Make in India, the program that aims to propel India towards the goal of becoming a global production hub, was the main theme of a well-attended event hosted by the Indian High Commission at its Wellington facility on March 28.
Launched through Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2014, the Make in India initiative aims to turn India into a “global design and production hub,” according to the Make in India website.
As India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Neeta Bhushan, explained in welcoming New Zealand’s Minister of Commerce, Todd McClay, the program “has helped India become a production hub for the automotive sector, the FMCG sector [fast-moving consumer goods], the textile and leather industry. industries, as well as the defense sector.
India-New Zealand Partnership
Commerce Minister McClay, who delivered the keynote address, highlighted the opportunity presented through the Make in India initiative to “advance our industrial partnership”.
The minister highlighted the “great clients for New Zealand corporations to align themselves with Make in India and its appointments and thereby embellish the benefits for both parties. “
McClay learned about key sectors of engagement for New Zealand companies, such as aviation, food and beverage, manufacturing, and generation and generation services.
“At a business-to-business level, New Zealand is supporting Make in India’s goals across a growing number of sectors and states,” he said.
Referring to his stopover in India last year, the minister said he was “amazed at the wonderful transformation I have seen, not only in the economy, but also in infrastructure. “
He described the relationship with India as “a two-way street” and added that “many more New Zealanders deserve to get on a plane and go to India and revel in one of the greatest democracies, with a history [that is] much longer. “than New Zealand’s, and let’s forge friendships that make it easier for governments to do their jobs.
Bureaucracy all on the red carpet
Earlier, addressing the gathering of diaspora members and local dignitaries, adding former New Zealand Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand, High Commissioner Bhushan thanked the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) and its Section Chief in Wellington, Pushpa Wood, for “their collaboration with the High Commissioner”. Commission for the organization of the event.
Make In India, which aims to make the country self-sufficient and a global production hub, is most productive if it is summed up in the slogan: “From bureaucracy to the red carpet. “This symbolizes the ease of doing business, which is reflected in India’s gradual passage. advanced position in the World Bank’s existing rankings, noted High Commissioner Bhushan.
More than 1,500 regulations and regulations have been removed to simplify procedures, with the status quo of a “one-stop-shop system” across all sectors, leading to an increase in foreign direct investment flows to India, despite Covid-19.
In addition, the patent regime has also been simplified. “India is now on par with Japan and the United States in terms of patents,” said High Commissioner Bhushan, adding: “These adjustments have led to improved manufacturing. “
He said that India is no longer “just a big market but also a country that satisfies the world’s desires for goods and services. “
Launchpad for brands.
Products produced in India are making their way into global markets. High Commissioner Bhushan highlighted the good fortune of iPhones made in India through global brands such as Apple, Samsung and Tata Group. In addition, leading global brands such as Dell, HP and Lenovo have “announced a massive expansion of production in India” thanks to special incentives introduced through the Indian government.
The automotive sector is also at the most sensitive point of the Make In India wave, with global entities such as Suzuki and Honda joining the ranks of local corporations Mahindra, Hero and Bajaj to export their products to global markets from India.
From prescription drugs to electrical products, India is now attracting highly visual global brands to set up its production facilities.
The global giants saw India as a successful investment destination with the dual advantage of a giant and colorful domestic market, as well as a platform to launch their products globally.
Defence sector
High Commissioner Bhushan noted that the defence sector is one of the main beneficiaries of the Make In India programme. “We see cruise missiles, artillery, gun parts, etc. they are exported in gigantic quantities to countries all over the world. “
Bilateral relations
High Commissioner Bhushan concluded by recalling the recent visits to India by New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Trade Minister McClay, which “led to positive discussions on a range of issues and issues, adding connectivity, technical collaborations in the agro-horticultural and dairy sectors”. . sectors, schooling and strengthening people-to-people bonds.
He referred to the Indian High Commission’s efforts to succeed in “our business and our network throughout New Zealand. “
Manoj K Sahu, Second Secretary (Policy) and Trade Representative of the High Commissioner of India in Wellington, highlighted the good fortune of QualityNZ, a beneficiary of the Make In India initiative. The India-based company uses “famous cricket personalities as ambassadors for the logo. “and bureaucracy strategic partnerships for effective supply chains. “The company supplies New Zealand beef to the most sensible hotels, airlines, e-commerce sites and shops.
QualityNZ targets the markets of the Middle East, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Sahu added: “If QualityNZ can do it, so can companies in New Zealand. “
Brett O’Riley, executive leader of the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA), then noted that India “has been a complex manufacturer. “He cited the spinning wheel as a symbol of Indian production in the 20th century.
“In the 21st century, India spins other materials. It’s about spinning silicon, steel and aluminum to produce some of the world’s products,” O’Riley said.
He said the Indian diaspora represented a window of understanding into India’s complex cultural diversity. India’s IT prospects can be tapped through New Zealand, O’Riley noted.
Make In India’s two-hour awareness-raising consultation was supported by video presentations.
Venu Menon is an Indian journalist with Newslink in Wellington.
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