Sunday, September 30, 2012

SAB TV promises a Magical Comedy with Baal Veer
 
 
~Starting 8th October every Mon-Friday at 8pm~
 
New Delhi,September 27th,2012:The joy of watching a fairy tale on screen is unbridled especially when you discover it even has a dynamic superhero as its protagonist. Baal Veer is an enchanting saga of a little boy, raised by fairies and blessed with super powers like no other human. However, since this show is a SAB TV creation, it’s not all action, but instead it’s copious laughter scene after scene! It’s a hilarious show with extremely entertaining characters, who will redefine everything you know about fairyland.
 
Speaking of fairyland, this fairyland in particular, known as Pari Lok, has the most motley assortment of angels. Meet Aarpaar Pari, with the power to transcend matter and travel through walls, transporting herself anywhere within seconds; Vijdaar pari, fairy of thunder and lightning; Atakti Pari has a power to freeze a person anywhere;BaalPari whose tresses are so long that she can tie people with them;Bhatakti Pari who has a unique power to confuse people and make them lose their way and lastly Gaal Pari who has magic tricks hidden in her big rosy cheeks.Natkhat Pari has power to befool people.Little Baal Veer is blessed with the combined power of all these 7 angels and uses these powers for the good of mankind.
 
Overseeing all that’s happening in Pari Lok, there is Rani Pari, as no fairytale is complete without a fairy godmother! Rani Pari has the power of all the angels in Pari Lok. This significant character in the show  is played by Karishma Tanna. Karishma, who has been a part of the television industry for over two decades, is no stranger to comedy. She will now be seen in elaborate costumes and hair-dos in Baal Veer, which will add yet another feather in her hat for portraying varied roles. Playing her rival on the show, in the role of an antagonistic Pari, is Shama Sikandar, who revels in creating turbulence in the otherwise ethereal firmament. Shama too, has been part of television for the longest time and even has numerous films to her credit. Both Shama and Karishma have had a background of comedy in television and they sure look like an ideal choice to match their powerful, unexpected roles for the show.
 
Baal Veer is esentially a show about a child bestowed with godly powers, who shuttles between earth and fairyland. His sole motive is to save young kids like himself, from bullies and other injustice against them. In the course of his travel between the two realms is when he meets two earthlings, Manav and Meher, who eventually become his dear friends. Manav and Meher are often troubled by older kids and treated insensitively. Baal Veer comes to their rescue with the powers of his wand causing much comic mayhem in the process but as the proverb goes, all is well as it eventually ends well.
 
For an ensemble cast like this one, higly crafted outfits and magnificent sets, this show surely promises a lot. With all the detailing, the channel promises to stay faithful to its most essential facet, that of comedy. The exaggerated character sketches provide ample humour to get the audiences in splits.
 
Mr. Anooj Kapoor, EVP and Business Head, SAB TV said, ‘It’s a very large scale venture from our side which is a mythical fiction. We have upped the production value and quality and even the scale at which TV shows are made today. It’s a landmark show for SAB TV as its a totally new genre of magic and special effects. A family entertainer and a visual delight, all in one!’
 
Baal Veer is being produced by Mr. Vipul Shah from Optimystix.
 
In keeping with SAB TV’s belief that “Asli Maaza Toh Saab Ke saath aata hai”, gather all generations of your family and enjoy this adorable show with its innocent charm and humour. Catch this new flavour of fairytale and comedy on SAB TV every Mon-Friday at 8 pm.
 
About SAB
 
SAB is a part of the network of Television channels owned by Multi Screen Media Pvt. Ltd. SAB is India’s only family comedy entertainment channel with a core brand promise of ‘Asli Mazaa SAB ke Saath Hai’. SAB with its impressive lineup of innovative programs and light-hearted content ranging from daily family comedy to path breaking concepts like Silent comedy is dedicated to promoting an enjoyable “family-viewing” experience. Its programming mix includes Golmaal Hai Bhai Sab Golmaal Hai,Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah, Chidiyaghar, R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya, Lapataganj, FIR, Waah Waah Kyaa Baat Hai & classic films on weekends. For its differentiated programming and healthy entertainment, SAB has also won the Brand Leadership award in Media & Entertainment space.
Government Misleading on FDI on Retail
Government playing with Post Harvest loss figures

