India’s engagement at multilateral forums has significantly increased over the last one decade. It has been playing a constructive role in forums like G-20 (B-20) which has been deliberating on critical issues of global economic and trade governance post the financial crisis. Besides this, India has also joined the grouping like IBSA and BRICS, which again are playing an important role in current global scenario.
CII complements the Government of India’s enhanced engagement with East and Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America. In recent years, Indian industry too has started taking keen interest on these issues and is looking outward, slowly emerging as one of the significant sources of global investment. CII in association with its partner business associations has formed a Business 20 alliance to feed business inputs into the G-20 discussions on issues which are of direct interest to them.
Through this newsletter, CII hopes to provide an insight to all such multilateral and regional engagements of India and Indian industry.
The G20 Foundation is an independent platform formed to help develop a framework for better global governance.
As an intermediary platform, the G20 Foundation positions itself as process enabler and a facilitator between governments, business, and academia within the G20 process.
We add value through encouraging broader public consensus and understanding of the G20 commitments which leads to higher accountability and raises effectiveness of a governance process.
As a non-partisan think tank, we stimulate constructive and effective discussions within “Outreach Dialogue” in order to support the implementation of the G20 commitments on a national level.
Thereby we foster the development of innovative solutions to global challenges, such as economic stability and sustainable growth.
G20 Foundation Lecture on Green Growth, Sustainability and Climate Change at ...G20_Foundation
G20 is a group of 20 major economies which represent 90% of the world’s overall GDP, 80% of world trade and 2/3 of the world’s population. As a result of a G20 Summit, the heads of state produce a leaders declaration, where they agree to a number of macro economical reforms and regulations.
Since Green Growth, Sustainability and Energy Efficiency were significant agenda topics through past G20 presidencies, the first part of this lecture will evaluate the success of the governance process and identify key obstacles for implementation. The second part will deal with governance innovation and dialogue facilitation between governments, businesses, academia and civil society. Inclusions will be underlined as an important measure for improvement of quality and acceptance of the governmental decision making process.
http://www.g20foundation.org/
This edition of the Newsletter highlights the converging areas of interest in the BRICS grouping and its contribution in charting a new global landscape.
The Newsletter also covers key happenings from International Trade Centre (ITC), The World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The G20 Foundation is an independent platform formed to help develop a framework for better global governance.
As an intermediary platform, the G20 Foundation positions itself as process enabler and a facilitator between governments, business, and academia within the G20 process.
We add value through encouraging broader public consensus and understanding of the G20 commitments which leads to higher accountability and raises effectiveness of a governance process.
As a non-partisan think tank, we stimulate constructive and effective discussions within “Outreach Dialogue” in order to support the implementation of the G20 commitments on a national level.
Thereby we foster the development of innovative solutions to global challenges, such as economic stability and sustainable growth.
G20 Foundation Lecture on Green Growth, Sustainability and Climate Change at ...G20_Foundation
G20 is a group of 20 major economies which represent 90% of the world’s overall GDP, 80% of world trade and 2/3 of the world’s population. As a result of a G20 Summit, the heads of state produce a leaders declaration, where they agree to a number of macro economical reforms and regulations.
Since Green Growth, Sustainability and Energy Efficiency were significant agenda topics through past G20 presidencies, the first part of this lecture will evaluate the success of the governance process and identify key obstacles for implementation. The second part will deal with governance innovation and dialogue facilitation between governments, businesses, academia and civil society. Inclusions will be underlined as an important measure for improvement of quality and acceptance of the governmental decision making process.
http://www.g20foundation.org/
This edition of the Newsletter highlights the converging areas of interest in the BRICS grouping and its contribution in charting a new global landscape.
The Newsletter also covers key happenings from International Trade Centre (ITC), The World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
EY Attractiveness Report Brazil Capturing The Momentum August 2012Stephan Kuester
Brazil leads the attractiveness scores in Latin America, according to our first Brazil attractiveness survey. Almost 7 out of 10 business leaders declare the country as the most attractive place to establish operations.
Our survey emphasizes the strong footprint of Brazil on the global map and its key strengths, while highlighting the need to improve skills and diversify the economy. It also includes a section on Brazil’s next phase of growth and an analysis of the key growth sectors, which we believe will drive FDI momentum in the country.
CII Recommendations for G-20 Summit, Chinaarchana cks
On September 4, 2016, the 11th G-20 Summit was held at Hangzhou, China. CII has been engaged through B-20 to submit private sector‘s inputs into the G-20 process.
Source <> http://blog.bizbilla.com/smes-msmes/user/show/7400/cii-recommendations-for-g-20-summit-china
The #G20YEA Summit in Sydney final communique signed by the Presidents of the 20 Young Entrepreneurs organizations together with the national action plans for employment. The G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance Summit took place in Sydney, Australia, from the 18th to the 22nd of July, 2014. The Young Entrepreneurs of the European Union are represented by YES for Europe.
Rt as - the route to increased fdi for bangladeshM S Siddiqui
Will Bangladesh for FDI only on the basis of low- cost labour? The FDI will not come only on invitation but on the basis of mutual benefits and facilitation of business.
Bangladesh declined to join this RTA on the pretext that "it is a big RTA which goes beyond trade in goods and services and we are not going to do so now or in near future," as told by top bureaucrats to the Financial Express (FE). Observers do not consider this a wise decision as Bangladesh will be left alone as there is hardly any prospect to join existing FTA groups or any probable FTA group in future.
This slide deck was designed to accompany a video webcast that included an interactive discussion by a moderator and three panelists.
Considerations for a US IPO listing
Origination date: 6 March 2014
Thinking about an IPO? On this webcast, hear the C-suite, board members and advisors of recent IPOs discuss how they set the tone from the top to get their companies ready to go public.
What is top of mind at the board level? Learn the questions to ask and best practices in setting an IPO agenda, and gain an understanding of how to manage the risk, while maximizing and sustaining your valuation.
You are welcome to join the on-demand version of this interactive discussion and learn about issues for US IPOs by going to:
http://www.ey.com/GL/en/Issues/webcast_2014-03-06-1600_considerations-for-a-us-ipo-listing
This webcast is part of an ongoing series. Register for any EY webcast and you will be asked if you want to receive invitations to future webcasts.
EY India Attractiveness Survey 2015 – Reasons to Invest in India & Key Factor...EY
With leading 32% of the investors ranking India as the most attractive market this year, India has emerged as No. 1 FDI destination in the world during the first half of 2015. Download the India Attractive Survey to know more.
though "The future for MNCs in China" report was released in 2012 by KMPG, the content is still valid and shed the light for MNCs planning ahead...what are the key points from the report:
1 Rising labor cost
2 Shortage of Talent
3 Pay-for-performance is not working in China bcos of the Income tax system, ppl prefers low income to take back home.
4 Capital Market has not yet opened.
5 Biz license issue
6 Lack of innovation and management skills for future leaders in China
7 JV - has become popular, cos of license issue (if you cant beat them, join them: MNCs and Local companies leverage each other).
