• Revenues for the 6 months, ended September 2008, crosses Rs. 150 crores
• Revenues for the Q2, 2008 - 09 stood at Rs. 90.88 crores
• Profit After Tax for the 6 months, ended September 2008, at Rs. 20.97 crore
• Profit After Tax for the Q2, 2008- 09 stood at Rs. 10.62 crore
• EPS for the 6 months ending September 2008 grew by 1.61 % to Rs. 8.19

MARG Limited., India’s leading diversified infrastructure development company registered an impressive income of Rs. 90.88 crore, for the second quarter ended September 30, 2008, an increase by over 85.20% compared to the similar period last fiscal. The income for the 6 month period stood at Rs. 171.60 crore, as against the income of Rs. 93.35 crore for the fiscal 2007 – 08, an increase by over 83.82 %. The net profit after tax was Rs. 10.62 crore, for the second quarter 2008-09, an increase by 61.15 % as compared to the last fiscal. The net profit for the 6 month period starting April 2008 was Rs. 20.97 crore, as against a PAT of Rs. 14.69 crore for the fiscal ’07-‘08.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. G.R.K. Reddy, Managing Director, MARG said, “Second quarter of this fiscal is quite impressive and we are expecting about 65% growth in FY 2008 - 09. We invested money in land banks and with our projects now taking shape, we are expecting good returns. Our unique business model enables us to offer enhanced value addition in all our business verticals. Identifying opportunities ahead of time has helped MARG to build realty and infrastructure solutions, which fuel the progress of the Nation. This Spirit of Visioneering has inspired us at MARG to venture into infrastructure development of Ports, Malls, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), IT Parks, Serviced Apartments, Townships, Residential and Commercial projects”

Recently, MARG Limited, emerged as the Fastest Growing Construction Company in the Medium Category, at the 6th Annual Construction World Awards 2008. MARG was chosen for this prestigious honour based on its financial performance for the last five years.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About MARG Limited

MARG Ltd., formerly MARG Constructions Limited is among India’s fastest growing diversified Infrastructure development companies. Established in 1994, MARG Ltd is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. MARG group’s business verticals are broadly classified as Port & Logistics, Industrial Clusters, Commercial Infrastructure and Homes. MARG, in association with the Great Lakes Institute of Management recently launched the ‘Centre of Excellence for Infrastructure’.

MARG has pioneered in regional development concept and contributed in South Chennai. It is now contributing in the development of Karaikal and New Chennai region by developing an Inclusive sustainable city. MARG Swarnabhoomi, a 24 carat neo city’s, prestigious clientele includes market leaders such as Scope International (Standard Chartered Bank), Tata Consultancy Services, Satyam Computer Services, BHEL, Enercon India and Slash Support Systems. For more information, visit, www.marggroup.com

A middleware technology company providing various MVAS to top mobile operators like Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular in India, Net4Nuts will be launching its products and services in similar markets like Middle East, Latin America, East Europe, and Africa. However, instead of setting up its own base there, Net4Nuts will look to tie up with local partners for which it has already begun discussions with several players there. In India, the company offers its products and services on B2B basis to operators who then offer them to end users.

"Regions like Middle East, Latin America and East Europe are similar to India in terms of low bandwidth, low expenditure on MVAS and demand for low cost products. Globally, one can access now emails or browse for around $ 1-2 and our products will be priced accordingly. We, therefore, hope to gain a good ground in these markets," said Chirag Patel, founder and chief executive officer of Net4Nuts Limited.

MeOnGo, short for ‘Me on the Go’, allows a user to read emails on a mobile. Access is also available from any POP3 or IMAP4 based mailboxes. The service works over Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) and supports versions 1.1 and above for Wireless Markup Language (WML) and Extensible HyperText Markup Language( XHTML). While earlier the product was offered for no charge in India, MeOnGo will be launched in overseas market for a nominal price.

Moreover, the company is also planning to offer some new products and services directly to end users. "We intend to develop the MeOnGo brand and add more innovative and customised services to it and offer it directly to end users. These services will, however, not be a competition to our existing operators," added Patel.

According to the company’ estimates, the number of users across the world having email on their mobile phones would see a jump of atleast 20 times. From 6-8 million users across the world, the number would in likelihood go up to 150 million in the next four years, the company believes.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Net4Nuts Limited - is a middleware technology company providing a wide range of Mobile Value Added Services to top mobile operators in India and S.E.Asia. Net4Nuts has helped various clients in enhancing and extending existing technology solutions, developing alternate data revenue streams, and increasing the ARPU. In addition to offering a wide range of carrier-class solutions, Net4Nuts has also excelled in providing services for Custom Software Development to different companies around the globe.

Dr Ganesh Natarajan, Deputy Chairman and MD, Zensar and Chairman NASSCOM at the occasion said, “This partnership with Kotak is a strategic one for Zensar and we look forward to a significant scale up of this business to a 500 seat centre in the near future. This is the first engagement in the domestic market for our BPO business, reiterating our focus and belief in India as a market.”

The centre located at Zensar’s Pune campus would cater to activities such as customer acquisition, customer service, collections and retention for Kotak’s recently launched credit card product range. The operation commenced with 20 associates in April 2008, and has been scaled up to over 250 associates today. This centre will support Kotak cards’ business in ten cities across India with focus on customer experience as one of the key differentiators.

Subrat Pani, Business Head, Credit Cards, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “With our suite of Simple & Powerful credit cards, we aim to make a difference in the aspirational Indian customer’s life. We as the credit cards industry have to do a lot to make it easier for customers to understand and use credit cards, and above all keep the cardholders happy. The set of people, processes and innovative technologies that we are working with at Zensar is aimed at creating that enhanced customer experience that we look forward to deliver consistently to our cardholders”.

Kotak Credit Cards is the newest addition to the wide array of financial services offerings of the Kotak Group. The card range on offer includes 2 Visa Gold Cards, a Visa Platinum Card and a Visa Signature Card. Kotak cards has taken a fresh approach on card design, and has introduced India’s 1st vertical card. With the CRM centre with Zensar, Kotak Cards is demonstrating its fresh approach to enhanced customer experience in the credit cards industry.

Hiren Kulkarni, Head of Zensar’s BPO said, “Zensar and Kotak are now looking at jointly addressing requirements of business continuity by setting up a 100 seater functional centre in Zensar’s Hyderabad facility. This facility will also address the Southern India market of Bengalooru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Coimbatore.”

Plans have been chalked out to establish dedicated communication infrastructure that will connect Kotak and Zensar’s data centre to host systems specific to Kotak’s business requirements. This is the first domestic account for Zensar in the BPO space exhibiting immense growth opportunities for the Company. The success of this Kotak-Zensar association will go into determining the future for Indian Financial Services and outsourcing industry.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Zensar Technologies (www.zensar.com)

Zensar Technologies is among the top 25 software services providers from India. Zensar is the world's first enterprise-wide SEI CMM Level 5 Company and now a CMMI Level 5 Company with industry expertise that spans Retail, Manufacturing, Banking, Finance, Insurance, Telecommunications, Utilities and Pharma. Zensar has more than 4000 employees with sales and operations presence across US, UK, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Middle East, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Japan and China. The Company delivers comprehensive services in mission-critical applications, enterprise applications, e-business, BPO and Knowledge Services. The Company has developed tools and methodologies, including the proprietary Solution BluePrint (SBP), which enables its clients with innovative business solutions and a rapid ‘go-to-market’ capability. The Company supports Fortune 500 clients with software business solutions that help them compete in the digital economy.