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has alleged the Government for misleading the nation on the matter of wastage of fruits and vegetable in India for which FDI in Retail is needed. The CAIT said that the reports of Planning Commission's Working Group on Agriculture Marketing Infrastructure for 12th Five Year Plan has while citing the report of Indian Council on Agricultural Research(ICAR) has contradicted the claim of the Government that currently 30% to 40% Fruits and Vegetables produced in the Country are wasted. The Union Commerce Minister Mr. Anand Sharma has repeatdly argued the need of FDI in Retail in order to curtail such wastage. Even the Prime Ministers address to the nation also mentioned the said figure of wastage.

CAIT Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal has asked the Union Commerce Minister to divulge the source or reference or study report based on which he is continuosly claiming wastage of fruits and vegetables upto 30% to 40% .It is a wrong statement of the Govt which has been propounded just to facilitate the entry of FDI in Retail Trade-said Mr. Khandelwal
Mr. Khandelwal while contesting the claim of the Government cited the report of the Working Group of Planning Commission which has inserted figures of post harvest losses on the basis of the survey report of ICAR which stated as under.

Status of Post-harvest Losses
Status of Post-harvest Losses
Crop

Minimum % Loss

Maximum % Loss

Cereals

3.9
(Sorghum)
6.0
(Wheat)
Pulses

4.3
(Chick Pea)
6.1
(Black Gram)
Oilseeds

2.8
(Cottonseed)
10.1
(Groundnut)
Fruit

5.8
(Sapota)
18.0
(Guava)
Vegetables

6.8
(Cauliflower)
12.4
(Tomato)
Spices

3.9
(Black Pepper)
7.4
(Turmeric)
Livestock

0.8
(Milk)
6.9
(Inland Fish)
Mr. Khandelwal said that all the proponents of the FDI in Retail has been arguing on this line.He further said thet Agro Experts and Dealers in these agro commodities have stated the percentage of wastage upto 30% to 40% as incorrect and bogus in their responses to Consultation paper of DIPP which were deeply ignored.

He further said that based on the ICAR study and planning working group this post harvest losses are nowhere around the staggering percentage quoted by the Government..It appears that the Govt is basing these bogus figures for making up a case for allowing FDI in Multi Brand Retail.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