8 Corporate Incentive: tech firm corporate tax 25% to 15%, R&D has 50% bonus reduction.
9 Shared Service and outsourcing
10 Payment and cloud computing
Besides, it's convincing reading the biz leaders insight from different service sector, luxury (Bluebell), legal, Biz centre (the Executive Centre), Outsourcing (Genpact), Apparel (Avery Dennison), Logistics (FedEx), and of course KPMG itself.
CII Multilateral Newsletter July edition outlines the highlights of the key discussions of G20 Summit and the testimonials made by B20 members as well as the developments in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The World Investment Report 2012 is dedicated to the new generation of investment policies in 2012. It concerns with the globals investment trends, regional trends in FDI, as well as recent policy developments in the world investment. It also presents UNCTAD's "Investment policy framework for sustainable development", which consists of (i) core Principles for investment policymaking, (ii) guidelines for national investment policies, and (iii) options for the design and use of international investment agreement (IIAs).
The Global Development Institute Lecture Series is pleased to present Dr Emma Mawdsley, Reader in Human Geography and Fellow of Newnham College to discuss "The Southernisation of Development? Who has 'socialised' who in the new millennium?"
A more polycentric global development landscape has emerged over the past decade or so, rupturing the formerly dominant North-South axis of power and knowledge. This can be traced through more diversified development norms, institutions, imaginaries and actors. This paper looks at one trend within this turbulent field: namely, the ways in which ‘Northern’ donors appear to be increasingly adopting some of the narratives and practices associated with ‘Southern’ development partners. This direction of travel stands in sharp contrast to expectations in the early new millennium that the (so-called) ‘traditional’ donors would ‘socialise’ the ‘rising powers’ to become ‘responsible donors’. After outlining important caveats about using such cardinal terms, the paper explores three aspects of this ‘North’ to ‘South’ movement. These are (a) the stronger and more explicit claim to ‘win-win’ development ethics and outcomes; (b) the (re)turn from ‘poverty reduction’ to ‘economic growth’ growth as the central analytic of development; and related to both, the explicit and deepening blurring and blending of development finances and agendas with trade and investment.
EY Attractiveness Report Brazil Capturing The Momentum August 2012Stephan Kuester
Brazil leads the attractiveness scores in Latin America, according to our first Brazil attractiveness survey. Almost 7 out of 10 business leaders declare the country as the most attractive place to establish operations.
Our survey emphasizes the strong footprint of Brazil on the global map and its key strengths, while highlighting the need to improve skills and diversify the economy. It also includes a section on Brazil’s next phase of growth and an analysis of the key growth sectors, which we believe will drive FDI momentum in the country.
CII Recommendations for G-20 Summit, Chinaarchana cks
On September 4, 2016, the 11th G-20 Summit was held at Hangzhou, China. CII has been engaged through B-20 to submit private sector‘s inputs into the G-20 process.
Source <> http://blog.bizbilla.com/smes-msmes/user/show/7400/cii-recommendations-for-g-20-summit-china
The #G20YEA Summit in Sydney final communique signed by the Presidents of the 20 Young Entrepreneurs organizations together with the national action plans for employment. The G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance Summit took place in Sydney, Australia, from the 18th to the 22nd of July, 2014. The Young Entrepreneurs of the European Union are represented by YES for Europe.
Rt as - the route to increased fdi for bangladeshM S Siddiqui
Will Bangladesh for FDI only on the basis of low- cost labour? The FDI will not come only on invitation but on the basis of mutual benefits and facilitation of business.
Bangladesh declined to join this RTA on the pretext that "it is a big RTA which goes beyond trade in goods and services and we are not going to do so now or in near future," as told by top bureaucrats to the Financial Express (FE). Observers do not consider this a wise decision as Bangladesh will be left alone as there is hardly any prospect to join existing FTA groups or any probable FTA group in future.
This slide deck was designed to accompany a video webcast that included an interactive discussion by a moderator and three panelists.
Considerations for a US IPO listing
Origination date: 6 March 2014
Thinking about an IPO? On this webcast, hear the C-suite, board members and advisors of recent IPOs discuss how they set the tone from the top to get their companies ready to go public.
What is top of mind at the board level? Learn the questions to ask and best practices in setting an IPO agenda, and gain an understanding of how to manage the risk, while maximizing and sustaining your valuation.
You are welcome to join the on-demand version of this interactive discussion and learn about issues for US IPOs by going to:
http://www.ey.com/GL/en/Issues/webcast_2014-03-06-1600_considerations-for-a-us-ipo-listing
This webcast is part of an ongoing series. Register for any EY webcast and you will be asked if you want to receive invitations to future webcasts.
EY India Attractiveness Survey 2015 – Reasons to Invest in India & Key Factor...EY
With leading 32% of the investors ranking India as the most attractive market this year, India has emerged as No. 1 FDI destination in the world during the first half of 2015. Download the India Attractive Survey to know more.
though "The future for MNCs in China" report was released in 2012 by KMPG, the content is still valid and shed the light for MNCs planning ahead...what are the key points from the report:
1 Rising labor cost
2 Shortage of Talent
3 Pay-for-performance is not working in China bcos of the Income tax system, ppl prefers low income to take back home.
4 Capital Market has not yet opened.
5 Biz license issue
6 Lack of innovation and management skills for future leaders in China
7 JV - has become popular, cos of license issue (if you cant beat them, join them: MNCs and Local companies leverage each other).
8 Corporate Incentive: tech firm corporate tax 25% to 15%, R&D has 50% bonus reduction.
9 Shared Service and outsourcing
10 Payment and cloud computing
Besides, it's convincing reading the biz leaders insight from different service sector, luxury (Bluebell), legal, Biz centre (the Executive Centre), Outsourcing (Genpact), Apparel (Avery Dennison), Logistics (FedEx), and of course KPMG itself.
CII Multilateral Newsletter July edition outlines the highlights of the key discussions of G20 Summit and the testimonials made by B20 members as well as the developments in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The World Investment Report 2012 is dedicated to the new generation of investment policies in 2012. It concerns with the globals investment trends, regional trends in FDI, as well as recent policy developments in the world investment. It also presents UNCTAD's "Investment policy framework for sustainable development", which consists of (i) core Principles for investment policymaking, (ii) guidelines for national investment policies, and (iii) options for the design and use of international investment agreement (IIAs).
The Global Development Institute Lecture Series is pleased to present Dr Emma Mawdsley, Reader in Human Geography and Fellow of Newnham College to discuss "The Southernisation of Development? Who has 'socialised' who in the new millennium?"
A more polycentric global development landscape has emerged over the past decade or so, rupturing the formerly dominant North-South axis of power and knowledge. This can be traced through more diversified development norms, institutions, imaginaries and actors. This paper looks at one trend within this turbulent field: namely, the ways in which ‘Northern’ donors appear to be increasingly adopting some of the narratives and practices associated with ‘Southern’ development partners. This direction of travel stands in sharp contrast to expectations in the early new millennium that the (so-called) ‘traditional’ donors would ‘socialise’ the ‘rising powers’ to become ‘responsible donors’. After outlining important caveats about using such cardinal terms, the paper explores three aspects of this ‘North’ to ‘South’ movement. These are (a) the stronger and more explicit claim to ‘win-win’ development ethics and outcomes; (b) the (re)turn from ‘poverty reduction’ to ‘economic growth’ growth as the central analytic of development; and related to both, the explicit and deepening blurring and blending of development finances and agendas with trade and investment.