About Kotak Mahindra Group (www.kotak.com)

The Kotak Mahindra group is one of India's leading banking and financial services organizations, with offerings across personal financial services; commercial banking; corporate and investment banking, and markets; stock broking; asset management and life insurance. The Group has a net worth of Rs 5,824 Crores and assets under management to the tune of Rs 36,544 Crores (as of 31st March 2008). With a market capitalisation of around USD 5.4 Billion (As of March 31st, 2008); listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange), the Kotak Group employs around 20,000 (As of March 31st, 2008) people with over 1,350 offices, spread across 370 cities, and services around 4.4 million customer accounts across India. Kotak also has offices in London, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Dubai and Mauritius.

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in earnings, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, withdrawal of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company.

This niche event by The Embassy of Peru & Brandsmith was supported by Peruvian fast food chain Bembos & Indian wine company Chateau Indage.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

‘Africa Day’ is commemorates the founding of the ‘Organisation of African Unity’ on the 25 May, 1963, which became the ‘African Union’ in July 2002 after amalgamating with the African Economic Community. By establishing of the organisation the leaders of the then independent Africa gave significant impetus to the continent's collective but then incomplete struggle for independence. The ‘African Union’ recently gained a higher profile internationally as a result of its peacekeeping activities in Darfur.

The Africa Day has been a great occasion in African countries and around the world to bring the African countries together to work for the greater political stability and rapid socio-economic development in the region as well as to showcase the African culture and strengthen their relationship with rest of the world.

Explaining the idea behind organising ‘Africa Day’, Hon’ble Ambassador of Republic of Egypt, H E Mohamed Hamid Higazy said, “We wish to seize this opportunity to express our deep gratitude towards our international partners from this region for the constant interest and support that they continue to lend to our efforts for integration and development of our continent. The African continent must build a united front in building a secure future for itself and its people. As we observe the rise of Asian giants, particularly, India and China, we must take up the challenge of ensuring that we claim the twenty-first century as Africa’s. We can only achieve this, if we can work together among ourselves and with developing countries like India to pronounce Africa's arrival on the global scene as a vibrant and decisive player.”

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

For further information please contact:
Sonalika Luthra – 9818130558, sonalika@lexicon.in
Prasoon K. Ghosh – 9953667117, prasoon@lexicon.in

Lexicon Public Relations & Corporate Consultants Limited. (A Fleishman-Hillard International Communications Affiliate)

Speaking on the development, mr. Mani Iyer, Executive Director, IBPL, said, “This business deal brings together two companies having respective expertise in niche areas of operations. IBPL and Apotex have complementary strengths, which will help in launching the first GCSF generic in North America. IBPL and Apotex are eying a significant share of total G-CSF market in North America and Europe, which is currently estimated to be around $1.4 billion annually. Although guidelines for biosimilar product registration in North America are not yet finalized, the companies anticipate that there would be a clear pathway for biotech companies, once the legislation is in place.

As far as IBPL is concerned, North America and Europe are ideal markets to serve the goal of developing innovative research technologies/new molecules related to biopharmaceuticals; evaluate technology platforms; identify partnership opportunities, in-licensable IPs; and to build up Novel Drug Delivery System. IBPL and Apotex are keen to explore prospective business opportunities for more biosimilar products in the coming years.”

Dr. Jeremy B Desai, Executive Vice President, Research & Development, Apotex adds “This agreement represents an important milestone for Apotex, as it strengthens the organization’s development in Europe and will offer support for entering this important market with future biosimilar products currently in the Apotex development pipeline”.

Dr. Helmut Brunar, VP Research and Business Development, Kwizda Pharma explains mutual benefits of the agreement: “It is part of Kwizda Pharma’s current business strategy to work together with non-European pharmaceutical companies to break into the European market. That is why we worked with IBPL to successfully complete a phase I clinical trial and have transferred our rights in IBPL’s G-CSF to Apotex including initiation of a phase III trial for the approval of G-CSF in Europe”.

Amongst top five leaders in generic market, Apotex has a strong registration, marketing & distribution team whereas IBPL offers a unique competitive advantage in terms of R&D and Manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals. The deal offers immense growth opportunities for both, Apotex and IBPL, as they look to consolidate their presence in the global biogenerics market. Neukine® (rHu GCSF) is the first drug introduced by IBPL in India and subsequently Erykine® (rHu EPO), Intalfa® (rHu IFN) and Neupeg™ (Peg GCSF) in domestic market and few international markets. IBPL has also entered into several distribution and marketing agreements with reputed international companies in regulated and semi-regulated markets of Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Russia & CIS, South and Central America and Africa.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Intas Biopharmaceuticals Limited:

Since launch of biotechnology operations in May 2000, Research & Development, Manufacturing and Marketing of biopharmaceutical products, with a special focus on Oncology (Cancer), are major thrust areas for IBPL. The company is India’s first and only biopharmaceuticals manufacturing company to receive European Union – Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP) certification. Today, Intas Biopharmaceuticals Limited is the sole manufacturer of Pegylated GCSF in India and markets under the brand name “NEUPEG”.

About Kwizda GmbH

Kwizda GmbH is a privately owned group of companies and has been operating since 1853 (pharmaceutical division). Kwizda Pharma is a leading Austrian manufacturer and wholesaler of proprietary, in-licensed and third-party pharmaceuticals, OTC drugs and hospital infusions. In 2007, the company recorded sales of approximately EUR 50 million.

About Apotex Inc.

Apotex Inc. is the largest Canadian-owned pharmaceutical company, employing over 6,800 people in research, development, manufacturing and distribution facilities world-wide. Apotex produces more than 300 generic molecules in a variety of different presentations, which, in Canada, are used to fill over 75 million prescriptions a year - the largest amount of any pharmaceutical company in this country. In the next 10 years, Apotex will spend $2 Billion in R&D and has presently over 600 products under development.

If you are planning on coming to China to watch the Games or just see the sights, you will need a Tourist/ Family visit (L) visa. In order to apply for this visa, a visit to the Chinese embassy or consulate in your respective country is essential.

A candidate requires a valid passport, with at least six months of validity remaining, a Q1 visa application form that is available at the embassy and one passport photograph. Depending on nationality and amount of time you intend to stay, this visa will cost from ₤30-₤90.

It takes about four days for this visa to be processed, once this is done you will be able to secure tickets for the Games’ events and prepare for the rest of your journey.

Getting to China is fairly straight-forward with many large airline companies, from Cathay Pacific to British airways, flying there. The Capital International Airport is located 23.5km from the centre of Beijing. Transport to and from the airport and around the city is easy by using a taxi, a bus or the subway.

Beijing offers various accommodation alternatives, whether you want to stay in a standard star-class hotel (there are about 40 five-star hotels in Beijing), a guesthouse, hostel or cultural village, the city accommodates you depending on your specific budget.

According to Deborah Tang, Global Visa’s chief representative in the Beijing office, says that people in China and in Beijing in general are highly intellectual and many speak English, “it is an international city,” she says. “Beijing is close to the government, this ensures that it I safe there and better equipped to hold the Games,” says Tang.