       
Join us on:
SportzPower Daily www.sportzpower.com
Sep 29 Vol 01, Issue 1039
TODAY'S TOP HEADLINES
Sportsman and Red Bull becomes new global partner of FIA WRC
The promoter will be responsible for investing and developing the WRC with a view to increasing its profile, reputation and commercial value
Cricket Australia appoints 3 independent directors onto new 9-member board
3 top corporate leaders nominated to take their place as independent directors on the new, streamlined nine-member Cricket Australia board next month
Lewis Hamilton to race for Mercedes AMG Petronas from 2013
Following signature of commercial agreement with FOM earler this week, Mercedes F1 confirm that Lewis Hamilton has signed a three-year agreement to race for the team
Rajasthan Royals launch talent hunt program ‘Cricket Star Rajasthan’
Rajasthan Royals and Dainik Bhaskar announce launch of Cricket Star Rajasthan, a talent hunt program that seeks to uncover cricket talent in Rajasthan
FIA renews agreement with Eurosport Events till 2017
This is the second renewal of the agreement among the parties, since the FIA appointed Eurosport Events as WTCC championship promoter back in 2005
Tissot becomes official timekeeper of 2014 Asian Games
Tissot has been named official timekeeper of the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, Korea
Puma launches new TVC 'evoSPEED'
The quirky commercial features Usain Bolt alongside a galaxy of Puma sports stars such as cricketer Yuvraj Singh, golfer Rickie Fowler, footballer Sergio Aguero and F1 racer Fernando Alonso
TOP STORY PICKS OF THE WEEK
Competition Commission greenlights News Corp buyout of ESPN from ESS JV
News Corp’s proposal to buy out Walt Disney owned ESPN's stake in the ESPN Star Sports 50:50 joint venture gets green signal from Competition Commission of Indiao
IPL 2013 likely to a 10-team affair; high possibility of Deccan Chargers and new team participation
All fingers point towards terminated franchise Deccan Chargers getting fresh lease of life for at least another year and BCCI issuing a tender to bring in one more team
'UFC does not look at SFL as competition; we will concentrate on doing our thing right'
POWER INTERFACE - Ultimate Fighting Championship chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta asserts UFC is putting serious money to ensure that brand grows and maintains its leading position worldwide
'BCCI at liberty to advertise for another franchise'
POWER INTERFACE - BCCI president N Srinivasan announces the various new committees and shares some other highlights after the board's EGM
Rhiti Sports taps top Nokia exec and former ESPN India finance head as COO
Rhiti Sports ropes in Sanjay Agrawal, business controller at Nokia India, earlier ESPN Software India director - Finance & Operations, as its new chief operating officer
TEN ready to telecast Fed Cup if IMG-R provides feed: Atul Pande
Speculation raised for first time since IMG-Reliance secured 15-year commercial rights to Indian football in December 2010 that its partnership with AIFF could be headed for splitsvilleo
29-yr-old Abhishek Matoria elected IBF president; Chautala made chairman in newly created post
Barred by Sports Ministry from making constitutional changes that could have facilitated continuation of incumbent set of office-bearers, Indian Boxing Federation works around ito
IBF polls: 2 newly-elected office bearers decline to accept their posts
The IBF election results, which were "scripted" to ensure that outgoing president Abhay Chautala retained control over the association, appears to be unravellingo
Cricket Australia asks players to skip IPL 2013; could affect Indian league’s star power
CA worried that participation in the IPL during April-May will tire the players and the team’s fortunes in the Ashes tour to England in early June could be affected
Big opportunity for TATA Motors would be to manufacture their own F1 engines
PIT STOP PUNDIT - Sahara Force India now 21 points clear of Williams and chasing down 6th place Sauber, who are 26 points ahead; battle of mid-field teams will only get more exciting
About Loosening The Choke
GAMES PEOPLE PLAY - In living up to excessive expectations, few things can help as much as having access to the counsel of someone, who has been there and done that
Doubling Up
INSIDE OUT - In an era of uncertainty, the irony is that the single-handed backhand has been the most reliable and bankable aspect of the golden era in tennis
Centre gives go-ahead to AIFF to bid for hosting U-17 Fifa World Cup
Fifa executive committee, which meets on 26-27 September, can discuss India's candidature to host the Under-17 World Cup in 2017 after Centre gives its approval to providing necessary financial and security guarantees
BCCI dependence on IPL earnings grows; nearly 70% comes from cash awash league
BCCI's surplus earnings have risen by nearly 102% to Rs3.82bn in 2011-12, up from Rs1.9bn; total income up 63% to Rs33.08bn from Rs20.26bn
IOA announces poll date; terms age, tenure guidelines 'illegal & unconstitutional'
IOA announces elections to the apex sports body will be held on 25 November and a general body meeting has been called on 18 October to announce the poll process
SFL teams with Invicta to develop women talent; Mary Kom face of Friday Night Fight Nights
SFL partners Invicta Fighting Championships to develop women's MMA talent out of India; Mary Kom is brand ambassador for Friday Night Fight Nights, which kicks off 12 Oct
HC sets 18 Oct date to hear IHF plea; rules maintain status quo till then
Delhi High Court to hear petition filed by "HC recognised" IHF challenging IOA decision to declare HI as the central body for administering hockey in India
Pune to host Asian Rugby Sevens Women C’ship on 6 Oct
15 teams, including defending champion China and runner-up Kazakhstan, confirm participation in continental championship, where top 3 finishers will qualify for the 2013 World Cup
TEN Sports extends TV rights for US Open Tennis C'ships for 4 yrs
Four-year television rights cycle covers India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Bangladesh; includes rights to mobile, internet and video-on-demand
Court asks police to work with CBI on Sheila Dikshit CWG 2010 corruption charges
A Delhi court has now asked the police to work with the Central Bureau of Investigation on charges against the Delhi chief minister relating to the scam-tainted Games
EFLI adds Pak entrepreneur and 'American football mom' to its board
Laila Hamdan, a US based entrepreneur and "first lady" of American football in Pakistan, joins EFLI's board of directorss
Headliner – What a Racket! Fair Play and the Olympic Games
In the recently concluded London 2012 Olympic Games (“Games”), eight female badminton players from three Asian nations were disqualified by the International Olympic Committee (“IOC”) and the Badminton World Federation (“BWF”) for trying to lose their matches on purpose in order to gain a more favourable draw in the knockout stages of doubles competition.