The October edition of the Newsletter outlines the Indian priorities and the road ahead for the G20; provides brief information on the happenings at the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Trade Organization (WTO), International Trade Centre (ITC) and highlights the key remarks made by the Minister of State for External Affairs at the 8th IBSA Trilateral Ministerial Commission Meeting.
The growing importance of emerging economies, along with the increasing integration of the global economy and financial markets, underscore the importance of broadening the scope of international economic and financial co-operation.
The establishment of G20, comprising around 90 per cent of the global GDP, 80 per cent of the world trade and more than two-third of the world’s population, recognized considerable changes in the international economic landscape.
The G20 plays a vital role in supporting globalization, development of domestic financial markets, regional economic integration, demographics and resource security. Independent business associations from G20 countries formed a coalition named as Business 20 (B20). The coalition acts a bridge between government and business communities of the G20 countries.
The November 2014 edition of the Multilateral Newsletter highlights the key deliberations made at the G20 and B20 Summits. In addition, it covers key points of major happenings from the recently held ASEAN Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
Read the Newsletter for more information with reference
India @ G20 : A Primer on Priorities
Economic growth, industrialization, infrastructure and access to energy provide the foundations of development
for any growing economy.
‘Building Resilience’ is the prime objective of the G20 and with this in mind this grouping has set itself the
task of increasing the stability and resilience of economies, and thus of the global economy as a whole. Global
economic growth had taken quite a blow in recent times and therefore become much weaker overall than it
did after previous economic downturns. As a result, public and private debt across various regions, Central
banks’ interest rates got negatively impacted in many G20 countries. Structural reforms in G20 countries, with
focus on fiscal and monetary policies are the key to stability and long-term sustainability.
This edition of the newsletter focuses on the areas under the taskforces formed by the B20 China which are
important to us considering India’s socio-economic development and priorities of the government.
This edition of the Newsletter highlights the key deliberations made at the 21st edition of the Partnership Summit 2015 held from 15-17 January 2015 in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
In addition, it covers key highlights from the address of the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon and World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim at Vibrant Gujarat Summit held from 11-13 January 2015 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The Newsletter covers key happenings from ASEAN, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank as well.
This edition of the Multilateral Newsletter summarizes the key highlights of the OECD Week 2016. In addition, it also provides brief information on happenings at the B20 Coalition, International Trade Centre, World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB).
G20: WRONG INTERNATIONAL FORUM FOR DEVELOPMENTDr Lendy Spires
On September 18-19, 2011, the “Development Working Group” of the Group of 20 met in Paris and sought to finalize its proposals for policies that the leaders of the 20 would likely adopt at their summit meeting on November 3-4 in France. It is “small beer.”Had the countries in the Group forged development-oriented compromises to end the stalemates in the main global trade, financial and environmental forums, they might have made a more convincing case for appointing themselves the leaders of global economic policy making.
They have not, but have nevertheless begun directing the international institutions to follow the G20’s own development agenda. This note is offered to help understand the actions the Group is taking, which are quite detailed, but little discussed publicly. The Group of 20 (G20), originally an intergovernmental but technical financial forum at ministerial level, was transformed into a summit of G20 leaders in November 2008, as the global financial crisis spread fear in usually confident quarters while the world plunged into economic recession.
The primary objective of the upgraded forum was to agree and act upon a coordinated economic rescue strategy. The leaders also agreed to work together to revise the international consensus on regulation of finance, whose laxness had been a prime cause of one of the worst financial crises in western history.
While the issues of macroeconomic coordination and financial regulatory reform remain at the heart of its agenda, the G20 decided in 2010 to add promotion of development of developing countries to its agenda. Its Toronto Summit of June 26-27 thus created a Development Working Group (DWG), which it asked to draft a development agenda and multi-year action plan.
Tulsi Tanti's Speech at The BRICS 2014 Summit - Full SpeechSuzlon Group
The Complete Speech Presented by Mr. Tulsi Tanti, Suzlon Group on 'Economic Integration-Challenges for Sustainable Growth' at BRICS Business Forum July 14, 2014
The May edition of the Multilateral Newsletter highlights the key deliberations from the Forum and provides the key recommendations made by the OECD stakeholders. In addition, the edition covers major happenings at the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), B20 and International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector is the backbone of the national economic structure and has acted as the bulwark for the Indian economy, providing it resilience to fend off global economic shocks and adversities. The development of the sector is extremely critical to meet the national imperatives of financial inclusion and generation of significant levels of employment across urban, rurban and rural areas and to catalyse socio-economic transformation.
Easy access to credit and finance remains one of the many challenges faced by the sector. Hence, in view of the sector's importance in the overall economic landscape, it is critical the MSME sector develops through the concerted efforts of various stakeholders, including banks and financial institutions, equity funds, industry majors and MNCs, regulators across various ministries at the Center and in the States, and trade associations, together, to create a forward-looking framework and ecosystem. The competitiveness of the MSME sector is critical for sustaining economic growth.
It’s a matter of concern that 600 million people in India face high to extreme water stress in the country. About three-fourths of the households in the country do not have drinking water at their premise. With nearly 70% of water being contaminated, India is placed at 120th amongst 122 countries in the water quality index. It’s a fact that water is a State subject and its optimal utilization and management lies predominantly within the domain of the States. This index is an attempt to budge States and UTs towards
efficient and optimal utilization of water and recycling thereof with a sense of urgency.
GST, the single taxation regime, was implemented a year back and though there were some initial implementation issues, as is the case with any system for the first time, it is safe to say that the GST has been the biggest tax reform of Independent India.
Cyberspace is rapidly transforming our lives – how we live, interact, govern and create value. With the JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile) trinity, India is at the forefront of global digital transformation. “Digital India” is being hailed as the world's largest technology led programme of its kind.
While internet, smartphones and modern information and
communication devices have been great force multipliers, endless connectivity and proliferation of IoT devices is giving rise to vulnerabilities, risks and concerns. Cyber security is today ranked among top threats by governments and corporates. Heightened concerns about data security and privacy have resulted in a spate of regulations in India and across the world. India is in the process of discussing and enacting its own comprehensive data security and privacy regulation, as well as vertical specific ones. Cyber security is an ecosystem where laws, organisations, skills, cooperation and
technical implementation would need to be in harmony to be
effective.
Overall, a robust regulatory framework based on global and
country-specific regulations, development of a holistic cyber
security eco-system (academia and industry as well as
entrepreneurial) and a coordinated global approach through
proactive cyber diplomacy would help to secure cyber space and promote confidence and trust of key stakeholders including
citizens, businesses, political and security leaders.
