Mumbai, Thursday, December 01, 2011

Rashesh Shah, Chairman and CEO of the Edelweiss Group has been appointed as the Chairman of FICCI-Maharashtra State Council, which is head-quartered in Mumbai.

Speaking at his appointment, Mr. Shah said, “Maharashtra has always been known for its business-friendly policies. I would be privileged if under the aegis of FICCI Maharashtra State Council, I am able to contribute to its further growth and development.”

Rashesh has over twenty years of experience in financial services in India. Prior to founding Edelweiss, he worked with ICICI, then India’s premier industrial development bank and today its largest private sector bank. In 1996, encouraged by the opportunity in the financial services sector as a result of economic reforms and liberalization in India, Rashesh founded Edelweiss with initial equity capital of INR 1 Cr (USD 250,000). Since then, Edelweiss has grown into a large diversified financial services house offering Credit, Capital Market, Asset Management, Housing Finance and Insurance products to a wide range of Institutional, Corporate and Individual customers. From 10 employees in 2000, Edelweiss is now 3,500 employees strong, with a net worth of over USD 500 Mn.

Rashesh’s focus on innovation and his passion for growth through expansion into related/adjacent markets has been a key differentiator for Edelweiss. Under his leadership, the company has combined growth oriented entrepreneurship with a strong focus on risk. The company’s consistent growth can be attributed to the culture of ownership and partnership that is nurtured amongst the employees of Edelweiss. A pioneering move to reward those who built Edelweiss with ESOPs has resulted in one of the most broad-based employee-ownerships among financial services companies in India.

Rashesh has served on the Boards of various companies and public institutions. He has in the past served on the Executive Committee of the National Stock Exchange and currently is Chairman of the Capital Market Committee of FICCI. He has also been nominated to the Executive Committee of a proposed US - India Investors Forum.

His academic qualifications include an MBA from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmadabad, a Diploma in International Trade from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi and a Bachelor's Degree in Science from the University of Mumbai.

Besides writing regularly for various leading business dailies and publications in India, Rashesh’s views on the Indian economy and policy issues are regularly sought by leading Indian and global business journals. He is also a regular speaker at various industry and economic forums.

Among the several accolades Rashesh has received, are the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ award from Bombay Management Association (2008-2009) and the ‘Special Award for Contribution to Development of Capital Markets in India’ by Zee Business at the India’s Best Market Analyst Awards, 2011.

A voracious reader and keen tennis player, Rashesh’s current passion is running marathons.

Media Division

FICCI- Maharashtra State Council

Tel: 022-2496800

Mumbai, 13^th October 2011 - “Ministry of textiles has allocated 1972 crores under the Textile up-gradation Fund scheme and until 5^th October 2011, only 78 crores has  been disbursed”, mentioned Shri S. Balaraju, Joint Textile commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India while innaugurating the FICCI TAG 2011, 4^th National Conference held in Mumbai.

He also stated that the Ministry of Textiles has drafted the National Fiber Policy and the Common Compliance Code which aims to make India the Global benchmark for social compliance in apparel manufacturing and exports. Shri. S. Balaraju also released the FICCI Technopak knowledge paper which brought out key issues of the Sustainability models.

Focusing on Sustainability was the theme at this year's conference. The conference was divided in the four sessions; Sustainability: an option or a necessity, Profitability and Sustainability : Complementing each other, pillars of Sustainability and Inclusive Growth : Environmental, Social and Economic and sustainability by choice : Outcome and  way forward.

Mr. Premal Udani, Chairman, FICCI Apparel  Committee said that “sustainability should not be forced, nor should arise out of regulation but through voluntary compliance and commitment”. He added that as the economic downturn has dented the pockets of end users, it has not dented their aspirations for better planet.  He also urged companies to take concrete steps towards achieving this goal not by force but by proactive measures. “AEPC has planned to conduct a Reach Seminar to educate the market” he also informed us about the OXFAM initiative to train the industry for sustainability.

While making the theme  presentation Mr. Arindam Saha  from  Technopak gave snapshots of the key findings and said ‘’There is a need to take advantage of today’s web and social media to promote and create  an awareness about sustainability’’. Earlier Mr. Manoj Patodia, EC Member of FICCI & VC & MD Prime Urban welcomed the gathering.