FROM THE HOME PAGE
 
VIEW POINT

'UFC does not look at SFL as competition; we will concentrate on doing our thing right'

ULTIMATE Fighting Championship (UFC) chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta


COMMMENTARY

Doubling Up

INSIDE OUT - In an era of uncertainty, the irony is that the single-handed backhand has been the most reliable and bankable aspect of the golden era in tennis
 Press –Invitation
SUB: Anti Corruption Front Janata Dal (U) Battle Against
                Corruption    Through “DABBA ANDOLAN
 Dear Sir,
                             We would like to cordially invite you on Our “DABBA AANDOLAN” The ultimate Solution for Corruption Free India. At Jantar Mantar, which will be inaugurated by Our Esteemed  National President Janata Dal United Sh. Sharad Yadav Ji.
Which will be the Movement to eradicate the Corruption from our Government System “Through the People of India For the People of India” on the eve of Birth day of Our “Father of Nation” Sh. M.K.Ghandhi
A movement for the development of inner consciousness of every Indian.
Venue:  Jantar Mantar Delhi.Time: 12.30 A.m.Date:  2nd  oct. 2012
Yours truly,

Kumar Sahil
Secretary (ACF JDU)
For Any Query Contact
                                                                                          9013082104
                                                                                             8750143170


India Can Make Solar the Backbone of Its Economy by 2050” - Mr. Markus Elsasser, MD, Solar Promotion International GmbH
Delhi, September 2012: Intersolar India’s “Opportunities in the Indian Solar Market” media roundtable was recently held in Delhi by Messe Munich International India, Solar Promotion International GmbH & FMMI Freiburg Management and Marketing International GmbH, the promoters of Intersolar India 2012. The media roundtable was organized to facilitate an understanding of India’s position in the Solar Market and also engage the media in valuable information exchange & to position Intersolar India which is India’s largest Exhibition and Conference for the Solar Industry till now.
Prominent speakers were, Mr. Markus Elsasser, MD, Solar Promotion International, GmbH, Mr. Venkateshwara Rao, General Manager, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited, Mr. Vivek Saxena, Group President - Marketing, PCI Group, Mr. Rohit Dhar, Vice President C&S Electric, Mr. Oliver Herzog, Director, Bridge to India Energy Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Darryl Dasilva– CEO, MMI India
Mr. Markus Elsasser, MD, Solar Promotion International GmbH said, “India has huge potential for solar power generation. As the nation is facing an increasing demand - supply gap in energy, it is important to tap the solar potential to meet the energy needs. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (also known as the National Solar Mission) is a major initiative by the Government of India to promote ecologically sustainable growth while addressing India’s energy needs. With Intersolar India, we play a key role in contributing to the amount of knowledge in this field and also continue to recognize those projects through Intersolar award that helps move the industry forward in this direction.”
The Indian solar market is undergoing sweeping developments. While, according to figures published by the Ministry for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), India had merely 10 megawatts (MW) of installed photovoltaic capacity in 2009, this figure has risen to over 20000 MW by the end of 2011. India can make renewable resources such as solar the backbone of its economy by 2050, reining in its long-term carbon emissions without compromising its economic & ecological growth potential.”
Mr. Tarun Kapoor, Joint Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, shared his key insights and said, “India requires Euro 30 billion investment to develop 20000 MW of grid connected solar power by 2012. Indian policies in renewable energy are welcoming for investors, lenders and financial institutions in India and abroad. As a growing economy with a surging middle class energy resources are much essential. When a wide scope of such a renewable energy source exists, we should utilize it to the maximum.”
Industry Perspective:
“From 1994, the Indian Government is trying to push the development of solar and solar power but due to high investment cost as well as lack of expertise, the project couldn’t take off. But now, the scenario is different, overall cost to such project is reduced because of development of national and international players in the solar market and the various government subsidies towards this industry”, said Mr. Venkateshwara Rao, General Manager - Projects, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited.
