blocks have reportedly entered into commercial production. Coal India Limited has successfully implemented a CMM project in association with UNDP in BCCL area.
The Government has notified coal gasification and coal liquefaction as end uses under captive mining policy. Two coal blocks have already been allotted to two private companies for development of CTL plants in the State of Orissa.
Use of coal as mined is not easy in view of the contaminants that are inherent in the coal seams and those which get associated in the course of mining. These impurities make it difficult even to maintain the in-situ quality of coal as it occurs in a seam and thus require cleaning of run of mine coal to a desired level so that quality aspects and concerns of consumers are properly addressed.
Indian coals are high in ash content, as high as 45% or even higher. Ash consumes thermal energy while coal is burnt in boilers. Reduction of ash in the coal that is fired in boilers helps in reducing the wastage of thermal energy and leads to lesser consumption of coal for producing the same amount of thermal energy. Reduced coal consumption eventually helps in reducing Green House Gas emission such as Carbon-dioxide and improves the thermal efficiency of power plants. A cost effective and significant step towards improving power plant efficiency and reducing the Green House Gasesemissions from the coal-fired power plants in India would be to increase the availability of clean beneficiated coals using appropriate beneficiation technologies.
I would like to reiterate that we need to make coal more environment friendly with proper planning and implementation right from conceptual stage. Washeries should be considered as profit centers of a mining project.
We have taken proactive measures on coal beneficiation that also ensures consistent supply of quality and sized coal to customers. In CIL, which is the single largest coal producing company in the world, the coal washing capacity is confined to 17 washeries operating today. Twelve are dedicated to wash coking coal with a capacity of 22.18 Million tonne per year and five are operational for non-coking coal with a capacity of 17.22 Million tonne per year. Coal India has planned to create additional washing capacity in the country through sixteen new coal washeries in first phase. The total installed capacity of these new washeries will be 92.1 Million tonne per year. Ten will be dedicated for non-coking coal with total capacity of 73.5 Million tonne per year and six for coking coal and their total capacity will be 18.6 Mty. Private participation is also being encouraged for installation of washeries to meet demand supply gap of washed coal.
When the issue of adoption of efficient and environmental friendly technologies comes up, the only available technology for power units is the Super Critical technology. Already eleven supercritical units with a total capacity of 7,400MW have been installed and a large number of supercritical units are under construction. About 50 percent of coal-based capacity addition in the Twelfth Plan is expected be based on supercritical technology. For the Thirteenth Plan, it has been decided that all coal fired capacity addition shall be through supercritical units. Moreover, integrated gasification with combined cycle plants is one of the focus areas for research in the country. Though this technology is commercialized, research efforts are being carried out to make it commercially viable to suit Indian coal – as it carries more ash content.
I am sure that this seminar will deliberate the relevant issues and come out with possible solutions for making our energy plans sustainable. While most of the above issues are taken care of by the policy makers, necessary additional policies, monitoring and regulatory mechanism are to be put in place to have total implementation.”
Coffee consumption to touch over 125,000 tonnes
Bangalore: The Coffee Board of India has estimated consumption in India to be around 125,000 tonnes for 2013. Domestic consumption is growing at a rate of 5-6 per cent annually since 2010.
This is almost double the figure when compared with that of United States Department of Agriculture, which recently pegged the Indian consumption at 66,000 tonnes, while the International Coffee Organisation (ICO) has estimated it at over 100,000 tonnes. “We have commissioned a study to assess the exact consumption of coffee in India and the results of the study will be available by the end of December this year,” Coffee Board of India Chairman Jawaid Akhtar said. He said the domestic consumption was 58,000 tonnes in 1987 when the country's population was 820 million. In 2011, the consumption crossed the 1,00,000 tonnes mark, while the population touched 1.21 billion. “About 7-8 years ago, the domestic consumption was growing very slowly and now, it is growing faster. South India is the largest consumer of coffee at almost 75 per cent of the total consumption. The Coffee Board is making efforts to push the consumption in western, northern and eastern parts of the country,” Akhtar said.
“The Board is organising events like India International Coffee Festival (IICF) to project Indian coffee as 'good coffee' and specialty coffee. In this direction, we organised our IICF at New Delhi in 2012,” he said.