FICCI TAG 2011 Conference was supported by the office of Textile Commissioner Ministry of Textiles Govt. of India, Alok Industries Ltd, Pratibha Syntax Ltd., Textile Committee, Polygenta, Mandhana, Hohenstein Institute, ECGC and DBS Bank among others.

Press Release

Mumbai, 9 March 2011: There are 2 mn Indians in Saudi Arabia, of which 69% are blue collar employees mainly from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and 10% white collar employees. H.E.Shri Talmiz Ahmad, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia addressing the FICCI Conference on Indo-Saudi Economic Ties said ” Spas of Kerala and Bangalore are very popular in Saudi enticing a great number of people especially from the Royal family”. There is an enormous gateway for health tourism in the Kingdom. Public healthcare spending saw a compound annual growth rate of 7.2% between 1999 and 2005; spending is expected to reach US$20 billion by 2016.

Saudi Arabia has the world's largest oil reserves and is the world's largest oil exporter. Oil accounts for more than 90% of exports and nearly 75% of government revenues.”Oil is the backbone of Saudi economy and the Kingdom has enough oil to meet global oil demand for many years” stated H.E.Shri Talmiz Ahmad, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia at the FICCI Conference on Indo-Saudi Economic Ties. Production of crude oil in the Kingdom went up from 3.8 mbd in 1969 to 8.2 mbd in 2009.

The Kingdom has expanded development of the non-oil sectors such as the services sector, where the private sector assumes a significant role and provides a large share of job opportunities. This sector's real GDP went up from SR 56 billion (US$14.93 billion) in 1969 to SR 408.4 billion (US$108.90 billion) in (2009).

Shri Ahmad stated that he wished to take forward the India-Saudi bilateral trade of US$ 21.00 billion during the FY 2009-10 a long way. India is the 5th largest market for Saudi exports, accounting for 7.34 % (2009) of its global exports. While Saudi Arabia is the 3^rd largest market in the world for Indian import and is the source of 5.93% of India’s global imports.

After the signing of the Bilateral Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement (BIPPA) and Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) during the visit of King Abdullah to India in 2006, Indian investments into the Kingdom have doubled.Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) has awarded 565 licenses (225 industrial and 340 non-industrial projects) to Indian companies for establishing Joint ventures and hundred percent Indian owned companies in Saudi Arabia in different sectors. Currently, total Indian FDI into Saudi Arabia from 1990 till 2008 is US$ 2.07 billion.

The Joint Declaration of India-Saudi is to be reactivated for increasing cooperation to a strategic partnership covering security, economic, defense and political areas.  Shri Ahmad outlined a plethora of opportunities for Indian corporate in the Saudi economy. As Saudi Arabia desires to upgrade itself into a knowledge society it has identified India as an important partner in areas such as Education, Energy, IT, Infrastructure, Space science and Telecommunications. Saudi wants to modernize the education system especially based on IT at school level from class one and has set aside US$ 20mn for education growth in the next five years.

As Saudi is a rapidly growing economy there is a massive requirement for infrastructure development in terms of bridges, highways, tunnels and a all new railway system posing large investment opportunities for India. L&T is already operational in Saudi while TATA and Hinduja Leyland buses operate in Saudi carrying numerous children for school. The value of Saudi Construction deals reaches SR107bn ($28.53bn) in 2010. Major investment projects lie in Petrochemical and Power Generation valued at US$ 90 bn.

The Kingdoms ranks 4th in the world for “fiscal freedom” and has the 7th most rewarding tax system in the world. It is 7th freest labor market in the world according to the World Economic Forum.

Saudi Arabia will be launching six "economic cities" (e.g. King Abdullah Economic City) which are planned to be completed by 2020. These six new industrialized cities are intended to diversify the economy of Saudi Arabia, and are expected to increase the per capita income. The King of Saudi Arabia has announced that the per capita income is forecast, to rise from $15,000 in 2006 to $33,500 in 2020. The cities will be spread around Saudi Arabia to promote diversification for each region and their economy, and the cities are projected to contribute $150 billion to the GDP.

In terms of security and safety issues Shri Ahmad provided assurance and emphasized necessary safety measures were in order. An investor entering the Kingdom would ideally dwell in partnership with a local player which would guide it through the complexities of its society.

