Port Blair, Dec 22: As a follow up to Business Opportunities and Co-operations between Aceh Province of Indonesia and A & N Islands as per business summit between the Prime Minister of India and the President of Indonesia a webinar meeting between Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Aceh Chamber of Commerce & Industry was held today at 10.00 AM. The Webinar was represented from the A&N Administration by Mr. Sudhir Mahajan, Secretary (Shipping) & Mr. Abhishek Dev, Secretary (Industries), and from Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industries by Mr. Surendra Prahladka, President and other Office bearers. At the other end Mr. Raghu Gururaj, Counsul General of India to Sumatra & Mr. Almer Hafis Sandy, Chairman of Joint Business Council Aceh, Indonesia and representatives of Aceh Chamber of Commerce & Industry was present in the Webinar.
In his welcome address Mr. Surendra Prahladka, President, ACCI briefed about the initiatives taken by both the Chamber of Commerce and the bottlenecks in conducting the trade between these Chambers. He stated that businessmen in A&N Islands are ready to invest in Indonesia and enquired about the assistance which will be provide by the Aceh Province in terms of allotment of land in industrial estate, subsidy in various fields, etc. so that they can invest money in the field.
Mr. Abhishek Dev, Secretary (Industries) explained in detail about the Joint Task Force for promoting greater trade, tourism and economic activity between A&N Islands and Indonesia. The Task Force was constituted consequent upon the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Jakarta where it was discussed by the leaders of both countries to take necessary steps to enhance connectivity between A&N Islands and Provinces in Sumatera Island to promote trade, tourism and people to people contacts; facilitate B to B linkages between the Chamber of Commerce and the Indonesian Companies. Some of the issues of declaring customs port, Plant quarantine, etc. pointed out during the first meeting of the Joint Task Force were attended and the others will be discussed in its second meeting which is going to be held very shortly. He further stated that currently the countries of Myanmar, Bangladesh,
Sri Lanka and Maldives are under NCV areas as far as Indian flag ships are concerned. This is very helpful for Indian flag vessels to trade/operate between these countries. For better trade between these countries we would request that at least West Coast of Thailand, Malaysia and Northern Ports of Indonesia be also be included in the NCV areas. This will enable the Indian flag vessels to ply between A&N islands and these countries and facilitate trade.
Mr. Sudhir Mahajan, Secretary (Shipping) informed that up-gradation of port infrastructure is in the process. Trading between these counties especially importing constructions materials will be a win to win situation due to its geographical proximity with Indonesia. Allowing air connectivity, IT & ITES sectors, Fisheries sector, Tuna fishing, etc. are other possible field of trade between these two countries. Two more ports of Port Meadows and Kamorta ports are declared as Customs Port which will ease the business. Yacht Marina is coming up which will encourage Yacht Tourism in these Islands.
Mr. Raghu Gururaj, Counsel General of India to Sumatra informed that the Government of India is giving high priority on development of trade between A&N Islands and the Provinces of Sumatra due to its geographical proximity. He explained that the Aceh Chamber of Commerce & Industry is fully aware of the impediment in trade and the certain issues have been taken with the Ministry in Jakarta. He also urged to take up the issues which need relaxation and approval from the Ministry with the Government of India.
Mr. Almer Hafis Sandy, Chairman of Joint Business Council, Aceh stated that the Aceh Chamber of Commerce & Industry is interested to have trade link with the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the sectors of agro products, infrastructure materials, fisheries and other tourism related businessmen are very much eager to do the business. The Aceh Chamber is also aware of the constraints in doing the business and expects that the issues will be resolved during the second Task Force meeting.
Mr. Girish Arora, Past President, ACCI explained the prospects in the field of Tourism and creating infrastructure in various fields including high end hotels and Yacht Marina, etc. under PPP mode or Joint Venture in collaboration with Aceh Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The aspect of sea plane service between A&N Islands and Banda Aceh as done the case of Bali and Raja Ampat may also be explored. Since Indonesia is having technical expertise in fishing, the aspect of fishing under Joint Venture may also be explored.
Mr. Chandrasekar, Vice President of ACCI enquired about the cost of construction materials like stone aggregates, steel, cement, etc. at F.O.R. Port Blair so that they can take action to bring materials from Indonesia. He also expressed that since the distance between Aceh Province and A&N Islands is comparatively very less as compared to the mainland of India it will be very easy to bring the materials if the cost is viable.
The Counsel General of India to Sumatra informed that the requirement of materials may be sent through mail so that the cost factor can be worked out and will be intimated. The business prospects of exporting materials from A&N Islands may also be explored.
The Webinar concluded with vote of thanks to all participants by the President, ACCI and it was decided that in future also such webinar will be conducted for better understanding and business interest between these two countries.