Recently, the ICO stated that the consumption of coffee is growing rapidly in exporting countries like Brazil, Indonesia and India. It has pegged the Indian consumption at 114,000 tonnes, showing a growth of 4.8 per cent annually.
“Assuming that the consumption has grown only at 5-6 per cent year on year since 2010, the consumption in 2013 could be in the range of 125,000 tonnes,” Akhtar told Business Standard.
The Coffee Board has pegged the production of coffee for the year 2013-14 at 347,000 tonnes in its post blossom estimates. However, the chairman stated that it could come down by at least 10 per cent due to heavy rains between June and August this year, which resulted into ‘wet foot’ and ‘black rot’ diseases.
In an effort to increase awareness about drinking coffee and its health benefits, the Coffee Board in association with India Coffee Trust is organizing the fifth edition of IICF 2014 at Bangalore from January 21 to 25, 2014.
“The event provides avenues for enterprise development through value addition while simultaneously contributing to the creation of skill based jobs, particularly in non-conventional coffee drinking areas at the consumer end. To facilitate entrepreneurial development, the Coffee Board has been providing training sessions on coffee roasting, brewing among others,” Akhtar said.
IICF 2014 is expected to see participation of 1,000 delegates for the conference and workshops and over 10,000 visitors at the exhibition. National and international experts in the coffee industry including policy makers, exporters, manufacturers and planters are likely to attend this flagship event of the Coffee Board.
This is almost double the figure when compared with that of United States Department of Agriculture, which recently pegged the Indian consumption at 66,000 tonnes, while the International Coffee Organisation (ICO) has estimated it at over 100,000 tonnes. “We have commissioned a study to assess the exact consumption of coffee in India and the results of the study will be available by the end of December this year,” Coffee Board of India Chairman Jawaid Akhtar said. He said the domestic consumption was 58,000 tonnes in 1987 when the country's population was 820 million. In 2011, the consumption crossed the 1,00,000 tonnes mark, while the population touched 1.21 billion. “About 7-8 years ago, the domestic consumption was growing very slowly and now, it is growing faster. South India is the largest consumer of coffee at almost 75 per cent of the total consumption. The Coffee Board is making efforts to push the consumption in western, northern and eastern parts of the country,” Akhtar said.
“The Board is organising events like India International Coffee Festival (IICF) to project Indian coffee as 'good coffee' and specialty coffee. In this direction, we organised our IICF at New Delhi in 2012,” he said.
Recently, the ICO stated that the consumption of coffee is growing rapidly in exporting countries like Brazil, Indonesia and India. It has pegged the Indian consumption at 114,000 tonnes, showing a growth of 4.8 per cent annually.
“Assuming that the consumption has grown only at 5-6 per cent year on year since 2010, the consumption in 2013 could be in the range of 125,000 tonnes,” Akhtar told Business Standard.
The Coffee Board has pegged the production of coffee for the year 2013-14 at 347,000 tonnes in its post blossom estimates. However, the chairman stated that it could come down by at least 10 per cent due to heavy rains between June and August this year, which resulted into ‘wet foot’ and ‘black rot’ diseases.
In an effort to increase awareness about drinking coffee and its health benefits, the Coffee Board in association with India Coffee Trust is organizing the fifth edition of IICF 2014 at Bangalore from January 21 to 25, 2014.
“The event provides avenues for enterprise development through value addition while simultaneously contributing to the creation of skill based jobs, particularly in non-conventional coffee drinking areas at the consumer end. To facilitate entrepreneurial development, the Coffee Board has been providing training sessions on coffee roasting, brewing among others,” Akhtar said.
IICF 2014 is expected to see participation of 1,000 delegates for the conference and workshops and over 10,000 visitors at the exhibition. National and international experts in the coffee industry including policy makers, exporters, manufacturers and planters are likely to attend this flagship event of the Coffee Board.
Indian cashews are favourites in Japan markets
Mangalore: The import of cashew kernels by Japan crossed 7,600 tonnes in 2012.
This figure assumes significance to India, as Japan is the fourth major export-destination for Indian cashew.