Press Release

Mumbai, 10^th February, 2011 - Speaking at the Interactive Workshop on Nonwoven Textiles organized by FICCI in the city, Shri Sujit Gulati, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, said that the amount of Rs.200 Crores allocated under the Technology Mission on Technical Textiles (TMTT) would not be sufficient for improving infrastructure, setting up of new Centers of Excellence (COE) and upgrading existing COEs for technical textile.      It may be required to be dovetailed with funds for Govt. schemes like SITP, TUFS, skill up-gradation etc., he added.

Shri Gulati said that private sector participation in terms of infusion of seed capital for implementation of the Mission would strengthen the research efforts under TMTT. He appealed to the industry to fully avail of the benefits and schemes offered under TMTT.

Implementation of the Technology Mission on Technical Textiles will result in the market size for technical textiles in India grow from Rs.51488 crore in 2009-10 to Rs.86433 crore in 2014-15 and increase exports from Rs.3000 crore to Rs. 8600 crores, triggering investments of Rs.5000 crore during the five year period into technical textiles, said Smt. Shashi Singh, Joint Textile Commissioner, Office of the Textile Commissioner, Govt. of India.  Technical Textiles will grow at 15 per cent per annum with Technology Mission on Technical Textiles, she added.

Mr. Arun Jariwala, Indian Technical Textile Association, said that plasma and nano technology have a greater scope for application in Nonwoven production. He noted that Mantra and Institute of Plasma Research have signed an MOU to take up projects for the coated fabrics which are used in technical textiles.  The plasma technology along with the combination of bio-technology and nano technology will go a long way in minimizing the effects and use of chemicals on yarn and fabrics, he added.

The scope for use of Nonwoven fabric material in infrastructure construction projects of MMRDA is very high said Shri V.N. Ghanekar, Chief Engineer, MMRDA.  In road construction MMRDA is building 20 km. eastern freeway road from Ghatkopar on Eastern Expressway to Museum in South Mumbai via Govandi, Anik, Wadala at a cost of Rs.1200 crore, and is expected to be completed by December, 2011, he added.

Welcoming the Technology Mission on Technical Textiles, Shri Mohan Kavrie, MD, Supreme Nonwovens Industries Pvt. Ltd., said that the Mission would serve as a launching pad to accelerate the growth of technical textiles in the country.    He also expressed confidence that the decision to have a Centre of Excellence for Nonwovens would encourage greater innovations and investments.

Earlier, Mr. Manoj Patodia, EC Member, FICCI-WRC and Vice Chairman & MD, Prime  Textiles expressed confidence that technical textiles including nonwovens would see phenomenal growth with the launch of Technology Mission for Technical Textiles.

The Technical Sessions discussed the market size, investment opportunities, future prospects, financing, and applications of nonwovens in detail.

FICCI Media Division

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FICCI-WRC,

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Worli, Mumbai 400030

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Mumbai, January 24, 2011 – A high-powered FICCI  delegation led by Mr. Rana Kapoor, CEO, Yes Bank & Chairman, FICCI-Maharashtra State Council, met with Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Prithviraj Chavan today,  to discuss strategies to strengthen Maharashtra’s leading position as a trade and investment destination.  The discussions were focused around the following key issues:-

• Inclusive and balanced growth of Maharashtra
• Infrastructure development
• Tourism with focus on coastal areas
• Gems & Jewellery – Mr. Mehul Choksi, Chairman, FICCI Gems & Jewellery Committee, suggested strategies for enhanced skill development and capacity building in the State.   In response, CM suggested setting up of diamond polishing centres at Nagpur and Aurangabad for creating employment opportunities in the region.
• Textiles –   Mr. Manoj Patodia, EC Member, FICCI-Western Regional Council & Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Prime Textiles Ltd., discussed issues concerning textiles sector. Increasing the cotton produce and cooperative movement were important points that emerged.
• Capacity building and skill up gradation for an all round growth of Maharshtra was also discussed.

CM was positive to FICCI’s suggestion to hold a Global Summit on Maharashtra in November, 2011.

Mr. Kshatrapathi Shivaji, CEO, MIDC also actively participated in the discussions.