Famous for silk embroidery and jade shopping in the markets and antique shops are a must. Beijing has more than a hundred shopping complexes; go to Xidan Commercial Street for a traditional shopping centre, antiques at Panjiayuan Antique City and exported clothing at Yaxiu Clothing Wholesale Market.

If its history you’ve come to see take in Tian’anmen square and the Imperial Palace or indulge in traditional Chinese cuisine. Beijing has as many as 7300 cultural sites so remember to leave space in your itinerary besides enjoying the celebration of the Olympic Games.

For Tang these are the main reasons why she promises an unforgettable Olympic Games. Visit www.globalvisas.com for help applying for visas.

As the games fast approach, it is important for visitors to know what to do in Beijing and how to get there in order to enjoy all that China has to offer. For more information visit www.globalvisas.com

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

www.globalvisas.co.in is the Indian arm of www.globalvisas.com the worlds leading authority in Immigration and visa laws across the globe. Our company spans the world with specialist solicitors dealing with Immigration laws in country including. USA, UK, Canada, China, India, Philippines, Australia, South Africa andIreland.

Our clients range from the fortune 100 companies to world "A" list celebrities.

This year the US Congress has set a limit of 65,000 for the H-1B foreign workers for the fiscal year 2009 to promote an equal opportunity for prospective petitions seeking visas for the H-1B workers. This year the H-1b visa will most likely be run as a lottery. Last year more than 123,000 petitions for the 65,000 visas available were received on the April 1st. The US immigration authorities said that they expect this year the demand for the H-1B will be high and exceed the 2009 cap and there were concerns that some may try and manipulate the system.

The New Rules Affecting H-1B Visa

This rule points out that USCIS will receive the specific application for the H-1B visas within the first five business days of accepting applications for the coming fiscal year which starts on April 1st 2002. The immigration agency will run a lotto type, random selection process among all H-1B application received during this time period.

Employers are requested to stick to the new rules if not they risk having their application revoked or even denied as well as not being refunded for their multiple H-1B applications. However there is an exemption to the rule, it does not prevent related employers, such as a parent company and its subsidiary, from filing applications on behalf of the same worker "for different positions, based on a legitimate need.

When asked about the new visa changes Liam Clifford, Director of www.globalvisas.com, the international immigration and visa agency said “We all need to understand that the new rule is wants to make the employment field fair to everyone. Small to medium companies are able to submit applications knowing that larger companies cannot make multiple petitions. Everyone can submit their petitions and be treated equally and fairly”.

The USCIS said President George W Bush announced that the Administration would be undertaking a series of immigration and border security reforms and changes to the H-1B filing process under this rule are an important part of that initiative. This announcement was made in August last year.

“We can also expect that skilled workers from across all special fields not only IT or Science will be included in the lottery and receive a fair chance towards obtaining the H-1B visa. Immigration and visa laws are always changing and people need to work with reliable institutions when they apply for such intricate visas and we are at the forefront, working with governments and employers” said Liam Clifford of www.globalvisas.co.in .

How Will This Affect 2008 Applicants

April 1, 2008 is the first day applications may e received for an October 1 2008 start date. Applicants have to ensure that they have right papers needed to support their application and more importantly submit their application when the H-1B doors open in the first week of April which is only a few days away. Applicants who are not awarded with the visa this year will have to reapply for the next fiscal year.

The US H-1B Controversy

This decision comes weeks after technology companies like Microsoft and its Chairman Bill Gates spoke to the US Congress to loosen up the already tough immigration laws for global labour mobility stating that by bringing in more skilled migrants in need skilled industries, they in return will also be creating jobs for US workers.

Bill Gates' recent testimony before a congressional committee stated that the US immigration and visa laws should "allow more highly-skilled workers to remain in the U.S." is to grant H-1b visas on the basis of skill rather than by a lottery... The best proxy for "skill" is "wage." He proposed that skilled migrants should not be forced to enter a lotto type scenario but infact should be paid for what they are worth.

The H-1B visa is popular amongst Indian IT and technology specialists of which Microsoft and other technology companies desire to bring more qualified technicians from India. The road to H-1B last year was filed with a few mishaps from the US Embassy in Indian, with authorities are determined to clamp down this time around.

Ajay Hasija the India Branch Director of www.globalvisas.co.in states that “many Indian skilled workers want to gain experience overseas and many are looking for a reliable immigration and visa agency to make applications on their behalf. At the moment the world is looking at India for skilled computer technicians particularly in the US and we work with candidates, employers and government to ensure that the proper procedures are followed. There really is no need to start panicking under the new rules for many Indian applicants.”

The H-1B Visa

The US H1-B visa basically allows a US employer to employ a foreign skilled worker for a period of up to six years. This visa cannot be used as a route to permanent residency. However candidates may start their application for the USA Green Card whilst in the country on an H1B visa, the process can be undertaken whilst already living and working in the US

To be eligible for an H-1B visa an applicant has to find a suitable job according to their qualifications in the US. Once the applicant has qualified and received a job offer, the US employer files anH1 petition (work permit). The sponsoring employer files the H1 petition with USCIS (Department of Immigration of the United States) upon approval of this petition you will be permitted to work for that employer in the United States.

www.globalvisas.ca understands the immigration and visa law for the United States and is in a position to help both employer and candidate in their application process. Global Visas can help to simplify the process for you by helping you to identify which American immigration route is the most appropriate for your needs. To find out how we can help you, contact us at www.globalvisas.com and fill out one of our assessment form and a US consultant will be in touch with you.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

www.globalvisas.co.in is the Indian arm of www.globalvisas.com the worlds leading authority in Immigration and visa laws across the globe. Our company spans the world with specialist solicitors dealing with Immigration laws in country including. USA, UK, Canada, China, India, Philippines, Australia, South Africa andIreland.

Our clients range from the fortune 100 companies to world "A" list celebrities.

“The institution of new office of NZTE in Mumbai reflects the city’s importance as a hub for Western and Southern India. The inauguration of the new office is reflective of increased focus on opportunities in the region,” said Minister Anderton, “and growing interest in this vast market from New Zealand companies.”

The Mumbai office will support New Zealand’s international trade programmes and growth strategies including supporting the India Beachheads Advisory Board. India Beachheads was established in 2007 with Pradip Madhavji taking the role of Chairman and V M Crishna – MD of Godrej Upstream Ltd, Philip Michell -Director for ANZ India, Sandeep Tandon -Group Advisor to Reliance Group of Industries and R Ramanan -CEO of CMC Ltd, taking advisory positions on the Board.

Minister Anderton is in India leading a trade mission for the wood and building industry. Last week New Zealand Trade and Enterprise launched Aviation NZ at the Aviation Expo in New Delhi. Both events signal a deep desire from New Zealand to increase trade relationships;

New Zealand exports were NZD $366 million in 2007.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

It will bring together nearly five hundred researchers and policy makers from developing countries together with world-renowned experts. During the conference they will tackle some of the most troubling and controversial questions on global poverty and security today:

In 2008, why does the world remain divided between societies where peace prevails and those where violence is commonplace? What is the cost of insecurity in countries where aid flows continue, yet development is severely limited if not impossible?