The US, the UAE and the Netherlands are the top three destinations for the export of cashew kernels from India.
Of the 7,602 tonnes of cashew kernels imported by Japan in 2012, India’s share was 6,099 tonnes.
QUALITY
Walter D’Souza, Chairman of Federation of Indian Export Organisations (Southern Region), told Business Line that quality Indian cashews have a preference in Japan.
Quality always has a cost, and Japan was one of the first countries to have come to terms with reality.
Many of the Indian exporters command a good premium in prices for the supply of quality consistent with high standards Japan expects from the importers, he said.
G. Giridhar Prabhu, Proprietor of the Mangalore-based Achal Industries (who has been exporting to Japan since 1988), said that Japan prefers good quality cashew of Goa, Maharashtra or Karnataka origins.
K. Prakash Rao, owner of Kalbavi Cashews and cashew exporter, said that the consumption of cashew in Japan is growing slowly, but steadily.
Quoting George Ishiguro of the Japan-based Blaxton Corporation, Rao said that there is increase in the programmes featuring the nutritious effects of nuts in the Japanese television channels.
The consumers have become more selective for healthy and tasty food. (Ishiguro is a Japanese trader of cashew nuts and dried fruits).
The fear of radioactive pollution by the 2011 Japanese Tsunami has made the consumers more safety conscious. They are now looking at chemical free and radiation free food, he said.
VIETNAM ROLE
Prabhu said that though Japan has long favoured the Indian quality, Vietnamese have also made inroads into Japan of late.
While India contributed 80 per cent to the cashew kernel imports in Japan during 2012, Vietnam contributed 18 per cent. D’Souza said that even though Vietnam should have a larger share in the imports into Japan, there has been a dilution in the quality of imports from Vietnam into Japan.
“Indian exporters have been consistent in terms of quality and timely performance. Both these factors weighed heavily in favour of India,” he said.
Prakash Rao said that new comers such as Kenya are also making their entry into Japanese market. Japan imported 95 tonnes of cashew kernels from Kenya in 2012.
However, Kenya exported 86 tonnes in the first seven months of 2013 itself. (The total import of cashew kernel into Japan during the first seven months of 2013 stood at 4,966.3 tonnes. Of this, the share of India stood at 4,219.4 tonnes.)
SCOPE FOR FUTURE
D’Souza said that India can certainly cross the 10,000-tonne mark by 2015, if more Indian exporters are able to raise the bar in terms of Japanese specifications, quality, and performance parameters.
Clarifying that Indian exporters are adhering to the internationally accepted specifications, he said Japan has created its own niche markets of quality and grading standards.
These are much above the general specifications followed by other importing countries, he added.
This figure assumes significance to India, as Japan is the fourth major export-destination for Indian cashew.
The US, the UAE and the Netherlands are the top three destinations for the export of cashew kernels from India.
Of the 7,602 tonnes of cashew kernels imported by Japan in 2012, India’s share was 6,099 tonnes.
QUALITY
Walter D’Souza, Chairman of Federation of Indian Export Organisations (Southern Region), told Business Line that quality Indian cashews have a preference in Japan.
Quality always has a cost, and Japan was one of the first countries to have come to terms with reality.
Many of the Indian exporters command a good premium in prices for the supply of quality consistent with high standards Japan expects from the importers, he said.
G. Giridhar Prabhu, Proprietor of the Mangalore-based Achal Industries (who has been exporting to Japan since 1988), said that Japan prefers good quality cashew of Goa, Maharashtra or Karnataka origins.
K. Prakash Rao, owner of Kalbavi Cashews and cashew exporter, said that the consumption of cashew in Japan is growing slowly, but steadily.
Quoting George Ishiguro of the Japan-based Blaxton Corporation, Rao said that there is increase in the programmes featuring the nutritious effects of nuts in the Japanese television channels.
The consumers have become more selective for healthy and tasty food. (Ishiguro is a Japanese trader of cashew nuts and dried fruits).
The fear of radioactive pollution by the 2011 Japanese Tsunami has made the consumers more safety conscious. They are now looking at chemical free and radiation free food, he said.