The spokespersons from PCI Group and L& T Construction gave an insight into to the various projects & breakthroughs made in the India Solar Projects division, elaborating on the various grid systems and techniques under experiment across India.
Mr. Shaji John, Chief Solar, Division, L& T Construction, highlighted some of L&T’s experiences in constructing and managing the Rooftop Solar PV system which they had successfully tested in their Chennai campus. He said our primary goals towards this project were “Taking positive steps create and alternative and a reliable source of back-up power for meeting emergency. Most commercial units depend on DG set and diesel oil. Our outlook was aimed at moving towards smart micro grids, energy savings and an initiative to make environment more clean and peaceful.
The speakers during the media roundtable, also stressed on the need of the hour contribution of not just the government but also the corporate companies in India, towards promotion of solar power as a whole, at a urban, state & national level as well as providing impetus & encouragement to the individual home to home basis.
Mr. Vikas Saxena, Group President, PCI Group said, India is facing a perfect storm of factors that will drive solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption at a "furious pace over the next five years and beyond". The falling prices of PV panels, mostly from China but also from the U.S., have coincided with the growing cost of grid power in India. Government support and ample solar resources have also helped to increase solar adoption across many business verticals.”
According to the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), the target is for 20 GW of capacity to be installed by 2022, making India one of the most promising and fastest growing solar markets in the world.
The State of Karnataka, for example, 60 MW were awarded recently as part of a tender and a further 25 MW in Orissa 200 MW in Madhya Pradesh 250 MW are up for tender in Rajasthan while the federal state of Tamil Nadu is planning to have 3 GW installed in the coming three years. With the launch of such ambitious projects, the states have also encouraged small villages to include the power needs based via solar roof top projects, which would be an answer to the overwhelming problem of power shortage across the country. The eventual aim of the government and the various players involved is to make India independent for its power needs in the years to come and shine forth as the beacon of successful Solar Project implementations.
Intersolar India 2012 takes place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC) in Mumbai from November 6–8.
Intersolar's storied history of international exhibitions and conferences spans more than 20 years. Taking place in addition to Intersolar India in Mumbai are Intersolar North America in San Francisco and Intersolar China in Beijing, which was launched in December 2011. The world’s largest exhibition for the solar industry is Intersolar Europe in Munich.
For further information, please visit www.intersolar.in
About Intersolar
With over 3,100 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors spanning three continents, Intersolar is the world’s leading exhibition series for the solar industry. Intersolar India is India’s largest exhibition and conference for the solar industry and, as a leading industry platform, focuses on photovoltaic plates and solar thermal technologies. In 2011, a total of 264 companies from 18 countries attended the exhibition. Intersolar India supports the development of the Indian solar market and promotes cooperation between key players from industry, commerce, service providers and politics.
For more information on Intersolar India please visit:  http://www.intersolar.in/

Instituto Cervantes Nueva Delhi Instituto Cervantes  
  6 y 7 de octubre de 2012 / October 6th and 7th of 2012
 
                           
  CURSO DE BAILE FLAMENCO:
TANGO


Sábado 6 y domingo 7 de octubre.
De 4pm a 6:30pm



Los tangos es el palo que no ha de faltar en cualquier fiesta flamenca y la mejor manera de introducirse en el mundo del flamenco. En este taller aprenderás el compás del tango y algunos movimientos básicos –de cuerpo, brazos y zapateado- que te permitan bailar este estilo de una de las músicas que más están impactando en el mundo entero y recientemente declarado por la Unesco Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Humanidad: el flamenco.