Mumbai, January 13, 2011 “MIDC would be commissioning a Mini Hydro Power Plant of 4.5 MW at Barvi Dam(Dist. Thane) in June 2011 and the energy generated from the plant would be made available at Rs.2.52 per unit during BOT(Building Operate and Transfer) period of 30 years” said Mr.  B.K. Verulkar, MIDC, while speaking at a Workshop on Energy Conservation, Renewable Energy and Energy Audits, organized by FICCI in the city today. He also observed that the plant would generate a saving of Rs.500 crores in energy cost of Barvi water works during BOT period.

Giving an overview of the initiatives taken by MIDC to wipe out shortage of Electricity in Maharashtra, Mr. Verulkar said that MIDC had initiated one Group Captive Power Plant of 300 MW capacity at Butibori where the tariff would be less by 25 paisa on an average than MSEDCL tariff for 20 years for industries in Maharashtra.  He expected the project to commence power generation by 2012.  He also informed that Adani Power, who have been allotted land and other infrastructure facilities by MIDC, would be generating 2400 MW power by 2012.

Speaking on the benefits of energy performance standards and labeling schemes, Mr. Hemant Patil, Maharashtra Energy Development Authority, said, “The wider proliferation of energy efficient equipments is expected to save 18 billion units per annum by this year, which translates into annual saving of electricity worth Rs.5,500 crores, and an avoided capacity addition of over 3000 MW during XI Plan”.

Referring to Energy Audit of Commercial Buildings, he said that energy audits for commercial buildings consuming more than 200 MW will be made mandatory soon.

Emphasizing on the importance of exploiting available energy saving opportunities,   Mr. Kamal Kumar Shewaramani, Siemens, called for optimization of energy efficiency and conservation at each level of manufacturing operation, to derive real savings.

Mr. Subrata Sen, Philips Electronics India Ltd., stressed on the right energy efficient lighting solutions for various industrial, household and commercial applications.

Giving a bankers perspective of financing energy efficiency projects, Ms. Ruta Samant, Yes Bank, said that unfamiliar and evolving Energy Efficiency Technology; discrete and dispersed market base; perceived risk of dependence on subsidies; and uncertainty around carbon markets and price; acted as constraints for financing of such projects.

Ms. Naman Gupta, British Foreign & Commonwealth Office emphasized on the importance of adopting Perform Achieve & Trade mechanism while implementing Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s schemes for improving energy efficiency in energy intensive industries.

Mumbai, 14 December, 2010 - “Technology Mission on Technical Textiles will unleash huge investments”, said Mr.  A. B. Joshi, Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, while inaugurating an Interactive Workshop on Sports Textiles organized by FICCI in the city today.

Mr. Joshi announced that the Government Resolution relating to the launch of Technology Mission on Technical Textiles would be issued in 2-3 days’ time.  The Mission would effectively address problems relating to infrastructure, technology, skilled manpower, R&D Support, training facilities and regulations, he added.

Lauding the good work done by the existing   4 Centers of Excellence in Technical textiles covering Geo Textiles, Agro Textiles, Protective Textiles and Medical Textiles, Mr. Joshi informed that  the Textile Ministry would also start Centers of Excellence for Composites, Indutech, Nonwovens and Sports Textiles.   Technology Mission on Technical Textiles would do its best to strengthen all these Centers of Excellence, he added.

Sports Textiles market is expected to grow at 11 per cent year-on-year and reach a size of US$1027.2 million by 2012-13, highlighted FICCI-ICRA Management Consultancy Services (IMaCS) Knowledge Paper released by Mr. Joshi at the workshop.

Mr. B.V. Rajesh, Assistant General Manager, ICRA, cited inadequate domestic demand, non-availability of raw materials and machinery for products like Ballooning fabric and Artificial Turfs; non-availability of skilled labour; and licences and clearances required for products like ballooning fabric to be the key impediments to the growth of Sportech.

Mr. Ajit Wadekar, Internationally renowned cricketer and sportsperson, recalled his memories of the quality of Sports Textile products for cricket available in his hey days, which impeded the performance of the players.  In this connection, he narrated how Gary Sobers gifted a new pair of cricketing shoes to him because he was ill-equipped and did not have sufficient resources to purchase good quality sportswear.

Earlier, Mr. Manoj Patodia, Executive Committee Member, FICCI-WRC and Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Prime Textiles Ltd., said, “The global market size of Global Sportech sector in volume terms is 1382000 tonnes valued at US$19 billion growing at 3.40 percent CAGR in terms of volume and 3.21 percent CAGR in terms of value”.

