INDIA, TAIWAN,

FROM THE REDACTION

In 2002 there took place a slowing down of Indian economy, after which the county’s indicators of economic growth have been steadily increasing. In 2002 GDP indicator made up 4,0%, in 2003 – 8,2%, in 2004 – 6,4%. From the viewpoint of statistics, Indian fiscal year begins from April 1.

In parallel with the economic growth India is reducing political tension with Pakistan with which it has a territorial controversy over Kashmir, and resumes trade and travel relations with this country.
Starting from 1990 India changed its policy and started to attract foreign investments. Import tariffs were reduced, and in some cases they were completely canceled.
India is implementing export to the EU, the US, and Japan. The main export commodities are: precious stones, ready-made clothes, leather and leather articles. The country is importing goods from the EU, the US, and Japan. The main import commodities are: fuel products from the Middle East, paints, plastics, chemical produce, unprocessed precious stones, iron, steel, etc.
Interview with Mr. K.K. Modi (the President of CASSI)
Mr. Modi, what could you say about Georgian business, do you have any suggestions to the Georgian government and businessmen? What do we have to do to improve business environment in our country?
I think that improvement of the economy will encourage not only Georgian people but foreign businessmen as well. Tomorrow many official persons will be present at our meeting. I think that there will be progress in the country if the Georgian government encourages foreign businessmen.
In your opinion, what importance does this conference have for our country?
I think that your government and businessmen are given a good chance to show their own abilities. We have met the representatives of Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and we believe that the beginning of some kind of activities with these people is possible.
Mr. Modi, are there any special approaches to business in your country?
The situation in India is very good, Indian businessmen will soon enter the international arena. There are many spheres in which cooperation is possible. India does not seek foreign investments.
What do you think about investments in foreign countries? Here I imply Georgia.
I think that investments in your country are possible. You have very good wines, wonderful places, very clever people, that is why I think that at the initial stage we should not resort to large investments, but the implemented program must employ a lot of people. There are many people in your country that have employment problems.
In your opinion, how has this forum been arranged by the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry?
I think that it has been arranged very well. I hope that Georgian businessmen will make friends with their foreign colleagues and many investment programs will be implemented in your country.

Taiwan is one of the leading economic and trade centers, its port Kaohsiung is the most business-like port in the world.
In 2004 the indicators of economic growth were not high, but in 2005 the GDP indicator will probably make up 3,8%. Slowing down of the export sector, high oil prices in the world and reduction of foreign demand cause slowing down of Taiwan’s economy.In 2001 Taiwan was allowed to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), but, unlike China, with a status of a developed country. Oil, coal, and natural gas are playing an important part in Taiwan’s economic development.
Taiwan is Australia’s important partner in the trade sphere. Australian business centre is implementing export to Taiwan. Bilateral investments are being carried out between the countries. Over a long period of time the country has been trying to attract foreign investments, and finally it succeeded in it. Taiwan is also trying to liberalize its economy and improve the investment climate. Taiwan is planning to become the action centre in Asia-Pacific region for improving trade and investment environment.
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