Profesora: Rosalía Pérez González es diplomada en Danzas étnico-contemporáneas por el Instituto Universitario de Danza “Alicia Alonso” y monitora de Bailes de Salón. Se ha formado en bailes latinos, flamenco y danzas africanas en España y Puerto Rico. Así mismo ha trabajado como profesora de baile en España, Puerto Rico, Alemania e India.

Duración: 5 horas
Matrícula: 1.000 INR
FLAMENCO DANCE COURSE:
TANGO


Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th of October. From 4pm to 6:30pm


Tango is the elementary dance for any “fiesta flamenca” and the best way to discover the flamingo world. In this course you will learn the rhythm of tango and some basic movements – body, arms, feet “zapateao” – that will allow you to dance in style to one of the music styles with most impact in the entire world, and recently declared by the Unesco “Intangible Human Heritage”: Flamenco.

Teacher: Rosalía Pérez González has her degree in Etno-contemporary dances by the University Institute of Dance Alicia Alonso, and teacher of ballroom dancing. She has studied latin dances, flamingo and African dances in Spain and Puerto Rico. She has also worked as a dance teacher in Spain, Puerto Rico, Germany and India.

Duration: 5 hours
Enrollment: 1.000 INR
 
 

 
  Instituto Cervantes Nueva Delhi
48, Hanuman Road
Connaught Place
110 001 Nueva Delhi
India
Tel. : 91 11 4368 19 00
Fax: 91 11 4356 86 92
cenndel@cervantes.es

Friday, September 28, 2012

US to ease sanctions on imports from Myanmar

In a move that is expected to give significant economic boost to Myanmar, the US has said it will begin easing restrictions on imports of goods from the South east Asian country in recognition of efforts by its government to bring the country back on the road to democracy.

The announcement was made by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her meeting with Myanmar's President U Thein Sein on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
It comes just a week after Myanmar's pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi embarked on a historic visit to the United States and urged lifting of sanctions on her country.
"In recognition of the continued progress toward reform and in response to requests from both the government and the opposition, the United States is taking the next step in normalizing our commercial relationship. We will begin the process of easing restrictions on imports of Burmese goods into the US," Clinton said before her meeting with Sein in New York.
Clinton expressed hope that the move would provide more opportunities for the people of Myanmar to sell their goods into the US market.
"We have watched as you and your government have continued the steady process of reform, and we've been pleased to respond with specific steps that recognize the governments efforts and encourage further reform," she said.
It was Clinton's third meeting with Sein, who was making his first visit to the US to attend the General Assembly.
Clinton had earlier met him her on her trip to Myanmar last December and at a meeting of the Association of South East Asian Nations in Cambodia in July.
Following the implementation of political reforms by Myanmar, the US has been gradually lifting sanctions against the country which had been under the rule of military generals from 1962 till last year.
The political transition in Myanmar also saw Suu Kyi being released from 15 years of house arrest.
Suu Kyi is the opposition leader and chairperson of the National League for Democracy.
The US had lifted sanctions on American investment in Myanmar in June and last week announced it is lifting long- standing sanctions on Sein and parliamentary speaker Thura Shwe Mann.
The US Treasury Department acknowledged steps taken by Sein and Mann to promote political reforms and human rights and take Myanmar away from repression and dictatorship toward democracy.
Sein said he is grateful to the US for lifting the sanctions and added that frequent meetings between the two nations have contributed to strengthening the health of bilateral relations.
"We still need to continue our path on democratic reforms, but with the recognition and the support from the champion of democracy like the United States, it has been an encouragement for us to continue our chosen path," he said.
Clinton said the US would continue to consult the Congress and other relevant stakeholders about additional steps that can be taken to improve economic ties with Myanmar.
She said the US would also continue to work with the Myanmar government and support those who are "hoping that the reform will be permanent and progress will be continuing."
"We recognize, that you are doing many things at once political reform, moving toward a democratic change; economic reform, moving toward greater connection of your country with the global economy; working to end ethnic conflicts as you move toward peace and stability for your country," she said.
Suu Kyi party hails US easing of Myanmar import ban
The political party of Myanmar's democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi, on Thursday welcomed US moves to ease a ban on imports from the long-isolated nation, hailing it as a positive long term step.
The move to lift the last major trade sanctions on Myanmar came after "tripartite" talks involving Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Myanmar President Thein Sein and Suu Kyi, according to a spokesman for the Nobel laureate's party.
"We welcome the lifting of import bans, although of course the people cannot get an immediate benefit from it," said Ohn Kyaing, of the National League for Democracy (NLD).
"But we do think it will be good in the long term."
The international community began dismantling its embargoes against Myanmar this year in response to reforms including the new quasi-civilian government's eagerness to welcome Suu Kyi and her party into mainstream politics and the freeing of hundreds of political prisoners.
The ban on imports from Myanmar, also known as Burma, was imposed under a 2003 act by Congress, although there was little trade at the time, with America mostly importing some hardwoods and gems, and some garments.
US officials will now have to examine each sector with Congress and decide how best to go about easing the sanctions.