Is poverty the main cause of civil wars and violence, or does the evidence point elsewhere?

Prevention versus emergency response: Where should governments and international agencies put their dollars?

If aid funds facilitate economic development in some of the poorest countries, can it be said that aid flows contribute to climate change? Should disaster management be a central part of development strategies rather than an add-on?

Individuals, even governments lack incentives to prevent the spread of diseases like HIV/AIDS or SARS. So whose responsibility is it?

News media are invited to explore the issues raised at the conference with participants who will showcase new ways to look at old problems, and offer new statistics and methodologies to measure success and failure.

Participants include:

Oxford University professor Paul Collier, author of the recently published The Bottom Billion: why the poorest countries are failing and what can be done about it;

Mozambique’s first female Prime Minister Luisa Dias Diogo;

Minister of Disaster Management in Sri Lanka Mahinda Samarasinghe;

Hon. Bob McMullan, Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Australia

Assistant Secretary General and Director of Development Policy at the United Nations Development Program, Olav Kjorven;

Managing Director of the World Bank Graeme Wheeler;

Nobel Laureate, Economist Michael Spence;

Former President of Mexico and Chair of the Global Development Network Ernesto Zedillo.

To give an Asia Pacific perspective, participants will include the new Australian Parliamentary Secretary for International Development, Bob McMullan; Chief Justice for Solomon Islands Albert Palmer; High Commissioner for Papua New Guinea Bernard Narokobi; and academics from Australia, Fiji, PNG and elsewhere.

The conference will also showcase this year’s finalists for the Global Development Awards and Medals Competition. This is the largest international competition for research on development . First prizes include a grant of US$30,000. Finalists this year come from places as diverse as Macedonia, Peru and India.

About the Global Development Network

The Global Development Network is a global association of research and policy institutes. Its annual conferences are held in a different region each year.

It was founded to support more research in developing countries, because when research is ‘home-grown’, it is more relevant and more likely to attract broad-based support. Better research means better policy and better results.

WHAT: The Ninth Annual Global Development Conference Security for Development: Confronting Threats to Survival and Safety

VENUE: The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

DATE: Tuesday 29 January - Thursday 31 January 2008.

Regions represented at the conference include the following:

Latin America

As countries in Latin American continue their fight against crime, speakers from the region provide unique perspectives on the relationship between crime and productivity. Speakers include former head of Colombian State Security Andres Penate, As a finalist in the category for the ‘Most Innovative Development Project’, the Executive Director of Peru’s Ciudad Saludable, Albina Ruiz will present his institution’s new approach to ‘Sustainable Solid Waste Management in the Rural Cities of Peru’. A full session is dedicated to examining ‘Crime and Security in Latin America.’

Africa

Mozambique’s first female Prime Minister Luisa Dias Diogo will chair the final session where policymakers will discuss the feasibility of various options for improving security. Sessions focus on identifying policy practices where development reduces rather than exacerbates the risks of civil war in Africa; the challenges of maintaining macroeconomic stability in post-conflict nations; and how to manage aid flows in an environment of limitative absorptive capacity. Participants from Kenya, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Tunisia and Ghana will offer perspectives.

Asia

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Disaster Management, Mahinda Samarasinghe will be a panelist in the final session and will provide first-hand experience from Sri Lanka in handling post-tsunami recovery. Focus on security and development relationships in Asia will be discussed through speakers highlighting human trafficking problems, transborder security threats, contagious diseases and post-SARS efforts. Varughese Jacob from the Byrraju Foundation in India will present an innovative development project, ‘Safe Water for Everyone using Effective Technology’ currently underway in India which seeks to enhance the supply of water to poorer areas of South India.

Eastern Europe

Almost two decades after the fall of communism, societies in Central and Eastern Europe are engaged in the process of reforming institutions to enable integration with Western Europe. Speakers discuss support for European Union accession, educational reform, the development of financial institutions and ethnic conflict and crime among societies in transition.

For more information go to www.gdnet.org/ninth_conference

News media interested in attending the conference, interviewing participants or requiring more background, please contact Josie Pagani, +64 29 9050207 or josie@sugarmedia.tv

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

The Global Development Network is a global association of research and policy institutes. Its annual conferences are held in a different region each year.

It was founded to support more research in developing countries, because when research is ‘home-grown’, it is more relevant and more likely to attract broad-based support. Better research means better policy and better results.

"I am concerned by the evidence gathered by the IFA in Brazil in May indicating that the country is failing to adhere to the highest possible and public health standards", explained Minister Killeen.

He continued, "The many statements issued by farming groups have brought the traceability issue to the forefront of Irish agriculture. I am happy to see that their long-standing concerns are now being addressed by the Commissioner for Consumer Health, Markos Kyprianou who has sanctioned a number of EU Food and Veterinary Office missions in Brazil. The Commissioner has confirmed that the authorisation of exports from Brazil will be immediately reassessed once these missions are completed."

Minister Killeen added that he was acutely aware of the concerns of Irish farmers and that the issue of Brazilian beef traceability was one that required immediate attention.

He explained, "The IFA claims that the lack of controls on beef production in Brazil is placing the livelihoods of 100,000 Irish livestock farmers are at risk. Therefore, it is imperative that the Irish Government and the EU act promptly and properly in addressing these deficiencies."

"In the interests of Ireland's livestock producers and consumers I will continue to impress upon Minister for Agriculture May Coughlan the need to ensure that Irish farmers receive fair play in the market place. A situation whereby produce imported from non-EU countries does not meet standards equivalent to those required by Community producers is entirely unacceptable and to the detriment of Irish farmers", concluded Minister Killeen.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
High resolution image of Minister Killeen available on request

In this article, Shiv R. Jhawar, the founder of Noble World Foundation and author of the book, “Building a Noble World,” writes, “It is time for the member nations of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to move from their narrow national self-interest to a global vision that embraces the interests of all humanity. Strengthening the UNSC by removing the right to veto and introducing the membership of regional unions can make this vision a reality.”

The UNSC is the main organ of the United Nations (UN) responsible for maintaining global peace and security. While awarding the 2001 Nobel Prize for Peace jointly to the UN and its outgoing Secretary-General, Kofi A. Annan, the Norwegian Committee rightfully stated, “the only negotiable route to global peace and cooperation goes by way of the United Nations.”

Since its foundation on October 24, 1945, the UN has grown from 51 to 192 member nations. Despite this semblance of world-wide unity, fair treatment amongst nations is still lacking. The article states that the “law of the jungle” and “survival of the fittest” mentality still dominates many international relationships. On the world stage, the UN is unable at times to prevent invasions, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and global terrorist threats. Recently, the Iraq war has plunged the UN into its biggest crisis.

The article points out that in thisageof globalization, the UN needs to replace “might is right” with “right is might.” This means, changing the prioritiesof a world system that currently spends 3 billion dollars a day on armaments while 3 billion people - almost half ofthe world’s population - live below the poverty line of less than $2 a day.

