By IANS
Chandigarh : Trade and industry body Assocham Wednesday announced it will jointly establish with the Punjab government a mechanism to provide one-window facilitation to promote economic and trade activities between the state and the Arab countries.
The emphasis would be on agro-based products, auto components, agricultural equipment, sports goods and textiles and garments, the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) said at the seventh India-Arab Conference it organised here.
Over 40 one-to-one meetings were conducted Wednesday between 15 diplomats from the Arab countries and investors from Punjab.
Inaugurating the conference, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal pointed out that the two sides could also explore opportunities in the power, telecommunication and infrastructure sectors.
He disclosed that the Punjab government would shortly send a farmers’ delegation to the Arab countries for tie-ups in mechanized farming. He said the state’s experience in agriculture could also be shared with Arab investors.
Arab League ambassador Ahmed Salim Al-Wahishi pointed out that many countries would be interested in bringing in potential investors at the next India-Arab conference to be held in November.
Assocham had also invited envoys from some African nations to interact with investors from Punjab.
Ethiopian High Commissioner in India Gennet Zewide said she was hopeful of attracting at least five investors in the areas of agricultural implements and mini-hydro projects in her country.
Nigerian High Commissioner Lawalmbutsih-Ma also invited investments in the oil, gas and power sectors.
Assocham secretary general D.S. Rawat said two exhibitions-cum-buyer seller meets were being organised in Sudan and Ghana in November and 100 participants were expected.