The Technical Sessions on Users of Sports Textiles was addressed by DGCA and Sports Authority of India, among others.

Surat, December 21, 2010 - “Geographical Indications Status for  Surat Zari Craft is a great boon for the Surat  Zari industry in Surat  and Gujarat.  The Rs.400-500 crore turnover industry, is now poised for tremendous growth”, said Mr. Dhaval Parikh, Dy. Commissioner of Industries, General Manager DIC, Surat, at the celebrations organized by FICCI, SGCCI, and Surat Jari Manufacturers Association. This meeting was supported by Office of the Textile Committee, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India.  GI status to Surat Zari was granted by the Registrar of Geographical Indications Intellectual Property, Govt. of India, Chennai, on 6^th October, 2010.

Mr. Parikh informed the MSME sector to take benefit from the various supporting schemes, programmes, and assistance offered by the State Government.  He sought from them proposals under the State’s Cluster development programmes, which would be operated on the PPP model.  The State Government would provide comprehensive support to the cluster units under the programmes, covering product design and technology, quality improvement, energy and water conservation, common branding and marketing facilities, hiring of an expert/cluster development agent, setting up of demonstration plant, common facilities, incubation centre, CFC, ITI extension center and other need based facilities, among others.

“Obtaining of GI Status for Surat Zari Craft is an important landmark in the history of Surat Zari.  It is the beginning of a new chapter in the growth of the Surat Zari industry” said Dr. P. Nayak, (Market Research), Textile Committee, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

Outlining   the way forward for the Zari industry post-GI status for Surat Zari Craft, he called for establishment of a company, registered under the Indian Companies Act, comprising of members of a consortium of registered proprietors identified under the GI sanction; scaling up brand building efforts; website development and creation of Surat Zari catalogues.

Mr. Arun Jariwala, Past President, SGCCI, stressed the need for   scaling up Surat Zari industry by incorporating latest plasma/nano technologies, and colour lacquering.  He also called for standardization and machinery up-gradation to derive maximum benefits of economies of scale.

Mr. Rajnikant Marfatia, Past President, SGCCI, lauded the efforts of FICCI in taking up issues relating to all industry sectors, be it   large, medium or small scale with equal zeal.

He congratulated Textile Committee and FICCI for extending its full support for getting GI tag for Surat Zari Craft.

Mr. Ramanlal Jariwala, President, Surat Jari Manufacturers Association, drew attention to the problems faced by the Surat Zari industry in relation to rising prices of metal and raw materials and incidence of VAT.

Dr. Vaijayanti Pandit, Director, FICCI, called for highly professional marketing and brand building effort for standardized quality Surat Zari, both in India and abroad.  She also suggested the expansion of market by using Surat Zari in accessories like bags, spectacles, pens, decorative and utility items.  More innovation and varied usage of Zaril will trigger a faster growth, she added.

Earlier, Dr. Ajoy Bhattacharya, President, SGCCI suggested setting up of a Corpus and formation of 3-5 member Committee consisting of members from the Surat Zari industry, to look after its interests.  He also suggested incorporation of MANTRA (Manmade Textile Research Association) tag on Surat Zari products for quality certification and prevention of duplication.

Mr. Devesh Jariwala, Past President, Surat Jari Manufacturers Association, Mr. Shantilal Jariwala, Mr. Ranjitbhai Gilitwala, Ex-Mayor, Surat, and Ms. Renuka, Garg, Head of the Department, Department of Business and Industrial Management, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University,  Surat,   emphasized on product development, R&D, and finding usage for Surat Zari in life style products.

The celebrations saw a huge turnout of zari manufacturers and textile fraternity of Surat.

Mumbai, Thursday, December 16, 2010

Rana Kapoor, Founder/Managing Director & CEO, YES BANK has been appointed as the Chairman of the FICCI-Maharashtra State Council which is head-quartered in Mumbai.   Kapoor is a member of FICCI’s Steering and Executive Committees. Kapoor is a distinguished banker with over 30 years of experience in Banking.   Prior to establishing YES BANK, Kapoor was CEO & Managing Director, and main Managing Partner of Rabo India Finance (RIF) Pvt. Ltd., responsible for all its business activities (a corporate finance and investment banking organisation). Prior to that Kapoor has worked with ANZ Grindlays’ Investment Bank (ANZIB, from 1996-98), and Bank of America (1980-1995).

