Successful companies seek expansion; expansion leads to international trade; international trade leads to higher levels of bilateral relations, which in turn augment success, profitability and productivity.
That was the underlying theme of the speakers at the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards (IBA) 2010 held at the Stamford Plaza Hotel on November 15.
More than 500 entrepreneurs, lawmakers and others repeatedly heard the key words – Indian Diaspora, Free Trade, Emerging Market, Free Trade and Constructive Engagement with India.
Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand outlined the market reforms of the Indian Government that transported that country’s economy from a state of insulation to one of liberation.
Quoting the famous French author Sylvia Levy, he said, “She (India) has left indelible imprints on one-fourth of the human race in the course of a long succession of centuries. She has the right to reclaim her place among the great nations summarising and symbolising the spirit of humanity. From Persia to the Chinese Sea, from the icy regions of Siberia to the Islands of Java and Borneo, India has propagated her beliefs and her civilization.”
A significant player
According to Sir Anand, the word “reclaim” was telling because India had long been a significant player in Asian and global affairs, save for a period (of Western Colonisation).
“While some commentators have described India as an “emerging economy,” I suspect it may be better to describe it as “resurgent.” Clearly, a fundamental change has occurred over the last 20 years in the world’s economic and political axes with India being one of the causes of the change,” he said.
He referred to a speech made by Victoria University’s Centre for Strategic Studies Senior Fellow (New Zealand’s Former UN Ambassador) Terence O’Brien at a New Zealand Institute of International Affairs Seminar last year.
“The pendulum of international affairs is swinging. One essential conclusion can be drawn from the dual spectacle of the emergence of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) as a global influence, and of East Asia’s advance as a regional, and global force. To be modern and successful in the 21st Century will no longer necessarily equate with being ‘Western’”.
Sir Anand said US President Barak Obama had echoed those comments during his recent visit to India. He said Mr Obama supported India’s candidature as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.
He said people of Indian origin were the finest architects of building diplomatic and commercial bridges between the two countries.
New Website
Earlier, Sir Anand launched the new, state-of-the-art Indian Newslink website, which would have daily updates and in due course carry audio and video clippings of latest developments, events and advertisers’ messages.
The new website reflects the evolving needs of the newspaper’s ever-increasing national and international readership.
The Indian Diaspora
“New Zealanders of Indian origin, in disciplines as diverse as sporting and cultural endeavours to business, politics, academia and central and local government have given much to this country.
“I note the work of outlets such as Indian Newslink and other media organisations to provide a distinctly New Zealand-Indian perspective on local, national and international news and current affairs.
“In particular, I commend Indian Newslink for initiating IBA which reward business success and motivate New Zealanders of Indian origin to foster innovation,” Sir Anand said.
Increasing Potential
Prime Minister John Key said there was immense potential to promote two-way trade and investment between New Zealand and India.
He said such a need was emphasised during his two recent meetings with India’s Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who had set infrastructure development and tertiary education as the top priorities for his Government.
“New Zealand can assist India in successfully implementing its infrastructure projects, which would include upgrading 200 airports around the country. I would like to see companies such as ‘Glidepath’ taking advantage of the growing potential for business in India.
“Education is New Zealand’s second largest exporter and this sector is one of our priorities,” Mr Key said.
He said he would lead a delegation of businesspersons to India early next year. (See related report under Businesslink in this issue).
Mr Key paid tribute to Indian Newslink on its anniversary.
“This newspaper is doing a commendable job. I read it regularly. IBA keeps growing and I am already looking forward to attending the next one,” he said.
Opposition Leader Phil Goff lauded the members of the Indian community for their brilliant contributions to the progress of the country and its economy.
“I am always pleased to attend colourful celebrations such as Navaratri and Diwali, which highlight Indian tradition and culture.
“I am optimistic about a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries and we will support the Government’s initiatives in this connection,” he said.
Mr Goff said Indian Newslink was doing a commendable job and congratulated its management and staff on its anniversary.
Indian High Commissioner Retired Admiral Sureesh Mehta outlined the immense and increasing potential that India offered for New Zealand businesses and investors.
“From infrastructure development to education and trade, there are ample opportunities for large, medium and small enterprises in New Zealand to promote their activities,” he said.
Len Brown, who was elected Auckland Mayor with a convincing majority on October 9, outlined his vision for the City and said that he would work towards promoting the interests of all communities.
“I want Auckland to be the best city, providing the best infrastructure and the best incentives for businesses to grow. I congratulate Indian Newslink for its exceptional job and for instituting the IBA,” he said.
Earlier, Managing Director & Publisher Ravin Lal said the third IBA 2010 Presentation ceremony marked an important milestone in the history of Indian Newslink, coinciding with its Eleventh Anniversary.
“I know that all of you, as businesses and professionals have grown from modest beginnings to become significant contributors to the progress and development of our economy and country.
“We have always been inspired by the high standards of professionalism and forthrightness shown by our business community; like you, we welcome competition as the best means of growth and the best route to customer satisfaction. But rivalry ridden by greed and animosity does no one any good, most of all, the community, the economy and the country,” he said.
Several entrepreneurs from other parts of North and South Islands attended this year’s Awards Night, with many of them saying that they would enter in categories appropriate to them next year.