According to the article, only a radically reformed UNSC can achieve sustainable peace and prosperity. Although the political structure of the world has changed dramatically since the creation of the UN in 1945, the UNSC is still dominated by the same five permanent member nations (P5) - Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, and the USA. The P5, the main victors of World War II, still retain veto power that can be used to protect their national interests at the cost of human progress. Jhawar declares that the veto makes the Security Council ineffective in cases where the P5 are not in unanimous agreement. If one of the P5 says “no” to a resolution, then it is “no” even if the rest of the world supports it. This cannot be called democratic. To create a democratic structure, the UNSC should eliminate the veto power altogether.

The current 15-nation Security Council has five permanent and ten non-permanent, rotating nations that hold office for two years. Analysts and diplomats have recommended the enlargement of membership by adding influential nations like Japan, India, Brazil, and Germany. However, in Jhawar’s opinion, this will always encounter strong opposition from their neighboring nations. Therefore, a lasting solution, as difficult as it may sound, would be to replace member nations with appropriate regional representation that may eventually evolve into unions like the European Union (EU). Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the European Commissioner for External Relations, has already suggested that the United Kingdom and France should merge their permanent seats on the Security Council to form a single EU seat.

According to the article, the next step to UNSC reform should be to replace its member nations with appropriate regional unions. Jhawar explains that in a proper hierarchy, states make a nation, nations would make a regional union, and regional unions of nations, in turn, would make a global community. Thus, regional unions would become the necessary links between nations and a world body. This reform would encourage the evolution of democratic regional unions of independent nations world-wide, following the model of the EU. The proposed membership of regional unions, representing the entire world population, in the Security Council would eventually raise the United Nations’ status to that of a true world governing body.

“Without these democratic reforms, the UN will fail just like its predecessor, the League of Nations, did after the First World War,” warns Jhawar. “It is universalism and humanism-not nationalism or militarism-that can ultimately empower the United Nations to spread peace and prosperity in the world.”

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Noble World Foundation (NWF), a non-profit organization, is working to enlighten, educate, andinspire people to uplift humanity.

Shiv R. Jhawar, founder of Noble World Foundation, releases a revolutionary book, "Building a Noble World," to help bring a lasting peace to the world. According to Jhawar, the most effective way to stop terrorism and violence is to improve the quality of the human mind through the practice of meditation.

The past decade has seen India at the forefront of the global business and political landscape. Though the success has been attributed to a myriad of factors such as the country’s focus on information technology, favorable economic policies, and a growing number of ambitious entrepreneurs, the common thread underlying all of these initiatives is the Indian Dream. Although the Indian Dream parallels the idea of the American Dream, we seek to further delve into what exactly constitutes India's ideal for success. WIEF 2006 will serve as the platform for thought leaders to define their perception of this dream.

WIEF 2006 has attracted some of the most prominent business leaders in the world today. A sample of the speakers for this yearare:

Industry, Products and Services

• Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Auto
• Mr. Bharat Desai, Chairman & CEO, Syntel
• Mr. Adi Godrej, Chairman, Godrej Industries Limited
• Capt. G.R. Gopinath, Founder & MD, Air Deccan
• Mr. Rajat Gupta, Former Worldwide Managing Director, McKinsey & Co.
• Mr. Harish Manwani, President, Asia Africa, Unilever
• Ms. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson & MD, Biocon
• Ms. Madhu Nair, MD, The Leela Palaces & Resorts
• Mr. Rajendra Pawar, Founder & Chairman, NIIT
• Ms. Urvi Piramal, Chairperson, Ashok Piramal Group
• Mr. Keshav Prasad, MD, Applied Materials (India)
• Mr. Subhanu Saxena, CEO & President, Novartis UK

Private Equity, Venture Capital and Real Estate

• Mr. Neeraj Bharadwaj, Partner, Apax Partners
• Mr. Akhil Gupta, Chairman, The Blackstone Group, India
• Mr. Prakash Gurbaxani, CEO, TSI Ventures
• Mr. Shiv Khemka, Vice Chairman, SUN Group
• Mr. Ajit Nazre, Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
• Mr. Rahul Patwardhan, CEO, IndiaCo Ventures (P) Ltd; GP, Duke Equity Partners

Media & Entertainment

• Mr. Rajat Jain, MD, The Walt Disney Company (India) Pvt. Ltd.
• Mr. Karan Johar, Filmaker & Producer
• Mr. Ronnie Screwvala, CEO, UTV & President, Film and TV Producers Guild, India
• Mr. Manmohan Shetty, Chairman, Adlabs

Banking and Financial Services

• Mr O. P. Bhatt, Chairman, State Bank of India
• Mr. Gunit Chadha, CEO & MD, Deutsche Bank AG, India
• Mr. Rana Kapoor, Founder, MD & CEO, Yes Bank
• Mr. Jerome P. Kenney, Vice Chairman, Merrill Lynch
• Dr. Anil K. Khandelwal, Chairman & MD, Bank of Baroda
• Mr. Sanjay Nayar, CEO - India & Area Head - Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Citigroup
• Mr. Neeraj Swaroop, CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, India

Government and Public Policy

• Ms. Neelam Deo, Consul General of India, New York
• Ambassador Raminder Singh Jassal, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India
• Shri Adarsh Kishore, Ministry of Finance, Secretary (Expenditure), Government of India
• Mr. Vinod Rai, Secretary, Banking Sector, Government of India
• Shri Rajeeva Ratna Shah, Member-Secretary, Planning Commission, Government of India
• Mr. Ron Somers, President, US India Business Council
• Mr. Shashi Tharoor, Under-Secretary General, United Nations
• Dr. Arvind Virmani, Principal Advisor, Planning Commission, Government of India

These speakers and many others will take part in the following panels related to India’s economic prospects:

• Destination India: Entrepreneurs at Work
• Gateway to India: Opportunities and Challenges
• Government: Driving India Forward
• Indian Financial Services: Fortune in the Middle of the Pyramid
• Indian Industry: Redefining Boundaries
• Investing in India: A Cyclical or Secular Story?
• Media and Entertainment: It's Showtime!

This year's conference will engage attendees in a valuable dialogue on the promise of India's future growth and development. For those interested in participating in the Indian Dream, please join us for this event.

The WIEF 2006 conference has been generously supported by Merrill Lynch, Yes Bank, Perot Systems, Syntel, Godrej, The Leela Palaces and Resorts, Merck and Pipal Research. The official Marketing and Creative Agency is Mediasphere and the official PR Agency is IPAN.

Please visit www.whartonindia.com or email wief-press@wharton.upenn.edu for more information.

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Thiru Baalu told the visiting leaders about the ambitious National Highway Development Programme (NHDP) and informed them of the Government's decision to take up all future highway upgradation programmes through Public-private partnership (PPP). The Minister also informed about the formulation of National Maritime Development Programme involving an investment of about US $ 22 Billion in Ports, Shipping, Shipyard and Inland Waterways. Thiru Baalu said that his Ministry has taken necessary steps to create investment friendly policies and mitigation of risk factors for the investors. He said that the legislative and legal measures to protect private investment are in position and procurement procedures are well defined and transparent.

The Finnish Prime Minister highlighted the recent growth trends of Finnish investments in India and explored future opportunities for the Finland investments to participate in the road and port development programmes of India. Thiru Baalu sought mutual cooperation in the area of Ship building and emphasised that the advanced technology of Finland in this area would help the Indian Ship building industry. To achieve mutual cooperation in these areas, the two sides agreed that there is a need for the authorities in India and Finland to establish a close coordination and communication for understanding the respective areas of strength, capability and achievements in technology pertaining to highway and port sector.