VIETNAM ROLE
Prabhu said that though Japan has long favoured the Indian quality, Vietnamese have also made inroads into Japan of late.
While India contributed 80 per cent to the cashew kernel imports in Japan during 2012, Vietnam contributed 18 per cent. D’Souza said that even though Vietnam should have a larger share in the imports into Japan, there has been a dilution in the quality of imports from Vietnam into Japan.
“Indian exporters have been consistent in terms of quality and timely performance. Both these factors weighed heavily in favour of India,” he said.
Prakash Rao said that new comers such as Kenya are also making their entry into Japanese market. Japan imported 95 tonnes of cashew kernels from Kenya in 2012.
However, Kenya exported 86 tonnes in the first seven months of 2013 itself. (The total import of cashew kernel into Japan during the first seven months of 2013 stood at 4,966.3 tonnes. Of this, the share of India stood at 4,219.4 tonnes.)
SCOPE FOR FUTURE
D’Souza said that India can certainly cross the 10,000-tonne mark by 2015, if more Indian exporters are able to raise the bar in terms of Japanese specifications, quality, and performance parameters.
Clarifying that Indian exporters are adhering to the internationally accepted specifications, he said Japan has created its own niche markets of quality and grading standards.
These are much above the general specifications followed by other importing countries, he added.
Kalpataru Power Transmission bags Rs 620 crore orders
Kalpataru Power Transmission has bagged orders worth Rs 620 crore, the Mumbai-based engineering, procurement and construction company said Thursday.
These orders include a Rs 463 crore order from Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation for setting up a transmission line.
The company also announced bagging a Rs 94 crore project for setting up a 160 km long liquefied petroleum gas pipeline from HPCL.
"The order pipeline remains strong this year. In the first half we have won orders worth Rs 1,750 crore and expect the momentum to continue in the second half also, as many projects are in the final stage of award," Ranjit Singh, managing director, was quoted as saying in the statement.
Kalpataru Power Transmission is a EPC companies operating in power transmission and distribution, oil and gas pipeline, railways, infrastructure development, civil contracting and warehousing and logistics business. The company is currently executing projects in India,
Africa, Middle East, Australia, North America and Far East.
These orders include a Rs 463 crore order from Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation for setting up a transmission line.
The company also announced bagging a Rs 94 crore project for setting up a 160 km long liquefied petroleum gas pipeline from HPCL.
"The order pipeline remains strong this year. In the first half we have won orders worth Rs 1,750 crore and expect the momentum to continue in the second half also, as many projects are in the final stage of award," Ranjit Singh, managing director, was quoted as saying in the statement.
Kalpataru Power Transmission is a EPC companies operating in power transmission and distribution, oil and gas pipeline, railways, infrastructure development, civil contracting and warehousing and logistics business. The company is currently executing projects in India,
Africa, Middle East, Australia, North America and Far East.
Costume jewellery clocked 20-30% growth in FY14
Kolkata: Higher gold prices and less awareness among Indians about customs clearance norms have worked in favour of costume jewellers in the country. Costume jewellers say that they have clocked 20-30% growth in the current fiscal with women from affluent households embracing such jewellery for attending weddings and parties in foreign locales.
The spectacular growth in costume jewellery has emerged as a threat to the gold trade, which has not witnessed much growth as yellow metal prices have surged due to a weak rupee, touching Rs 33,000 per 10 gm.
"It is true that costume jewellery is a major threat to us. We are advising jewellers to come up with 14-carat gold items to ward off this threat," said Haresh Soni, chairman, All India Gem & Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF).
Costume jewellers say that their trendy as well as heavylook jewellery is even drawing the attention of the affluent class. Rajesh Chheda, partner of Mumbai's top costume jewellery firm Tip Top Point, said that women from South Bombay (SOBO) have started buying from their shop. "The interest among this class for costume jewellery is on the rise and they are coming to our shop in SOBO. We are expecting good demand from them in the upcoming festive and wedding season," he said.