Kapoor was also the President of The Council of EU Chambers of Commerce in India till November 2010, and is the Honorary Consul for Cyprus in Maharashtra.

Speaking at this appointment, Rana Kapoor said, “Maharashtra is a key focus state, and a critical component of India’s tremendous growth story. In my new role, I am fully committed to further the progress and development of the state in its 50th year, in conjunction with the strategic plans of the Government of India and the state Government, under the fine leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Prithviraj Chauhan.”

Kapoor is also a Member of the Government of India’s Board of Trade, the Honorary Secretary of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and Co-Chairman of the Committee on Agro Business and Financial Inclusion, IBA, a Member of the Board of Governors of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), established by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, Member of the Board of Directors of “Invest India”, Member of the Sub-Group of the Taskforce on Funding for Infrastructure Creation, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion(DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Kapoor has been recently ranked as the 2nd Most Valuable Indian CEO of the Year by Business World Magazine in Nov., 2010, and had received the “Indian Business Leader of the Year” award at the FICCI-Horasis Global Indian Business Meeting 2010 in Spain. He has also received the ‘Start-up Entrepreneur of the Year 2005’ at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, and the Distinguished Entrepreneurship Award at the PHD Chamber Awards for Excellence 2008. 

Rana Kapoor founded YES BANK in 2004. In a short span of six years the Bank has evolved as the Professionals’ Bank of India with the long term mission of becoming the “Best Quality Bank of the World in India”., YES BANK’s high quality, customer centric and service driven approach caters to the “Future Businesses of India. Since inception, YES BANK has played a catalytic role in bridging the infrastructure and knowledge gap in various Sunrise sectors of the Indian economy.

As part of the differentiated strategy, YES BANK has had a strong focus on Development Banking, as is evident from cutting-edge work that the Bank has done in the area of Food & Agribusiness, in most cases first-of-its kind in India, Infrastructure, Microfinance, and Sustainability.

YES BANK currently has 171 operational branches pan India across 141 locations and two National Operating Centres in Mumbai and Gurgaon. By 2015 YES BANK aims to achieve a balance sheet size of INR 150,000 crores, a pan India branch network of 750 with a human capital base 12,000 by 2015.

Mumbai, 25^th August, 2010 - “As the Chairperson of Iosis Spa a celebrated actress and professional, I congratulate FICCI for creating a platform for Wellness in India”, proudly announced Shilpa Shetty Kundra while inaugurating FICCI Wellness 2010 today.  She always dreamt to create a healthy India which had lots of health wellness outlets she emphasized.  Iconic figure for youth, women and professionals Shilpa personifies good health and fitness and endorsed FICCI Wellness Brand by her presence and involvement

India’s rich heritage of health and wellness is commendable and offers a very attractive market to the world  said Mr. Todd Walter, CEO, Red Door Spas, Elizabeth Arden, USA.  He along with his team is on a visit to India to explore the spa and wellness market for tie-ups and collaborations.

“Every 2^nd Indian has a hair and skin problem which is correlated to stress” pointed out Dr. Apoorva Shah, Founder Richfeel Health and Beauty, who has researched the correlation between hair loss and stress and was offering solutions. 

The insurance angle to wellness was explored by Mr. S. B. Mathur, Secretary General, Life Insurance Council who has been the Chairman, National Stock Exchange and Advisor, National Investment Fund, Government of India.

VLCC’s Mr. Sandeep Ahuja reiterated the linkages between body weight, shape and feeling good.  Shaping up to good heath was the “mantra for modern times”, he added..

Mr. Anurag Dubey, Healthcare Delivery Practice, South Asia Middle East, Frost & Sullivan, presented the highlights of FICCI-Frost & Sullivan Knowledge Paper which correlates wellness with the theme of the conference – Transforming Lifestyles.   It looks at spas, gyms, alternative therapies, organic foods and the growth that is triggered off in allied sectors such as real estate, tourism, employment, education, fitness equipment and nutraceuticals.  

Mr. Harsh Mariwala, Sr. Vice President, FICCI and CMD, Marico Ltd., pegged the international wellness market as US$500 billion slated to go up to US$1 trillion.  He envisioned a phenomenal growth in the wellness space in India in the years to come.