CII has been actively working in the cyber security space. The CII Task Force on Public Private Partnership for Security of the Cyber Space has been set up to bring about improvements in the legal framework to strengthen and maintain a safe cyberspace ecosystem by capacity building through education and training programmes. We would facilitate collaboration and cooperation between Government and Industry in the area of cyber security in general and protection of critical information infrastructure in particular, covering cyber threats, vulnerabilities, breaches, potential protective measures, and adoption of best practices.
Delhi, the capital of India, has emerged as a major commercial capital and industrial hub of India. It is home to a wide range of industries including textiles, electrical and electronics, IT &ITeS services, hotel and tourism, which have contributed immensely to the economic and industrial growth of the country. Nearly 88% of the SMEs in Delhi revealed that this cluster is as an attractive destination for conducting business. Delhi has become an attractive business and tourist destination. This is driven by its improved infrastructure, good connectivity with other Asian and western regions, ease of access to market and availability of skilled labor among others. Consequently, it has emerged as
one of the most preferred investment and business destinations.
The state government of Maharashtra has been at the forefront in creating a conducive business environment that fosters globally competitive firms. Business reforms introduced both by the Central as well as the state government have played a critical role in India’s 30 spots improvement in the Doing Business ranking for 2018.
The State, under the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) 2016, has implemented over 90 per cent reforms in 7 out of 10 parameters, including labour registration, utility connections, single window system, environment registration, among others. These policy reforms have significantly helped in the reduction in time and cost of doing business for the industry, thereby
establishing Maharashtra as one of the top investment destinations in the country.
This report provides the key highlights of the select initiatives on ease of doing reforms in Maharashtra. With a view to provide on-ground impact of these initiatives, the Report also captures industry views on various aspects of business reforms.
The March-April edition of the Multilateral Newsletter gives insights on the key happenings at the various multilateral institutions and highlights the key discussions and deliberations at the informal WTO Ministerial Meeting held in New Delhi.
WTO plays a vital role by bringing stability and predictability to the multilateral trading system. It is a collective responsibility of WTO members to address the challenges faced by the system and putting the economies back on steady and meaningful way forward.
Several proposals and initiatives on investment facilitation were tabled at the WTO in the run-up to the 11th Ministerial Conference. The proponents advocated discussions on Investment Facilitation within the WTO framework. However, there was no consensus on initiating negotiations, or even establishing a Work Programme, on Investment Facilitation. A clear need of more work to look at all aspects of a potential multilateral rules on Investment, particularly on its impact on domestic policy space was stated.
In order to deepen the understanding between the member it is important that an open, transparent and inclusive approach of decision making for the various interventions. The informal WTO Ministerial gathering in New Delhi saw convergence of around 53 members representing a broad spectrum of the WTO membership.
CII, as an Industry Institution is cognizant of the need for India to engage constructively in some of the new issues being discussed under the WTO framework.
Businesses are gradually recognizing that ethics means good business. It is believed that well-run and trustworthy
companies are more likely to attract greater investment opportunities, which enables them to innovate and expand, and
generate wealth and jobs. Good corporate governance practices are regarded as providing an 'extra' edge to companies
to enhance their image and stay ahead in an intensely competitive business environment. This would help them imbibe
universally accepted values of ethics and good governance—accountability, transparency, responsibility and
responsiveness to stake holders. Besides, it would also mean looking beyond achieving mere economic sustainability to
include social and environmental sustainability as well. Many corporates are adhering to sustainable business practices
and many more are likely to follow suit in the time to come.
On the domestic front, CII expects economic growth to bounce back to 7.3-7.7 per cent in FY19 from the estimated 6.6
per cent in FY18. The prognosis of improved rural consumption and a recovery in private investment will support
growth, even as the debilitating effects of demonetisation and GSTimplementation will fade away
The Commuique May 2018 edition discusses the cover story
on 'Resolving Insolvency in India'
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) 2016, is one of
the biggest regulatory reforms corporate India has witnessed
in recent times.
It also features 'UK-India CEO Forum Meeting ', 'CII CEOs Delegation to 11th Commonwealth Business Forum 2018', 'Four Transformations of the Global Energy Market', Economy pieces on 'The Innovation Paradox' & 'Can the Lion Conquer the Forest?' along with a piece on 'India-Africa Economic Partnership'.
The government of India has, in the past few years, accorded an utmost priority to the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB). The accent is on simplification of regulations and use of technology to make the compliance more efficient for businesses. Apart from the Centre, the States are also being encouraged to implement business reforms in the spirit of competitive federalism, to foster reforms at the sub-national level. The measures are aimed at creating a conducive business environment, which is a key to facilitating growth and creating jobs. Thanks to these measures, India’s EoDB ranking, captured by the World Bank, has improved by 42 spots since 2014 to touch the 100th position now. The Prime Minister envisions India among the top 50 nations in the next couple of years.
While business reforms are being undertaken at a rapid pace and large scale, cutting across Central as well as state levels, it is imperative that awareness about these developments is created among stakeholders and regular feedback is generated to address the gaps in the implementation of reforms. Identification of pending issues and suggesting possible solutions are equally vital. It is also important to identify the best practices within and outside the country, which are considered for implementation by the needy states.
The report reflects on the role of broadband connectivity and the multiplier effect it has on the larger ecosystem. India is ripe for a Digital rethink, with both government and industry aligning their efforts toward a broadband powered Digital India. Broadband has the power to enable the gigabit society that is always connected. Broadband connectivity has changed the way people
communicate, socialise, create, sell, shop and work. India’s digital consumption patterns highlights the evolution. On an average Indians spend 200 minutes on mobile every day, with the second highest app downloads globally. Almost 79% of the web traffic in India is on mobile.
To realise the Digital India dream, there is a need to strengthen the broadband backbone, which forms a key pillar of this transformation. This report highlights the need for future ready and robust broadband infrastructure and the requisite efforts for expediting its reach.
South Africa and India share a rich past and bright future. India has transitioned from being South Africa’s political ally to being a vibrant economic partner. Despite challenges, the opportunity for increasing the value of bilateral trade between the two countries is growing exponentially each year.
South Africa and India have nurtured a bilateral relationship since the 1860s, when the first Indians arrived in South Africa. India was one of the first countries that rallied at the United Nations in support of the anti apartheid movement in South Africa. The strong bond established between the two countries during the struggle for democracy in South Africa became further entrenched in post-apartheid South Africa.
Most global businesses recognise South Africa as the most favourable destination in Africa for making long-term investments. The country offers a stable political and economic environment with established institutions. Policies and procedures are well articulated and consistent, and it offers a free and competitive environment with open-minded consumers. South Africa provides the most stable and technologically viable environment for Indian companies wishing to establish a base from which to expand across the continent. As a gateway to Africa, it is renowned for its infrastructure, skills pool and expertise.
Our world is changing at an unprecedented pace, driven by a new digital economy. Companies across sectors are keen to become more efficient, disruptive, and differentiated, by using new technologies and supported by an ecosystem of customers, partners, and technology leaders. New-age technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Blockchain, Machine Learning, 3D printing, and IoT are gaining more and more importance and acceptance.
