Venkat Raman –
venkat@indiannewslink.co.nz
Soon after his election as the Chair of India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) in August 2009, we quoted him as saying (in our September 15, 2009 issue) that the appointment came at a time when New Zealand and India are on the threshold of negotiations for a mutually rewarding Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Nine years later, that hope has receded and the two countries are farther than they were on that evasive pact.
But the goals that Mr Anthony set for INZBC which was a dormant organisation at that time has been more than adequately achieved.
Veritable platform
“I would like our Council to focus on its core competencies, which are access to individual intellectual wealth which every member brings with them, lobbying and providing networks for business in both countries. I would encourage businesses to use the Council as a veritable platform and become members,” he said.
Since then, the Organisation has earned the attention and esteem of the country’s leadership, government officials, chambers of commerce and businesses in New Zealand and India. Interacting with its counterpart based in New Delhi and Mumbai, the Council has been an efficient lobbyist to champion dialogue between businesses in either country and foster people-to-people contact.
Reaching new horizons
His four-and-half year regime enabled the Council to scale greater heights, engage with sectors that were hitherto unexplored, witnessed the increase of members and chapters (Auckland and Christchurch, in addition to an existing set up in Wellington).
These activities have not gone unnoticed in the right quarters.
The success of the premier business body was attributed at that time to Mr Anthony and the fact that he gained a place of distinction in the entourage of Prime Minister John Key during his first (and only official visit to date) to India in June 2011 was a testimony if there was a need for one.
“I would do anything for the Council,” he says often and musters the support required from the hierarchy and members of the Organisation.
Strengthening ties
As a Columnist, he shares his thoughts and programmes with Indian Newslink readers. Writing in our July 1, 2016 issue, he said, “INZBC is the only credible, premier 27-year-old organisation that runs through a democratic process for promoting trade and business between India and New Zealand, with its core values of Integrity, Commitment and Transparency.
“We will continue to advocate and work towards the direct flight between the two countries. We recently relaunched the Wellington and Christchurch Chapters and intend to establish a Waikato Chapter shortly,” he said.
INZBC recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Haryana State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
As the Council Chair, Mr Anthony forged alliances with business organisations in India including the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Punjab, Haryana and Delhi Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India. These pacts enable New Zealand entities to penetrate into India and provide a bridge for Indian Companies to reach their counterparts in New Zealand.
Servant of Servants
Mr Anthony is a respected member of the New Zealand society.
He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church and considers himself as a ‘Servant of Servants,’ in the true Christian spirit. He is the Chairperson of the Divine Retreat Centre Movement in New Zealand and Advisor to the Vailankanni Committee to celebrate the feast of the Birthday of Mother Mary (on September 8) and Director of Conquest Club, which aims to shape the character and personality of young boys in the 8-14 age group.
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Photo:
- Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena greets Wenceslaus Anthony at the dinner hosted by him in honour of John Key in Colombo on February 25.
- Wenceslaus and Susan Anthony with the late Pope John Paul II at the Vatican in 1996
- Wenceslaus Anthony with Bhuwanchandra Joshi