The two sides also agreed to explore the possibility of forming joint ventures in the area of Cargo handling equipment. It was also agreed upon that both countries would cooperate in the areas of Inland Water transport and Maritime training. Thiru Baalu sought Finnish assistance in setting up of the proposed National Maritime University in the country. The Minister also informed that Indo-EU Agreement in Maritime Service is due for finalization after discussion with EU authorities.

The two sides also discussed the progress made on Asian Highway Network Project which proposes to join some Asian countries with Europe through Iran and Russia. Various issues pertaining to road safety were also discussed and two sides agreed to share their experience in this area.

The Finnish Minister of Transport and Communication, Ms. Susanna Huovinen extended invitation to the Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways to visit Finland for arriving at consensus on areas of cooperation.

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The Press Information Bureau is the nodal agency of the Government of India to disseminate information to the print and electronic media on government policies, programme initiatives and achievements. Functioning as an interface between the Government and the media, PIB also provides feedback to the Government as reflected in the media.

PIB functions through its corps of Departmental Publicity Officers attached to various Ministry and important government organizations. Acting as interface between media and the government, these officers also advise Ministries on media matters. Special feedback digests are prepared analysing country-wide coverage of major happenings and decisions. Over 2.5 lakh clippings on important issues and events are digitized in a year.

During the visit of the Chilean President to India in January 2005, a Framework Agreement on Economic Cooperation was signed between India and Chile on January 20, 2005. This Agreement envisaged PTA between the two sides. The Framework Agreement also provided for a Joint Study Group to identify the potential for cooperation between the two countries in trade in goods and services, investments and other areas of economic cooperation.

Chile is one of the major Latin American countries with a GDP of US $ 76.3 billion and a bilateral trade of US $ 53.2 billion during 2004. Its trade surplus was US $ 8.5 billion during the year. Chile is endowed with rich natural resources, is the world's leading producer of copper and its total resources are estimated to represent 25% of world's proven reserves of copper.

Since the early nineties, the Chilean economy has been one of the best performing in Latin America, with an average growth of 5.5% during the period 1990-2003. The growth has been about 6.1% during 2004 and 5.7% during the first six months of 2005. There are no restrictions on imports and exports in Chile.

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The Press Information Bureau is the nodal agency of the Government of India to disseminate information to the print and electronic media on government policies, programme initiatives and achievements. Functioning as an interface between the Government and the media, PIB also provides feedback to the Government as reflected in the media.

PIB functions through its corps of Departmental Publicity Officers attached to various Ministry and important government organizations. Acting as interface between media and the government, these officers also advise Ministries on media matters. Special feedback digests are prepared analysing country-wide coverage of major happenings and decisions. Over 2.5 lakh clippings on important issues and events are digitized in a year.

Speaking at a state dinner in Islamabad, Pakistan, March 4, Bush thanked Pakistan's president for his hospitality and said, "Pakistan's efforts to enhance peace and security have earned the respect and the admiration of the American people."

Pakistan was the final stop of President Bush's three-country tour of South Asia. He also visited Afghanistan and India.

President Musharraf, speaking before Bush, outlined a positive vision for the future of Pakistan and the U.S.-Pakistani alliance.

"Pakistan and the United States are allies in combating terrorism, the new pervasive threat to the world," he said, adding that both nations "reject hate and prejudice that have recently targeted Islam and Muslim societies."

Briefly recapping the relationship between Pakistan and the United States over the past six decades, Musharraf said that the nations now have "forged an enduring partnership" based on shared principles, mutual respect and a common interest in a secure, peaceful world.

Specifically, Pakistan is determined to "close the unfortunate chapter of conflict and tension in our region" by actively engaging India to resolve all outstanding disputes, especially that involving Kashmir. He called on the world community, and particularly the United States, to assist in that process by encouraging all sides to work toward that goal.

Regarding economic development, Musharraf was optimistic about his country's future: "Pakistan has the potential to become the hub of economic activity and a catalyst for progress of a larger neighborhood. We are determined to pursue this destined role and are implementing plans for the development of infrastructure, communication and energy corridors. The strategic partnership that we have affirmed today will contribute towards our success in realizing our common aspirations for peace and development in this critically important region of the world."

President Bush concurred, affirming that "Americans will support the Pakistani people as they take further steps toward democracy, expand educational opportunities for boys and girls, and create prosperity through innovation and global trade.

"Pakistan has a bright future because of its proud people, and because of the hard work of a strong leader," Bush concluded.

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The revised Air Services Agreement between India and Australia was agreed during bilateral civil aviation consultations between the two countries on September 8-9, 2004 in New Delhi.

The salient features of the revised Agreement are as follows:

Both the countries shall have the right to designate as many airlines as they wish. The designated airlines of each side can mount agreed number of services between the two countries as decided from time to time The designated airlines of each side shall be entitled to operate on the agreed routes which will be reviewed from time to time. Either party may at any time give notice in writing to the other party of its decision to terminate this Agreement. The Agreement shall terminate after one year of the date of receipt of notice by the other party, unless the notice is withdrawn by mutual consent of the parties before the end of this period.

The revised agreement signifies an important land mark in the civil aviation relations between India and Australia and has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries.

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The Press Information Bureau is the nodal agency of the Government of India to disseminate information to the print and electronic media on government policies, programme initiatives and achievements. Functioning as an interface between the Government and the media, PIB also provides feedback to the Government as reflected in the media.

PIB functions through its corps of Departmental Publicity Officers attached to various Ministry and important government organizations. Acting as interface between media and the government, these officers also advise Ministries on media matters. Special feedback digests are prepared analysing country-wide coverage of major happenings and decisions. Over 2.5 lakh clippings on important issues and events are digitized in a year.

India and the US have a highly-developed educational and research and development capacities. Scientific and economic links between India and the United States have remained strong since the early 1960s, first in agriculture, and then spreading into a broad range of areas involving most U.S. government technical agencies.

The United States and India will each contribute to start the Bi-National S&T Endowment Fund. Additional contributions are anticipated to be added from private sources. Income from the Fund will support the joint research and the development of India-U.S. S&T projects selected through a competitive process. Projects considered for funding will span a broad spectrum of topics of mutual priority, particularly those with potential to jump from the laboratory into the private sector. Topics include: biotechnology, health and infectious diseases; advanced materials and nanotechnology science; climate science; clean energy technologies; clean water technologies, hydrology and watershed management; cyber-security; natural resource and wildlife conservation management; basic space, atmospheric and earth sciences; and marine sciences.

Recognizing the unique and expanding role of Science and Technology in Indo-U.S. relations, the Prime Minister and the President also agreed to form a Binational S&T Joint Commission that would provide a framework for a vigorous public-private partnership aimed at:

- Serving as a bridge and forum for dialogue between the government science and technology agencies in both countries;

- Fostering R&D and scientific exchanges between government, universities, research institutions, and the private sectors;

- Encouraging the joint research and development of fast and medium S&T projects for commercial products for mutual benefit of both countries through mutually agreed mechanisms.