India has all the ingredients in place to leverage this innovation and technological advantage in the long run, including university graduates, public institutes and corporates. However, India’s gross expenditure on R&D as a proportion of GDP (GERD) is less than 0.7% as of 2014-15 and within this, the share of industry is just 30%. Further, the vast SME sector needs to scale up technology infusion for higher productivity.
This is the fifth edition of the Grant Thornton India meets Britain Tracker, developed in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry. The India Tracker identifies the fastest-growing Indian companies in the UK, as well as the top Indian employers. It provides insight into the evolving scale, business activities, locations and performance of the Indian-owned companies who are making the biggest impact in the UK.
This year, our research identified approximately 800 Indian companies operating in the UK, with combined revenues of £46.4 billion (£47.5 billion in 2017). Together, they paid £360 million in corporation tax (£275.7 million in 2017) and employed 104,932 people (105,268 in 2017). This shows the continued importance of the contribution that Indian companies make to the UK economy.
The Make in India initiative of the government which lays emphasis on domestic manufacturing, indigenization and import substitution, is expected to pave the way for making the Indian defence sector self-sufficient.Encouragingly, the Indian industry is now actively engagedand is partnering with the government in building a modern and best-in-class defence systems, equipment and components which should strengthen our forces and make the country more self-reliant. The formation of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) as an apex body of the Indian defence industry is critical in this regard. SIDM is expected to play a proactive role as an advocate, catalyst and facilitator for building the growth and capability of the defence industry in India. Given the rising importance of buttressing the Make in India programme for expanding the capacity of the Indian defence sector, in this issue of Economy Matters, a few SIDM office bearers and defence experts present their insights into this crucial topic.
As India integrates deeper into the global economy, it is becoming increasingly clear that the country needs to focus both on meeting international competition and its own developmental challenges.
The Government launched several initiatives last year, such as Make in India, Skill India, and Digital India, among others, towards make the vision of integrated inclusive development a reality.
For industry, grappling with the challenges of disruptive technologies, restrictive trade laws, environmental responsibilities and more demanding and discerning customers, the imperative is for sharper focus on producing excellent goods and services, along with building skills, generating jobs, and mainstreaming the marginalized.
Personal and freight mobility are important aspects of economic development and therefore create a significant footprint on the natural environment, especially on the ambient air quality. Vehicular emissions have been identified as one of the sources of air pollutants, specially PM 2.5, as per source apportionment study of IIT-Kanpur commissioned by Government of NCT of Delhi in the year 2015 (Sharma and Dikshit, 2016). Although there are other contributors to air pollution but the vehicular pollution remains a major non-point source. Efforts are needed for reducing the overall impact of the same. Another distinguishing feature of Delhi’s transportation system is the medium and heavy commercial vehicles (MHCVs) which are 2.5% of the total vehicular population but are responsible for over 65% of the total vehicular pollution as well as fuel consumption.
Under CII-NITI Aayog 'Cleaner Air Better Life Initiative', the task force on clean transportation has undertaken a consultative process to identify seven areas of action towards mitigation of air pollution in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR). To begin with, it proposes mobility reforms to induce a more fundamental change from private vehicle towards sustainable means of transportation such as public and shared transportation. Further, limiting high-mileage polluting vehicles, strengthening Pollution-Under-Control (PUC) regime, allowing retailing of bio-fuels, promoting electric-mobility, decongesting traffic hotspots and retrofitting solutions are recommended by the task force, as elaborated.
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) takes immense pleasure in presenting the third edition of Annual CSR Tracker 2017. Similar to the last two editions, this is the most comprehensive analysis of CSR disclosures of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE-listed) companies obligated to practice CSR as per the Companies Act, 2013.
The Annual CSR Tracker 2017 is based on disclosures of 1,522 companies as compared to 1,270 companies in 2016 and 1,181 in 2015. Disclosures are broken into approximately, 41 indicators spread across six aspects of CSR legislation: governance, policy, financials, spends as per Schedule VII, spend channels, and spend locations. Also included is beneficiary data that companies voluntarily disclose in their annual reports.
At CII Indian Women Network, we are driven by the imperative that Indian women become a core critical mass of the workforce to bring about the transformational change in attitude and behavior. We have also recognized the importance of some amazing women role models who can inspire the future generation into believing that there are no limits to what a woman can achieve. One critical aspect is our own self-belief and innermost conviction that will ultimately help us triumph in our relentless struggle for gender equality. It is a pleasure to share this comprehensive report with you that captures the universe of several variables that will impact our future progress.
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CII Multilateral Newsletter, October 2013, Vol. 1, Issue 1
1. 1Multilateral Newsletter
this IssueInside
Focus Story
G20: Collective Commitment for Revival of Growth................2
Update
Leaders endorse new G20/OECD principles on long-term
investment financing.............................................................8
SAARC
6th
South Asia Economic Summit- Colombo, Srilanka..............9
October 2013, Volume 1, Issue 1
Message for Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, DG, CII
India’s engagement at multilateral forums has significantly increased over the last one decade. It
has been playing a constructive role in forums like G-20 (B-20) which has been deliberating on
critical issues of global economic and trade governance post the financial crisis. In multilateral
trade negotiations under the aegis of WTO and climate change, India’s role to champion and
protect the interests of developing and poor countries is highly appreciated.
Besides, India has also joined the groupings like IBSA and BRICS, which are again playing an important role in
the current global scenario. These blocks are promoting the larger South-South cooperation and positioning
themselves as major growth poles in post-economic crisis period.
While India’s role is well recognized at these multilateral forums by both developed and developing countries,
India too has done its part in terms of extending benefits to its South Asian neighbours and the larger group
of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). India granted duty free market access to LDCs as per the WTO Hong
Kong Ministerial Declaration. Under SAFTA, India has granted many concessions to its neighbours and duty
free access to South Asian LDCs on almost all products (except 25) in Indian market.
CII complements the Government of India’s enhanced engagement with East and Southeast Asia, Africa and
Latin America. In the Southeast Asia region, CII is working with international agencies like the World Bank,
ADB, UNDP on regions such as Mekong with a special focus on Myanmar. Similarly, in Africa, CII is actively
engaging in the development of the private sector through the promotion of Indian investments in African
manufacturing and services sector, which adds value to GOI’s developmental cooperation agenda.
Indian industry greatly values GOI’s endeavour in championing India’s and other developing countries’ cause
at these forums internationally. In recent years, Indian industry too has started taking keen interest on these
issues and is looking outward, slowly emerging as one of the significant sources of global investment. CII in
association with its partner business associations has formed a Business 20 alliance to feed business inputs
into the G-20 discussions on issues which are of direct interest to them.
I am happy to introduce CII’s newsletter of all such multilateral and regional engagements of India and Indian
industry and hope that this information is of worth and value to the readers. Your feedback would be most
useful to enable us improve the future editions.