British High Commissioner to India, Sir James Bevan KCMG at the TiEcon 2012 at DelhiBritish High Commissioner to India, Sir James Bevan KCMG at the TiEcon 2012 at DelhiBritish High Commissioner to India, Sir James Bevan KCMG at the TiEcon 2012 at Delhi

British High Commissioner to India, Sir James Bevan KCMG at the TiEcon 2012 at Delhi

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: THRIVING IN CHAOS
Lord Bilimoria, distinguished co-panelists, distinguished guests, I’m delighted to be here. And the UK is delighted to be TIE’s country partner.
It’s said that a diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a nice way that you look forward to the journey.
I’m not going to tell you to go to hell. I am going to tell you how Britain and India – and the rest of the world – can get to heaven. Not the heaven above, but the heaven we all want to see down here on earth: thriving societies in which there is sustainable growth and rising prosperity in which everyone shares, and in which everyone can fulfil their full potential.
Let me illustrate my argument with two case studies: of the countries I know best, the UK and India.
How Britain is thriving and will continue to do so
Let’s start with the UK. The last few years have been tough for us. We have been buffeted by the world economic downturn, then hit again by the Eurozone crisis. Some of the elements which have helped the UK economy in the recent past, such as North Sea oil, have run out.
We could have chosen to accept a future of managed decline, dwelling on Britain’s past glories. We reject that course completely. We think Britain’s best days are ahead of us. While we are rightly proud of our past, we are confident of our future.
Why are we confident? It’s because the UK has some big assets which fit us well for the challenges of the 21st century.
Britain:
- is and intends to remain one of the world’s largest economies: the seventh largest.
- has the right economic fundamentals: a highly educated and flexible workforce, a strong banking system, a stable democracy, the rule of law, and macro economic policies which support growth.
-  is one of the most business-friendly environments in the world. The current government has cut red tape. It has cut corporation tax. The UK already has the lowest corporate tax rate in the G7: we cut it to 24% this year. And we will bring it down to 22% by 2014, which will make it one of the lowest in the world.
- We make it easy for entrepreneurs: the UK is ranked first in Europe by the World Bank as the easiest place to set up and run a business: it takes just 13 days to establish a business in the UK. And we actively encourage talent to come to the UK and thrive: example – a new type of visa we have introduced for graduate entrepreneurs, which  will allow Indian and other foreign students who have developed world class innovative ideas to stay in the UK and develop their business.
- welcomes inward investment. Example: JaguarLand Rover, acquired by Tata and now hugely successful. Think about that. How many other countries would allow a foreign investor to acquire one of their flagship national companies? The UK didn’t just allow it, we welcomed and facilitated it. And it turned out to be great for Tata and great for us, generating thousands of new jobs and more growth. That openness to foreign investment has meant that the UK has become the largest recipient of FDI in Europe and the second largest recipient of FDI in the world after the US.
- is the place to be if you want to do business in Europe. We offer direct access to the largest single market in the world, that of the EU, and great connectivity to other parts of Europe.
- is the place to be if you want to be a global player. The UK is where the world raises its capital and trades its shares, through the City of London and the Stock Exchange. The UK is in the right time zone, allowing you to talk to Asia in the morning and America in the evening.  HeathrowAirport handles more international flights than any other airport in the world. And the UK speaks the world’s language, English.
- is a world leader in the things which drive prosperity and growth: science, technology, and innovation. Examples – the iPod, designed by a Brit; the Internet, invented by one; and the Higgs Boson, the so-called God particle which explains why the physical world works, predicted by a Brit – and found earlier this year. And we work hard at fostering innovation. Example: TechCity in East London, now Europe’s fastest growing cluster of digital and creative companies.