- Providing oversight for Overseeing Indo-US cooperation in Science and Technology implemented through existing and emerging arrangements, including the Indo-US S&T Forum and the Binational S&T Endowment Fund, and;

- Encouraging commercialization of new technologies and identifying and promoting reduction of regulatory and bureaucratic barriers in both countries.

The Joint Commission will be appointed and serviced by the Department of State of the Government of the United States of America and the Government of India, co-chaired by senior leaders ranking government officials from each country, and composed of representatives from the scientific community, government and industry.

India has a highly-developed educational and research and development capacity. Scientific and economic links between India and the United States have remained strong since the early 1960s, first in agriculture, and then spreading into a broad range of areas involving most U.S. government technical agencies. The U.S. portion of the endowment comes from the U.S. S&T 'Rupee Funds' (also known as PL-480 funds) that were established in the 1980s to promote and fund S&T collaboration and educational and cultural exchanges. The rupee fund agreements, which stimulated a broad set of cooperative activity between the United States and India, continued until its funding authority expired in 1998. The Indo-U.S. S&T Forum was also originally established with a portion of Rupee Funds. The Forum is active and making valuable contributions in stimulating dialogue between India and the United States in the exploration and identification of mutual areas of cooperation through sponsoring workshops, scientist exchanges and meetings. Taken together, these activities herald a new era in S&T cooperation between the two countries.

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The Press Information Bureau is the nodal agency of the Government of India to disseminate information to the print and electronic media on government policies, programme initiatives and achievements. Functioning as an interface between the Government and the media, PIB also provides feedback to the Government as reflected in the media.

PIB functions through its corps of Departmental Publicity Officers attached to various Ministry and important government organizations. Acting as interface between media and the government, these officers also advise Ministries on media matters. Special feedback digests are prepared analysing country-wide coverage of major happenings and decisions. Over 2.5 lakh clippings on important issues and events are digitized in a year.

Reviewing the progress made in deepening the global partnership between the United States and India since their Joint Statement of July 18, 2005, the President and the Prime Minister reaffirm their commitment to expand even further the growing ties between their two countries. Consistent with this objective, the two leaders wish to highlight efforts the United States and India are making together in the following areas, where they have:

FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND TRADE

(1) Agreed to intensify efforts to develop a bilateral business climate supportive of trade and investment by:

1. Welcoming the report of the U.S.-India CEO Forum, agreeing to consider its recommendations aimed at substantially broadening our bilateral economic relations, and directing the Chairs of the Indo-U.S. Economic Dialogue to follow up expeditiously with the CEO Forum;

2. Endorsing the efforts of the U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum to reduce barriers to trade and investment with the goal of doubling bilateral trade in three years;

3. Agreeing to advance mutually beneficial bilateral trade and investment flows by holding a high-level public-private investment summit in 2006, continuing efforts to facilitate and promote foreign direct investment and eliminate impediments to it, and enhancing bilateral consultations on various issues including tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade in goods and services, and preventing the illicit use of the financial system.

(2) Sought to expand cooperation in agriculture by:

1. Launching the Knowledge Initiative on Agriculture with a three-year financial commitment to link our universities, technical institutions, and businesses to support agriculture education, joint research, and capacity building projects including in the area of biotechnology.

2. Endorsing an agreed workplan to promote bilateral trade in agriculture through agreements that: lay out a path to open the U.S. market to Indian mangoes, recognize India as having the authority to certify that shipments of Indian products to the United States meet USDA organic standards, and provide for discussions on current regulations affecting trade in fresh fruits and vegetables, poultry and dairy, and almonds.

(3) Reaffirmed their shared commitment to completing the WTO Doha Development Agenda (DDA) before the end of 2006, and agreed to work together to help achieve this outcome.

FOR ENERGY SECURITY AND A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT

(1) Welcomed the successful completion of discussions on India's separation plan and looked forward to the full implementation of the commitments in the July 18, 2005 Joint Statement on nuclear cooperation. This historic accomplishment will permit our countries to move forward towards our common objective of full civil nuclear energy cooperation between India and the United States and between India and the international community as a whole.

(2) Welcomed the participation of India in the ITER initiative on fusion energy as an important further step towards the common goal of full nuclear energy cooperation.

(3) Agreed on India's participation in FutureGen, an international public-private partnership to develop new, commercially viable technology for a clean coal near-zero emission power project. India will contribute funding to the project and participate in the Government Steering Committee of this initiative.

(4) Welcomed the creation of the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, which will enable India and the U.S. to work together with other countries in the region to pursue sustainable development and meet increased energy needs while addressing concerns of energy security and climate change. The Partnership will collaborate to promote the development, diffusion, deployment and transfer of cleaner, cost-effective and more efficient technologies and practices.

(5) Welcomed India's interest in the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program, an international marine research endeavor that will contribute to long-term energy solutions such as gas hydrates. (6) Noting the positive cooperation under the

Indo-U.S. Energy Dialogue, highlighted plans to hold joint conferences on topics such as energy efficiency and natural gas, to conduct study missions on renewable energy, to establish a clearing house in India for coal-bed methane/coal-mine methane, and to exchange energy market information.

FOR INNOVATION AND THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY

(1) Emphasizing the importance of knowledge partnerships, announced the establishment of a Bi-National Science and Technology Commission which the U.S. and India will co-fund. It will generate collaborative partnerships in science and technology and promote industrial research and development.

(2) Agreed that the United States and India would work together to promote innovation, creativity and technological advancement by providing a vibrant intellectual property rights regime, and to cooperate in the field of intellectual property rights to include capacity building activities, human resource development and public awareness programs.

(3) Agreed to continue exploring further cooperation in civil space, including areas such as space exploration, satellite navigation, and earth science. The United States and India committed to move forward with agreements that will permit the launch of U.S. satellites and satellites containing U.S. components by Indian space launch vehicles, opening up new opportunities for commercial space cooperation between the two countries.

(4) Welcomed the inclusion of two U.S. instruments in the Indian lunar mission Chandrayaan-1. They noted that memoranda of understanding to be signed by ISRO and NASA would be significant steps forward in this area.

(5) Welcomed the U.S. Department of Commerce's plan to create a license exception for items that would otherwise require an export license to end-users in India engaged solely in civilian activities.

FOR GLOBAL SAFETY AND SECURITY

(1) Noted the enhanced counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries and stressed that terrorism is a global scourge that must be fought and rooted out in every part of the world.

(2) Welcomed the increased cooperation between the United States and India in the defense area, since the New Framework for the U.S.-India Defence Relationship was signed on June 28, 2005, as evidenced by successful joint exercises, expanded defence cooperation and information sharing, and greater opportunities to jointly develop technologies and address security and humanitarian issues.

(3) Reaffirmed their commitment to the protection of the free flow of commerce and to the safety of navigation, and agreed to the conclusion of a Maritime Cooperation Framework to enhance security in the maritime domain, to prevent piracy and other transnational crimes at sea, carry out search and rescue operations, combat marine pollution, respond to natural disasters, address emergent threats and enhance cooperative capabilities, including through logistics support. Both sides are working to finalize a Logistics Support Agreement at the earliest.

(4) Welcomed India's intention to join the Container Security Initiative aimed at making global maritime trade and infrastructure more secure and reducing the risk of shipping containers being used to conceal weapons of mass destruction.