Chandrajit Banerjee,
Director General, CII
Multilateral
Core Group of Immigration and Visa Experts..........................9
The commonwealth
Commonwealth launches first index measuring
Youth Development.............................................................10
EVENTS....................................................................... 11
NEWSLETTER
2. 2 Multilateral Newsletter
G20: Collective Commitment for
Revival of Growth
The 8th
summit of the G20 grouping, which accounts for 90 per cent of the global economy and two-third of
the global population concluded at St. Petersburg in Russia on 6 September. Born in the immediate aftermath of
the 2008 global economic crisis, the G20, from its first summit in Washington DC, has over the years morphed
into the world’s preeminent forum of global economic coordination. Besides the G8 grouping of developed
economies, the G20 has emerged as a more representative grouping bringing in its fold top emerging developing
economies, including India. In the first three years after the 2008 downturn, the G20 acted as an effective crisis
manager, and is now evolving to provide leadership on key global economic issues.
The context and challenges for the St Petersburg summit were different as compared to the earlier Los Cabos
and the Cannes summits in 2012 and 2011 respectively when the focus was on terminal gloom in the eurozone
and its corrosive impact on emerging economies. Since then, the US economy has shown an upswing and the
eurozone is proving that all is not lost. This time round, the spotlight was, therefore, on developing effective
coordination mechanisms and policy innovations to spur sturdy, balanced, sustainable and inclusive growth.
The operative mantra here is sustainable recovery as the global economic debate has moved beyond growth
versus austerity to a decisive shift in favour of growth and greater international coordination to sustain growth
and recovery.
FOCUS
Source: www.g20.org/photo/
3. 3Multilateral Newsletter
Glimpse of BRICS meeting held at the sidelines of G20
BRICS Leaders met on 5 September 2013, ahead of the formal opening of the G20 Summit in St. Petersburg.
The Leaders noted the continued slow pace of the recovery, high unemployment in some countries, and on-
going challenges and vulnerabilities in the global economy, particularly in advanced economies. They believe
that major economies, including G20, could do more to boost global demand and market confidence. They
also expressed their concern with the stalling of the International Monetary Fund reform process. They recalled
the urgent need to implement the 2010 IMF Quota and Governance Reform, as well as to complete the next
general quota review by January 2014 as agreed at the G20 Seoul Summit in order ensure the Fund’s credibility,
legitimacy and effectiveness.
The G20 Leaders look forward to the 9th World Trade Organisation’s Ministerial conference to be held in
December 2013, and expect that it will be a stepping stone to the successful and balanced conclusion of the
Doha Development Round.
In light of the progress achieved both in the negotiations the BRICS leaders expect tangible results by the time
of the next Summit. The Leaders welcomed the first meeting of the BRICS Business Council held recently in
Johannesburg, South Africa, and encouraged the business community to increase contacts and cooperation.
The Leaders welcomed the good progress made towards the establishment of the BRICS-led New Development
Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.
On the NDB, progress has been made in negotiating its capital structure, membership, shareholding and governance.
The Bank will have an initial subscribed capital of US$ 50 billion from the BRICS countries. On the CRA, consensus
has been achieved on many key aspects and operational details regarding its establishment. As agreed in Durban,
the CRA will have an initial size of US$100 billion. Country's individual commitments to the CRA will be as follows:
China - US$41 billion; Brazil, India, and Russia - US$18 billion each; and South Africa - US$5 billion.
In light of the progress achieved both in the negotiations of the NDB and CRA the BRICS leaders expect tangible
results by the time of the next Summit.
FOCUS
Source: http://pmindia.nic.in/photogallery_next.php
4. 4 Multilateral Newsletter
G-20 St. Petersburg Declaration – Key Highlights
• G-20 agreed that it remains critical for them to focus all joint efforts on engineering a durable exit from
the longest and most protracted crisis in modern history.
• G-20 endorsed the work plan that helped them to assess factors affecting the availability and accessibility
of long-term financing for investment and committed to identify and start to implement a set of collective
and country-specific measures that tangibly improve their domestic investment environments.
• G-20 stressed the crucial importance of strong multilateral trading system and call on all the WTO
members to show the necessary flexibility and reach a successful outcome in this year’s multilateral trade
negotiations. The leaders extend their commitment to refrain from protectionist measures and aim at
enhancing transparency in trade, including in regional trade agreements.
• G-20 endorsed plans to address cross-border tax evasion and avoidance, which undermine public finances
and people’s trust in the fairness of the tax system.
• The G-20 countries share a common interest in developing cleaner, more efficient and reliable energy
supplies, as well as more transparent physical and financial commodity markets.
• The leaders reiterate that excess volatility of financial flows and disorderly movements in exchange rates
can have adverse implications for economic and financial stability, as observed recently in some emerging
markets.
• To address the challenges and to place the global economy on a stronger, more sustainable and balanced
growth path, G-20 has built on its previous actions with new measures as set out in the St Petersburg
Action Plan. The Action Plan is designed to boost economic activity and job creation, support the recovery,
and address near-term risks to the outlook, while strengthening the foundations for strong, sustainable
and balanced growth through ambitious and well-targeted reforms.
FOCUS
India’s Priorities
India, along with other emerging
economies, is concerned about the
volatile capital flows resulting from
quantitative easing of advanced
economies, which are affecting
economies of emerging countries
and hence the burden should be
shared. Indian is also in favour of defending the capital controls as legitimate and acceptable defence against
speculative capital flows and press for creating an effective framework for the adjustment process.
The key priority of India for the G20 summit is to keep the grouping’s focus on long-term financing for investment
in infrastructure and SMEs. In previous summits, India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had drawn the attention
of world leaders to the urgent need to build institutional frameworks to ensure steady and uninterrupted flow
of finance for a range of developmental activities, especially in countries and regions with massive infrastructure
gaps.
In this context, the leaders of G20 countries are being pressured to focus on closer coordination between
multilateral development banks (MDBs) to mobilise private capital to address infrastructure needs in public-
private partnerships.
5. 5Multilateral Newsletter
With the creation of the
G20, businesses from the
G20 countries organized
themselves to contribute
to the emerging global
discussions and provide
input to the G20 and the
international organisations.
“G20 business summits”
took place in the UK (2009),
Canada (2010), South-Korea
(2010), France (2011) and
Mexico (2012). Previously,
the most representative
business federations from
the G8 countries – the “B8”
– provided input to the G8
summits.
In 2011, the G20 business
summit took a step forward
and it became a mirror of
the G20 by ensuring business
representation from all the
G20 countries. To ensure
the durability of this important new business forum, MEDEF (Mouvement des entreprises de France) worked
collaboratively with 23 national and regional business confederations from around the world. It also used, for
the first time, the term “Business-20” (B-20) to stress the new dimension of the business summit. Confederation
of Indian Industry (CII) represents India in this Coalition. CII is one of the founder members of this coalition. CII
secretariat was represented in most of the Business-20 meetings held at various cities.