Earlier, Mr. Sushil Jiwarajka proposed a vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to Red Door Spas, Frost & Sullivan, VLCC, Richfeel, QCI, NABH, Svastii, Times Wellness.com, Indian Spa Wellness Business Forum, ZEE Business, and all the media partners.

From Left to Right –Mr. Sandip Ahuja, CEO, VLCC, Mr. Sushil Jiwarajka, Chairman, FICCI-WRC, Ms. Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Actor, Celebrity & Partner, Iosis Medispa, Mr. Todd Walter, CEO, Red Door Spas, Elizabeth Arden, Connecticut, USA, Mr. S. B. Mathur, Secretary General, Life Insurance Council, Shri Anurag Dubey, Industry Manager Health IT & Healthcare Delivery Practice, South Asia & Middle East, Frost & Sullivan, Dr. Apoorva Shah, Founder, Richfeel Health & Beauty Pvt. Ltd.

“Generate employment outside Agriculture” says Maharashtra Addl. Chief Secretary, Agriculture, at a FICCI Meet.

Mumbai, 1^st September, 2010 -.  “Agri-business is the next growth area.  India cultivates agriculture for livelihood; western countries do agriculture for business.  A strong supply chain management for lemon products need to be built as we move from green to new” said Mr. Nana Saheb Patil, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture,  Government of Maharashtra, while inaugurating the Interactive Workshop on Nature’s Wonder Fruit – Lemon, Lemon’s Multifarious Dimensions organized by FICCI in the city today.  He also released the FICCI-Cygnus Knowledge Paper on Nature’s Wonder Fruit –Lemon.

Mr. Mahavir Jangate,   Project Manager, Maharashtra State Horticulture and Medicinal Plants Board, said that lemon is grown in about 38000 hectors of land in Maharashtra accounting for 166,000 metric tonnes of production with a productivity of 4.1 Hectors/MT.   He showed a willingness to support initiatives related to functional foods.  

Looking at the enormous health and nutritional benefits of lime and lemon, Mr. Appasaheb Bhujbal, President, Acid Lime Growers Association of India, called for individual consumption of a lime/lemon half-a-lime/lemon every day to remain healthy and fit.    He suggested that farmers should make efforts to produce organic lime and lemons.

Mr. O.R.S. Rao, Director, Cygnus Business Consulting & Research, expressed confidence that there is ample scope for use of lemon in processed foods and Medicinal applications which would enable create substantial value-addition and increase price realizations to the growers. This, in turn, would encourage them to increase production as well as help greater exports, he added.

Earlier Mr. Sushil Jiwarajka, Chairman, FICCI-WRC, saw a great potential for the growth of lemon as the total production of lemon in world was 13.68 million tonnes in 2009, against 13.15 million tonnes in 2005.  He noted that the cultivation acreage in India had increased from 268.7 thousand hectors in 2005-’06 to 332.5 thousand hectors in 2009-10 recording 23.74% growth.




From Left to Right – Dr. Vaijayanti Pandit, Director, FICCI-WRC; Mr. Mahavir Jangate, Project Manager, Maharashtra State Horticulture and Medicinal Plants Board; Mr. Sushil Jiwarajka, Chairman, FICCI-WRC; Shri N.B. Patil, Addl. Chief Secretary, Agriculture & Horticulture, Agri. ADF Department, Govt. of Maharashtra; Mr. Appasaheb Bhujbal, President, Acid Lime Growers Association of India, Mr. O.R.S. Rao, Director, Cygnus Business Consulting and Research.   

3rd September, 2010 Nagpur: “Vidarbha has a tremendous growth potential and can contribute immensely in Energy Conservation, Renewable Energy and Energy Audits for the SMEs” said Mr. Pravin Tapadia, President, Vidarbha Industries Association,  while inaugurating the FICCI – VIA workshop on energy issues this morning in Nagpur. He suggested a focused approach to leverage the strengths of Vidarbha for an all round balanced growth of Maharashtra. Suggestions for policy changes and speedier implementation were the key takeaways from Mr. Tapadia.

Mr. R V Sonje, Addl. Chief Engineer of MIDC mentioned that FICCI and MIDC would soon be preparing an implementable strategy based on the series of Interactive Workshops organized by FICCI and MEDA on Energy Conservation, Renewable Energy and Energy Audits.