The firm has another outfit in Borivali. Incidentally, demand for costume jewellery comes more from northern and western India. Bangaloreans — both working women as well as college going girls — now-a-days prefer light weight costume jewellery in keeping with the youth mindset that is completely accessoryconscious, the global fashion trends, the importance of looking 'fashionable' rather than looking 'rich', and the need to 'fit in' with your friends rather than looking 'ostentatious'.
Pointed out Vasundhara Mantri, a professional jewellery designer, that women never hesitate to wear imitation jewellery while attending parties, social events, wedding ceremonies because they have contemporary designs with a classic touch bringing in the best of both worlds.
"Disposable income to buy gold jewellery in Indian households has dried up. So, there is a shift towards costume jewellery," added Mantri. Costume jewellery is largely made of brass, cast iron, nickel, plastic beads and stones, instead of precious metals and gems. It does not have resale value and is available in the range of less costhan Rs 100 and may go as high as Rs 50,000 depending upon the item.
Deepika Sehgal, co-founder of Mumbai-based Miss Flurrty, said that the industry size is expected to touch Rs 15,000 crore by December 2015, according to an Assocham study, up from Rs 8,000 crore in December 2012. Women are now embracing this kind of jewellery for attending ceremonies in foreign locales as well.
"The tough customs norms have forced these women to carry costume jewellery so that they do not face any questioning while travelling back to India," said Chheda. But the GJF chairman feels that since there is very little awareness among people about customs norms, they misunderstand the entire process. "While leaving India, they can get their jewellery checked at the customs and take the authority's letter so that while returning to India they do not face any hassle," he explained.
Hyderabad-based jewellery designer Suhani Pittie said: "While demand from the US and European markets has been on the rise over the last 9-12 months (in volume terms), demand from rural market has also grown substantially over the years. Gold is and will always be an emotional and investment-oriented purchase in our country. But price being such a constraint, imitation jewellery, via its large canvas of raw material, offers various ways to phrase your expression. In fact, the imitation/fashion jewellery market sees a rise of nearly 85% during festivals. It is growing by nearly 20% per annum".
The spectacular growth in costume jewellery has emerged as a threat to the gold trade, which has not witnessed much growth as yellow metal prices have surged due to a weak rupee, touching Rs 33,000 per 10 gm.
"It is true that costume jewellery is a major threat to us. We are advising jewellers to come up with 14-carat gold items to ward off this threat," said Haresh Soni, chairman, All India Gem & Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF).
Costume jewellers say that their trendy as well as heavylook jewellery is even drawing the attention of the affluent class. Rajesh Chheda, partner of Mumbai's top costume jewellery firm Tip Top Point, said that women from South Bombay (SOBO) have started buying from their shop. "The interest among this class for costume jewellery is on the rise and they are coming to our shop in SOBO. We are expecting good demand from them in the upcoming festive and wedding season," he said.
The firm has another outfit in Borivali. Incidentally, demand for costume jewellery comes more from northern and western India. Bangaloreans — both working women as well as college going girls — now-a-days prefer light weight costume jewellery in keeping with the youth mindset that is completely accessoryconscious, the global fashion trends, the importance of looking 'fashionable' rather than looking 'rich', and the need to 'fit in' with your friends rather than looking 'ostentatious'.
Pointed out Vasundhara Mantri, a professional jewellery designer, that women never hesitate to wear imitation jewellery while attending parties, social events, wedding ceremonies because they have contemporary designs with a classic touch bringing in the best of both worlds.
"Disposable income to buy gold jewellery in Indian households has dried up. So, there is a shift towards costume jewellery," added Mantri. Costume jewellery is largely made of brass, cast iron, nickel, plastic beads and stones, instead of precious metals and gems. It does not have resale value and is available in the range of less costhan Rs 100 and may go as high as Rs 50,000 depending upon the item.
Deepika Sehgal, co-founder of Mumbai-based Miss Flurrty, said that the industry size is expected to touch Rs 15,000 crore by December 2015, according to an Assocham study, up from Rs 8,000 crore in December 2012. Women are now embracing this kind of jewellery for attending ceremonies in foreign locales as well.
"The tough customs norms have forced these women to carry costume jewellery so that they do not face any questioning while travelling back to India," said Chheda. But the GJF chairman feels that since there is very little awareness among people about customs norms, they misunderstand the entire process. "While leaving India, they can get their jewellery checked at the customs and take the authority's letter so that while returning to India they do not face any hassle," he explained.