To achieve this objective, the Coalition considers that the G20 Business Community will speak and interact with
the G20 with a unique and legitimate voice by:
• Representing the full range of sectors and size of enterprises
• Interfacing with the G20 by organizing joint meetings and parallel Summits;
• Proposing and advocating operational and pragmatic business-oriented solutions through position papers in
any economic, social and financial issues raised by the G20;
• Following-up the enforcement of the G20 commitments, evaluate its impacts and, if necessary, propose new
orientations;
• Ensuring a continuum of agendas from a B20 Summit to the other (and also at the G20 level);
• Identifying and proposing new issues for G20 to tackle.
Business 20 Coalition on G-20
ROLES
AND
OBJECTIVES
OF B-20
COALITION
ROLES
AND
OBJECTIVES
OF B-20
COALITION
FOCUS
6. 6 Multilateral Newsletter
India’s G-20 Private Advisory Group
On the advice from Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission and India's G-20 Sherpa,
CII has constituted a high-powered industry group with whom Government of Indian can regularly interact on
the subjects which include International Trade, Investments & Infrastructure, Restoring confidence in Financial
System, Global Priorities for Innovation & Development, Job Creation & Investment in Human Capital, and
Transparency & Anti-corruption.
The advisory group is chaired by Mr S Gopalakrishnan, President, CII. The first meeting of India G20 Advisory
Group was held at 9 September, 2013 at Planning Commission, New Delhi.
The main objective of constituting “India G20 Advisory Group” is to smoothen out the communication process
between the two major stakeholders i.e. the Government and the industrial group as both play a vital role in
the holistic economic development of the nation.
• The advisory group plays an important role in highlighting the key points which need to be prioritized at the
G-20 summit from an industries point of view.
• The brain storming meeting facilitates free exchange of views among the high powered industry groups and
the government.
• Formulating and submitting proposals to G20 leaders.
• Consolidating positions of business communities in global dialogue on crucial issues of international
development.
• Facilitating effective dialogue with high level industrial leaders in finding effective solutions to the key issues
being addressed at the G-20.
FOCUS
7. 7Multilateral Newsletter
Azevêdo welcomes progress on Bali issues
Director-General Roberto Azevêdo has welcomed the involvement
of Senior Officials from capitals in a meeting in Geneva held on 19
September 2013 to advance preparations for the 9th Ministerial
Conference to be held in Bali, 3-6 December. The Senior Officials
meeting follows an intensification of work on Bali issues since
the Director-General assumed his new role at the beginning of
September. The first cycle of these meetings will conclude with a
meeting of the Trade Negotiations Committee on 23 September.
Source: http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres13_e/pr696_e.htm
Director-General Azevêdo launches Global Seminar on WTO Accessions
WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo launched on 23 September 2013 the first Global Seminar on WTO
Accessions, a week-long event at the WTO bringing together officials from 17 governments seeking to join the
WTO. “The event provides an important platform for dialogue between WTO members and acceding governments
and for capacity building in this highly important area for the future of the WTO,” said DG Azevêdo.
The main objectives of the Global Seminar was to strengthen the expertise of government officials negotiating
entry into the WTO, to share experiences and best-practices, to review and consolidate the results of the 31
concluded accessions since the establishment of the WTO and to ensure that the results obtained by WTO
members since their accession strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading system.
The seminar provides a platform for discussions between both capital and Geneva-based officials from the acceding
governments and officials from WTO members. Speakers included expert negotiators and WTO specialists. Of the 31
members that have joined the WTO since 1995, six are least-developed countries. Four completed their accession in 2011
— the record year for WTO accessions — and 24 governments are currently undertaking accession negotiations.
The Global Seminar was organized jointly by the Accessions Division and the Institute for Training and Technical
Cooperation.
Source: http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres13_e/pr697_e.htm
EU donates EUR 700,000 to enhance trade capacity of developing countries
This year, the European Union will donate EUR 400,000 (about CHF 494,000) to the Trade Facilitation National
Needs Assessments Trust Fund and EUR 200,000 (about CHF 247,000) to the Trade Facilitation Window I Trust
Fund. Another donation of EUR 100,000 (about CHF 124,000) will be allocated to support the effective participation
of Least Developed Countries in the 9th WTO Ministerial Conference.
“The European Union's generosity will help us to fulfil our continuous commitment to making the multilateral
trading system as inclusive as possible. Strengthening the participation of developing countries and LDCs in
world trade is of crucial importance for the WTO, particularly in these difficult economic times,” declared WTO
Director-General Roberto Azevêdo.
Angelos Pangratis, Ambassador of the European Union, stated that “it is a priority for the EU to assist developing
and the least developed countries to further integrate into the global economy and reap the full benefits of
trade. This contribution to the WTO Trust Funds, which is about helping countries improve and streamline the
very transactions of trade, reflects that. This speaks specifically to the EU's commitment to assist the most
vulnerable of WTO Members in participating effectively in negotiations as well as it is about supporting them
in implementing commitments they are ready to undertake.”
Source: http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres13_e/pr695_e.htm
WTO
8. 8 Multilateral Newsletter
Leaders endorse new G20/OECD principles
on long-term investment financing
At the recent G20 summit held at St. Petersburg the G20 leaders endorsed
an OECD-launched initiative to encourage the flow of institutional investment
towards longer-term assets, such as infrastructure and renewable energy
projects, in order to strengthen the global economy.
Currently, pension funds, insurers, mutual funds and sovereign wealth funds hold
more than USD 80 trillion in assets. Pension funds alone managed over USD
20 trillion in assets as of the end of 2012, with a net annual inflow of savings
of over $1 trillion. But only 1% of those assets were invested in infrastructure
projects, with an even smaller fraction in clean energy projects.
The High-Level Principles of Long-Term Investment Financing by Institutional
Investors, prepared by an OECD Taskforce working together with G20 members,
establish a framework for encouraging institutional investment in long-term
assets. They set out the preconditions to long-term investment, such as the
need for stable macroeconomic conditions, a clear and transparent government
plan for projects, as well as opportunities for private sector involvement via
public procurement and public-private partnerships investment. The principles
also address specific policies, including:
• Improving incentives to mobilize higher levels of long-term savings
• Strengthening the governance of institutional investors to provide the right incentives for the adoption of a
long-term perspectives and the management of often illiquid assets
• Ensuring the tax and regulatory framework reflects the particular risk characteristics of the investments,
promotes long-term strategies and lowers barriers
• Informing and educating consumers about the virtues of long-term saving.
As part of its work for the G20, the OECD will also be intensifying monitoring of institutional investors and
carrying out in-depth analysis of a variety of policy and market-based incentives to facilitate long-term investment,
including in clean energy.
OECD
OECD Secretary-General Angel
Gurría said: “The fall-out from
financial crisis has exposed
the limitations of relying on
traditional sources of long-term
investment finance such as
banks. Governments are looking
for other sources of funds to
support the long-term projects
that are essential to sustaining a
dynamic economy. There is huge
potential among institutional
investors to support development
in a range of areas such as
infrastructure, new technology
and small businesses.”
