In order to uplift business & economy, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) together with 5 of the biggest industry bodies of Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) launched the India-Central Asia Business Council in New Delhi.
The forum was attended by President of FICCI Ms. Sangita Reddy, Mr. Bekturgan Kalybek uulu, representing the Kyrgyz Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kazakhstani Ambassador Bulat Sarsenbayev, representing the Kazakh National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to India Shalar Geldynazarov, representing the Turkmen Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Odil Sangov, representing the Tajik Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Mr. Adkham Ikramov, representing the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar who was also present said that within the framework of the India-Central Asia Dialogue, the governments have committed to a vibrant partnership and in realizing this, Indian industry should play a big role. “As the larger economy, I call upon Indian businesses to take a greater interest in the Central Asian market,” and expressed hope that India’s economic growth in our extended neighbourhood would grow impressively in the coming years.
India-Central Asia business council is the common platform for sharing of ideas and the transformation of friendly terms into practical outputs and seeks to form an India-Central Asia Development Group. It will also enhance trade & investment between India and these five countries and also help increase the areas of focus on renewable and non-renewable energy, gas and oil pharmaceutical and life sciences, automotive agro-food processing, higher education, Information-technology, tourism, urban infrastructure and transport including Railways.
ICABC is the result of India and Central Asia Dialogue that was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan last year. The Dialogues and the Council formed are part of India’s Central Asia Policy under which India aims to build strong political relations and will aim to strengthen security cooperation.