Hyderabad-based jewellery designer Suhani Pittie said: "While demand from the US and European markets has been on the rise over the last 9-12 months (in volume terms), demand from rural market has also grown substantially over the years. Gold is and will always be an emotional and investment-oriented purchase in our country. But price being such a constraint, imitation jewellery, via its large canvas of raw material, offers various ways to phrase your expression. In fact, the imitation/fashion jewellery market sees a rise of nearly 85% during festivals. It is growing by nearly 20% per annum".
Venezuelan oil firm signs agreements with RIL, OVL
PDVSA will supply between 3,00,000 and 4,00,000 barrels per day of heavy crude to Reliance's two refineries in Jamnagar under 15-year contract
New Delhi: In a sign of increasing Indian involvement in Venezuela, the South American country’s state oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela (PdVSA), has signed two agreements with state-run ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) and private sector giant Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL).
Mukesh Ambani-led RIL and PdVSA have signed a joint study agreement for Ayacucho block 8 in the Orinoco oil belt of that country. According to the study agreement, both parties will jointly evaluate the development plan of the block. RIL and PdVSA have also extended the term of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the parties last year by one year for continued cooperation.
Meanwhile, an MoU was signed by D K Sarraf, managing director, OVL, and Ruben iguera, director of new development, PdVSA on Thursday. The pact encompasses strategic cooperation and participation in the exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources in the oil-rich Faja area of Venezuela. This would facilitate OVL and PdVSA to explore available opportunities through joint collaboration and hence, enhance OVL's interest in Venezuela.
Sudhir Vasudeva, chairman, ONGC group of companies, said: “This MoU underlines the spirit of collaboration between two exploration and production giants in India and Venezuela. Venezuela has the world’s largest reserves and we have a huge market. We intend to use this opportunity to further our interests in this oil rich country.” OVL currently has stakes in two producing projects in Venezuela--Petro-Carabobo and Petro-Indovenezolana--with investments of about $341 million.
RIL and PdVSA had signed a 15-year heavy crude oil supply contract and an MoU to develop Venezuelan heavy oil fields last year. According to that, PdVSA will supply between 300,000 and 400,000 barrels a day of Venezuelan heavy crude oil to RIL’s two refineries in Jamnagar under a 15-year contract.
New Delhi: In a sign of increasing Indian involvement in Venezuela, the South American country’s state oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela (PdVSA), has signed two agreements with state-run ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) and private sector giant Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL).
Mukesh Ambani-led RIL and PdVSA have signed a joint study agreement for Ayacucho block 8 in the Orinoco oil belt of that country. According to the study agreement, both parties will jointly evaluate the development plan of the block. RIL and PdVSA have also extended the term of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the parties last year by one year for continued cooperation.
Meanwhile, an MoU was signed by D K Sarraf, managing director, OVL, and Ruben iguera, director of new development, PdVSA on Thursday. The pact encompasses strategic cooperation and participation in the exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources in the oil-rich Faja area of Venezuela. This would facilitate OVL and PdVSA to explore available opportunities through joint collaboration and hence, enhance OVL's interest in Venezuela.
Sudhir Vasudeva, chairman, ONGC group of companies, said: “This MoU underlines the spirit of collaboration between two exploration and production giants in India and Venezuela. Venezuela has the world’s largest reserves and we have a huge market. We intend to use this opportunity to further our interests in this oil rich country.” OVL currently has stakes in two producing projects in Venezuela--Petro-Carabobo and Petro-Indovenezolana--with investments of about $341 million.
RIL and PdVSA had signed a 15-year heavy crude oil supply contract and an MoU to develop Venezuelan heavy oil fields last year. According to that, PdVSA will supply between 300,000 and 400,000 barrels a day of Venezuelan heavy crude oil to RIL’s two refineries in Jamnagar under a 15-year contract.
RBI allows banks to borrow from international and multilateral financial institutions
Central bank sasy such borrowings shall be eligible for concessional swap facility of RBI
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted permission to banks to borrow from international/multilateral financial institutions for a limited period of up to November 30, said RBI on Thursday.