OECD Contribtutions to St. Petersburg by Theme
• Financing for investment
– G20-OECD High-level Principles of Long-term Investment Financing by Institutional Investors
– Policy Guidance for Investment in Clean Energy Infrastructure: Expanding Access to Clean Energy for Growth and Development
• Employment and Social Policies
– Addressing employment, labour market and social protection challenges in G20 countries: key measures since 2010 ILO and OECD
– The short-term labour market outlook and key challenges in G20 countries ILO and OECD
– Activation Strategies for Stronger and More Inclusive Labour Markets in G20 Countries: Key Policy challenges and Good practices OECD
• Energy
– Global Marine Environmental Protection Iniative website OECD
• Financial Sector Reform
– Advancing National Strategies for Financial Education OECD, G20
– National Strategies for Financial Education OECD
– G20-OECD Task Force on Financial Consumer ProtectionG20, OEC
• Taxation
– OECD Secretary-General Tax Report to G20 OECD
– Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting
• Trade
– Implications of global value chains for trade, investment, development and jobs WTO, OECD, UNCTAD
– 9th
Report on G20 Trade and Investment Measures WTO, OECD, UNCTAD
Source: http://www.oecd.org/newsroom/
Source: http://www.oecd.org/g20/meetings/
9. 9Multilateral Newsletter
6th
South Asia Economic Summit- Colombo, Srilanka
The sixth South Asian Economic Summit under the theme Towards
a stronger, dynamic, and inclusive South Asia was held at Colombo,
Srilanka from 2-4 September. The event witnessed participation of
several dignitaries and renowned economists in the South Asian region
and beyond.
The summit was centered around four issues which were termed as
“The Big Four” on topics such as harnessing human capital potential,
managing water resources, Food security and climate change and
addressing inter-country growth disparities.
Delivering the keynote address at the event, Minister of Finance Planning
for the Government of Pakistan Ahsan Iqbal expressed his sentiments
on various topics surrounding the economy. “So let this South Asian
Economic Summit come out with a Colombo consensus. Which says
that growth whose fruits are not being shared by the people across
the society; Growth which does not provide equal opportunities to its
people; growth which is insensitive to growing inequality and poverty
in society; growth which does not provide political stability and social
harmony? Maybe growth in numbers but cannot be called growth of
societies. It cannot be called development because development starts
with people and ends with people.”
SAARC addresses the Core Group of Immigration and Visa Experts
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Saleem, Secretary-General of SAARC, addressed the Core Group of Immigration and Visa Experts
at the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu. Participated in by representatives of all the Member States, the two-
day Meeting of the Core Group brings together immigration and visa experts from the region in a bid to expand
the scope of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. The Scheme currently entitles a limited number of people to
visa-free travel within the region.
The Fifth SAARC Summit held in November 1990 in the Maldives had decided to launch the SAARC Visa Exemption
Scheme with the ultimate objective of putting in place a visa free regime in South Asia.
The Guidelines and Procedures governing the SAARC Visa Exemption
Scheme provides for annual meetings of the Immigration Authorities of
Member States in order to facilitate its smooth functioning. The Fifth
Meeting of Immigration Authorities held in Malé on 24 September 2012
had recommended the convening of the Core Group of Immigration
and Visa Experts to consider including new categories of persons.
On the recommendation of the Fifth Meeting of Immigration Authorities,
a Meeting of Experts is to convene at the Secretariat immediately
following the Core Group’s meeting, to consider the establishment of
the SAARC Immigration Liaison Network, a proposal mooted by the
Maldives.
“I am happy to note that this
meeting convenes finally today and
tomorrow at the SAARC Secretariat
with the participation of all the
Member States. The presence of
delegates from all the Member States
not only signifies the importance of
this meeting, but also augurs well for
its success, paving the way for the
smooth functioning of the SAARC
Visa Exemption Scheme,” said the
Secretary-General in his address.
Economic cooperation for South
Asia specially in SAARC region is
extremely important. An economic
cooperation is what is going to
make or break the SAARC. It is
extremely important for us to
conduct business among all the
others. I am really happy that
the trade is increasing in fact in
the South Asian region unlike
sometime ago. Trades have now
increased to something like
2.5 billion. I know it is peanuts
compared to what we can
do. Because this is the fastest
developing regions in the world.
We should put in much much
more.”
Ahmed Saleem,
Secretary General, SAARC
SAARC
Source: http://www.oecd.org/g20/meetings/
Source: http://www.saarc-sec.org/2013/08/13/news/
10. 10 Multilateral Newsletter
Commonwealth launches first index
measuring Youth Development
The Commonwealth has launched the first index measuring the development and empowerment of young people
in countries worldwide. The Youth Development Index (YDI) offers an inter-country comparison of the environment
for young people, aged 15 to 29, across five key areas: education, health, employment, civic participation and
political participation. The first comprehensive attempt to aggregate global data on young people, the YDI
was formulated to help decision-makers identify and learn from areas of success, pinpoint priority areas for
investment, and track progress over time. The methodology was developed by independent academic experts
from across The Commonwealth, in conjunction with the Institute for Economics and Peace.
Launching the YDI and its accompanying website and report on 19 September, Commonwealth Secretary-General
Kamalesh Sharma said: “The Index raises awareness both of successes and of investment needs, it will help
identify and share good practices between countries, and will enable the tracking of progress over time.”
Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba added: “The current demographic
profile of The Commonwealth, with a significant youth bulge in most member states, makes it more vital than
ever that we engage in practical action that matches the sense of urgency and impatience for change being
expressed by younger generations."
“The Commonwealth will continue to work with its member governments to develop and implement policies
and programmes for the empowerment of young people.”
Key findings:
• The countries with the highest overall YDI score in The Commonwealth are Australia, Canada and New
Zealand, who are also some of the best performers globally.
• 70% of Commonwealth countries are classified as having medium youth development, and 13% as having
high youth development.
• On average, young people aged 15-29 make up around 28% of the population in Commonwealth countries.
The top ten countries in the YDI have smaller youth populations, averaging 23%.
• Some low and middle-income countries outscore higher-income countries. Researchers found that a focus on
economic growth at the expense of other key factors such as governance and services may not necessarily
translate into gains for youth development.
• Democracies score considerably better in the YDI compared to Authoritarian regimes.
• The average youth unemployment rate in Commonwealth countries is 22.9%, compared to the global average
of 19.2%. The prevalence of HIV amongst youth in Commonwealth countries is 2.1%, two and a half times
the global average.
Researchers stressed the importance of more comprehensive data collection on indicators important to youth
development, to produce evidence-based youth policies and continue to enhance the Index.
Director of the Commonwealth Foundation, Vijay Krishnarayan said: “It is tempting to see the Index as either
an indictment or endorsement of past performances but rather we should see it as a spur to action, an aid to
planning and a guide to the way ahead.”
Marc Kidson, Chair of the British Youth Council, added: “What is so encouraging to me, is that the Index is not
a report about young people, it is a tool for young people. A tool to make sure they can draw attention to
the challenges they face, a tool to make sure governments cannot assume they know best what young people
need, and a tool to strengthen young voices with credible evidence.”
The commonwealth
Source: http://thecommonwealth.org/media/press-release/