Mr. Rohit Dumate, Project Executive of MEDA gave an exhaustive presentation on the national energy policies, incentives and schemes of the Maharashtra Government and the Government of India with respect to energy conservation and renewable energy.

The technical sessions of the workshop were addressed by Mr. Anupam Shrivastav, Jt. Director of PCRA made presentation on Need & Importance of Energy Conservation; Mr. Mohammed Motasib of Siemens made a presentation on Energy Saving Opportunities – Case Studies in Paper Industry; Presentation on Conservation of Solid Waste Energy by Ms. Laxmi Pande and Solar Application by Dr. Prashant Gandhi of Ahana Energies, and Mr. Murthy of Raymonds presented a case study on Energy saving opportunities.

Earlier Dr. Vaijayanti Pandit, Director – FICCI – WRC, welcomed the gathering on behalf of FICCI and gave an overview of Progressive Maharashtra’s forthcoming initiatives such as Focus Nanded on 13^th and 14^th of November 2010 to showcase Nanded, Marathwada and Maharashtra.

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Mumbai, 23^rd September, 2010 – Inaugurating an Interactive Workshop on Medical Textiles organized by FICCI, Mr. Sujit Gulati, Jt. Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, advised FICCI to create an Interactive Portal for Technical Textiles so that issues are  addressed promptly and the sector becomes globally competitive. A FICCI-SITRA Knowledge paper was also released by him on this occasion.

Highlighting the growth of technical textiles, Mrs. Shashi Singh, Jt. Textile Commissioner, said, “Technical Textiles is ready for exponential growth, with 50 of the Fortune companies in Technical Textiles.  Out of a global Technical Textile market of US$127 billion, Medical Textiles in India accounts for US$8.24 billion. Medical Textiles market in India is growing at 20 percent per annum”.

Referring to Nonwoven usage, she said, “The biggest opportunity is in the replacement of woven with nonwovens, which offer greater protection in preventing hospital acquired diseases”.

Ms. Singh called for tie ups with foreign manufacturers or licencing arrangement for manufacture of products under the surgical and extra corporeal category and other hygiene maintenance meditech products, so that they can be produced and marketed at an affordable cost.

Mr. Arun Jariwala, Chairman, Indian Technical Textile Association, said that Manmade Textiles Research Association (MANTRA), in Surat, which has been designated as a Center of Excellence for laminating and Coating by the Gujarat Government, will help scale up country’s Meditech sector to become globally competitive.   Gujarat Government has given a grant of Rs.6 crores for setting up plant for manufacturing different types of Nonwoven meditech products, he added. 

Assuring that a Plasma Textile Services Centre would be established in Surat if Textile Ministry, Government of India, puts up a mega-textiles cluster in Surat, Mr. Jariwala, expressed that coatings using Nanotechnology and Plasma would enable produce very effective antiseptic and antimicrobial Meditech products.   He appealed to the industry participants to explore this new area in technical textiles.

Dr. Arindam Basu, Director, SITRA, said, “I expect the domestic consumption of technical textiles under Meditech to increase from Rs.1514 crore in 2007-’08 to Rs.2263 crore by 2012-13 at a growth rate of 8-9% year on year”.

He noted that SITRA provides facilities for testing and evaluation of meditech products, preparation of draft standards, and is actively working on Process, Product and Instrument Development in the area of Meditech.

Dr. Abhay Chowdhari, Director, Haffkine Institute of Research & Testing, called for immediate action to resolve the issue of disposing of meditech waste disposals.  He saw a great need for improving infection control adopting global best practices in hospitals.   He noted that against a rate 60% infection control in the West, India has achieved only 10-15 percent.

Earlier, Mr. Manoj Patiodia, EC Member, FICCI-WRC & Vice Chairman & MD, Prime Textiles Ltd., called for a drastic reduction in import duty on textile machinery for manufacture of medical textiles and ensuring adequate availability of the right kind of chemicals and raw materials required in the production of specialized medical textiles.  He also suggested customized production of medical textile products.

Amongst the speakers who addressed the technical sessions at the workshop, were 3 eminent speakers from the United States, Switzerland and Thailand, who saw a huge potential for the growth of Medical textiles in India. 

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