(5) Reiterated their commitment to international efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

(6) Building on the July 2005 Disaster Relief Initiative, noted the important disaster management cooperation and their improved capabilities to respond to disaster situations.

(7) Recognized the importance of capacity building in cyber security and greater cooperation to secure their growing electronic interdependencies, including to protect electronic transactions and critical infrastructure from cybercrime, terrorism and other malicious threats.

DEEPENING DEMOCRACY AND MEETING INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGES

(1) Recalled their joint launch of the UN Democracy Fund in September 2005 and offered the experience and expertise of both Governments for capacity building, training and exchanges to third countries that request such assistance to strengthen democratic institutions.

(2) Welcomed the decision of India and the United States to designate a representative to the Government Advisory Board of the International Centre for Democratic Transition (ICDT) located in Budapest to facilitate cooperative activities with ICDT.

(3) Agreed that the Virtual Coordination and Information Centres set up in September 2005 should be further strengthened and a bilateral meeting aimed at developing a practical programme for utilization of its services be held soon.

(4) Expressed satisfaction at the expedited USFDA drug approval processes that strengthen the combat against HIV/AIDS at the global level and encourage greater corporate participation to meet this challenge, including the establishment of the Indo-U.S. Corporate Fund for HIV/AIDS.

(5) Agreed to expand bilateral efforts and continue cooperation in the area of medical research and strengthen technical capacity in food and drug regulation in India as well as address the concern on avian influenza, including agreement to reach out to the private sector, develop regional communications strategies, and plan an in-region containment and response exercise. The President welcomed India's offer to host the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza meeting in 2007.

(6) Welcomed India's membership in the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking, a partnership through which we will collaborate in the fight against illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife parts; we also welcome the opportunity to strengthen longstanding work together on the conservation of wildlife through cooperation on park management and ecotourism.

President Bush thanked Prime Minister Singh and the people of India for the warmth of their reception and the generosity of their hospitality.

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The Press Information Bureau is the nodal agency of the Government of India to disseminate information to the print and electronic media on government policies, programme initiatives and achievements. Functioning as an interface between the Government and the media, PIB also provides feedback to the Government as reflected in the media.

PIB functions through its corps of Departmental Publicity Officers attached to various Ministry and important government organizations. Acting as interface between media and the government, these officers also advise Ministries on media matters. Special feedback digests are prepared analysing country-wide coverage of major happenings and decisions. Over 2.5 lakh clippings on important issues and events are digitized in a year.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kamal Nath said that there is an urgent need for the business leaders of the two countries to come closer for greater interaction and business cooperation. "Few people in India realize that Iceland, situated close to the Artic Circle, is a modern and developed country with a high standard of living. Indo-Icelandic bilateral relations have been warm and friendly, but lacking in substantive content. Our trade has been negligible - barely 17 million dollars - completely in contrast to the warm political relationship we enjoy. India can offer top quality products such as readymade garments, cotton made ups and accessories, cotton yarn and fabrics, man-made fibres, drugs & pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and gems & jewellery, to name a few. India has also emerged as a force to reckon with in the field of information technology, IT-enabled services, pharmaceuticals, research and development, financial and accounting services and health care. We can offer these services to Iceland at competitive rates", he stressed.

Shri Kamal Nath further said that India and Iceland must also initiate cooperation in some high technology areas that are Iceland's strength such as earthquake precursor studies, hydrogen energy, advanced fish processing and biotechnology.

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The Press Information Bureau is the nodal agency of the Government of India to disseminate information to the print and electronic media on government policies, programme initiatives and achievements. Functioning as an interface between the Government and the media, PIB also provides feedback to the Government as reflected in the media.

PIB functions through its corps of Departmental Publicity Officers attached to various Ministry and important government organizations. Acting as interface between media and the government, these officers also advise Ministries on media matters. Special feedback digests are prepared analysing country-wide coverage of major happenings and decisions. Over 2.5 lakh clippings on important issues and events are digitized in a year.

Both the Ministers underlined the potential for expanding trade and investment ties between India and Canada. Although annual bilateral trade between India and Canada had grown significantly over the last decade from Canadian dollar 788 million in 1992 to Canadian dollar 2.45 billion in 2004, India's share in Canada's imports is only about 0.5%.

India is the 37th largest source of direct investment in Canada, with more than half of the Indian investment there being in pulp and paper. There has also been a steady increase in Indian investment in Canada in the last decade. Mr. Cordiano said that Ontario would welcome increased Indian investment in different sectors. He stressed the need to diversify trade in terms of both products and markets as well as the need to enhance competitiveness in an era of globalisation.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

The Press Information Bureau is the nodal agency of the Government of India to disseminate information to the print and electronic media on government policies, programme initiatives and achievements. Functioning as an interface between the Government and the media, PIB also provides feedback to the Government as reflected in the media.

PIB functions through its corps of Departmental Publicity Officers attached to various Ministry and important government organizations. Acting as interface between media and the government, these officers also advise Ministries on media matters. Special feedback digests are prepared analysing country-wide coverage of major happenings and decisions. Over 2.5 lakh clippings on important issues and events are digitized in a year.

The Air Services Agreement has been amended to provide for multiple designations of airlines. The two sides have agreed to make Kolkata an additional point of call in India for the designated airlines of Italy. Over and above the existing entitlements, the designated airlines of both Italy and India shall now be allowed to operate 7 additional frequencies per week in each direction.

As per the new Agreement the airlines designated by the Government of India shall now be entitled to operate air services in both directions from points in India to Rome and Milan in Italy, the intermediate points of call specified being Karachi, Kandahar, Jeddah, Bahrain, Kuwait, Dhahran, Tehran, Basra, Baghdad, Damascus, Beirut, Tel Aviv, Cairo, Athens, Istanbul, Sophia and Belgrade. Indian carriers will have 5th Freedom Traffic Rights between the following points and Italy: Vienna, Geneva, Zurich, Prague, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt or Dusseldorf on Berlin, Copenhagen, London, Shannon, Gander, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Indian air carriers can operate without 5th Freedom Traffic Rights between the following points and Italy: Madrid or Lisbon and one point Latin America which includes South America, Central America and Mexico.

The airlines designated by the Government of Italy shall be entitled to operate air services in both directions from points in Italy to Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata in India, the intermediate points of call being Istanbul, Athens, Cairo, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad, Basra, Tehran, Dhahran, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jeddah, Kandahar and Karachi. Italian carriers can operate with 5th Freedom Traffic Rights between the following points and India: Yangon, Bangkok and further on to: (a) Saigon, Hongkong, Manila, Tokyo and (b) Singapore, Jakarta, Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Italian carriers will not have 5th Freedom Traffic Rights between the following points and India: Beijing or Shanghai and one point in Australia or Asia including the People's Republic of China.

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The Press Information Bureau is the nodal agency of the Government of India to disseminate information to the print and electronic media on government policies, programme initiatives and achievements. Functioning as an interface between the Government and the media, PIB also provides feedback to the Government as reflected in the media.

PIB functions through its corps of Departmental Publicity Officers attached to various Ministry and important government organizations. Acting as interface between media and the government, these officers also advise Ministries on media matters. Special feedback digests are prepared analysing country-wide coverage of major happenings and decisions. Over 2.5 lakh clippings on important issues and events are digitized in a year.