RBI also said such borrowings should be for the purpose of general banking business and not for capital augmentation.
According to the central bank, such borrowings shall be eligible for the concessional swap facility of RBI.
Earlier, RBI had allowed banks to borrow from their head office of overseas branches or correspondents outside India up to hundred per cent of its unimpaired Tier-I capital or $10 million, whichever is higher.
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted permission to banks to borrow from international/multilateral financial institutions for a limited period of up to November 30, said RBI on Thursday.
RBI also said such borrowings should be for the purpose of general banking business and not for capital augmentation.
According to the central bank, such borrowings shall be eligible for the concessional swap facility of RBI.
Earlier, RBI had allowed banks to borrow from their head office of overseas branches or correspondents outside India up to hundred per cent of its unimpaired Tier-I capital or $10 million, whichever is higher.
India to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN: PM
New Delhi: In order to increase cooperation with South East Asian countries on economic and security issues, Dr Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India, announced a separate Mission for Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) region to be set up in Jakarta, Indonesia. The mission will be assigned a full-time resident Ambassador.
Dr Manmohan Singh also represented India’s willingness to sign the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with ASEAN on services and investment by the end of this year and its early implementation, while addressing the 11th ASEAN-India Summit. The agreement will also boost bilateral trade among the regions from US$ 76 billion last year to US$ 100 billion by 2015.
India and ASEAN have established a comprehensive agenda of cooperation and a wide-ranging framework to pursue it over the last two decades.
“Today, we stand on the threshold of the third decade of our engagement. In keeping with our substantial achievements, the recent elevation of our ties to a strategic partnership and the rich potential of our cooperation, I feel it would be appropriate for me to take this opportunity to announce that India will soon set up a separate Mission to the ASEAN in Jakarta with a full-time resident Ambassador,” Dr Singh added.
He further highlighted that all the countries have equal stakes in the security and prosperity of our shared Asian neighbourhood. The scope of India’s engagement with East and Southeast Asia has grown steadily in the last two decades.
“We seek to promote not only mutually beneficial bilateral relations, but also to work institutionally with regional partners and foster a climate that is conducive to stability, security and economic development in our region,” said Dr Singh.
The Prime Minister emphasised that ASEAN has paved the way for a great level of cooperation and integration, not only among themselves, but also in the broader region.
“For India, it is an article of faith of our Look-East policy that ASEAN must remain central to the future evolution of regional mechanisms, which must be open and inclusive. We share your vision and aspirations for the region and we applaud your march towards an ASEAN Economic Community in 2015,” pointed out Dr Singh.
Dr Manmohan Singh also represented India’s willingness to sign the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with ASEAN on services and investment by the end of this year and its early implementation, while addressing the 11th ASEAN-India Summit. The agreement will also boost bilateral trade among the regions from US$ 76 billion last year to US$ 100 billion by 2015.
India and ASEAN have established a comprehensive agenda of cooperation and a wide-ranging framework to pursue it over the last two decades.
“Today, we stand on the threshold of the third decade of our engagement. In keeping with our substantial achievements, the recent elevation of our ties to a strategic partnership and the rich potential of our cooperation, I feel it would be appropriate for me to take this opportunity to announce that India will soon set up a separate Mission to the ASEAN in Jakarta with a full-time resident Ambassador,” Dr Singh added.
He further highlighted that all the countries have equal stakes in the security and prosperity of our shared Asian neighbourhood. The scope of India’s engagement with East and Southeast Asia has grown steadily in the last two decades.
“We seek to promote not only mutually beneficial bilateral relations, but also to work institutionally with regional partners and foster a climate that is conducive to stability, security and economic development in our region,” said Dr Singh.
The Prime Minister emphasised that ASEAN has paved the way for a great level of cooperation and integration, not only among themselves, but also in the broader region.
“For India, it is an article of faith of our Look-East policy that ASEAN must remain central to the future evolution of regional mechanisms, which must be open and inclusive. We share your vision and aspirations for the region and we applaud your march towards an ASEAN Economic Community in 2015,” pointed out Dr Singh.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)