- is a world leader in education. According to the latest rankings, of the top six universities in the world, four are British.
-  can do difficult things well. Example – the London 2012 Olympics: delivered on time, on budget, with friendliness, good humour and style.
So while we have been going through a difficult period, we in Britain are confident that we will soon see the return of strong and sustainable growth. There are some signs of that already: employment, already much better than the EU average, is rising.  And others agree: UK Government debt has retained its AAA rating. And last year Indians invested more in the UK than in the rest of the EU altogether.
So while Britain may not have experienced chaos, it has experienced turbulence. My message is that we are coming out of it, and we are thriving.
Why India is thriving and will continue to do so
I am equally confident about India’s future. Mostly because of what I see when I travel around this great country.
Shortly after I arrived I met a senior Indian politician – I won’t name him. I asked him what he’d learned from his time in politics. He thought about it, and said: “I’ve concluded that your personal happiness is in direct proportion to your distance from Delhi”. I’ve taken him at his word, and spend as much of my time as possible outside Delhi, in what many people would call the Real India.
And the real India is not the same country as the one you read about in the media or some of the statistics.
In the real India the growth rate feels like 10% or more, not 5%. In the real India, almost everyone’s standard of living is rising. In the real India a vast and growing middle class, well educated and with a big disposable income, is generating more prosperity and helping ensure lasting stability. In the real India, parents rich or poor are making huge sacrifices to put their children into the best education they can afford – the best of all investments for the future of their child and India.
In the real India, I meet every day astonishing talent, and there’s a lot of it here in this room.  In the real India, I see every day examples of world class excellence, in medicine, research, business, education, the creative arts. One of my enduring memories is visiting the InfoSys campus in Mysore. Now I have been to HarvardBusinessSchool, and the InfoSys campus is bigger and better. For me that sends out a very powerful message, not just about Infosys but about India. The message is: India does not aspire to be good, it aspires to be the best in the world, and in many instances, it already is.
In the real India, I see the unity in diversity of which Nehru spoke, and which is a truly powerful driver of creativity and growth. In the real India, I meet everywhere talented young Indians who have gone abroad for their education and first business startup, but who are now coming home because they see even greater opportunities here in India: and when the talent comes home in this reverse brain drain, you have one of the strongest of all reasons to be confident about India’s future.
And finally, in the real India I see something that is probably more important than any of the other things I’ve identified: I see optimism. Everywhere and at every level, I meet people who think that while today is good, tomorrow will be better. You can’t quantify the economic and social benefits of optimism. But they are huge, and India has them – as it has many other things – in industrial size quantities.
What that means for the UK/India relationship
I don’t like meaningless happytalk. I do like what I call grounded optimism: confidence  which is founded not on simple faith but on facts. And the facts as I have laid them out do make me confident about the future of both the UK and India, and about the future relationship between our two countries.
That relationship is strong, wide and deep. My ambition is to make it even stronger, wider and deeper. And we are seeing progress. In the economic sphere, for example, we are on course to meet the target set in 2010 by our two Prime Ministers of doubling trade by 2015. In 2011, total bilateral trade (goods and services) grew by 16% to £17 billion, and UK goods exports to India increased by 40% to £5.7bn, which means that India is now the UK’s largest market outside the EU.
And investment both ways is growing too. In 2011, a UK company made the largest ever investment in India: BP’s oil and gas joint venture with Reliance. The UK is now the third largest investor in India and India is now the 5th largest investor in the UK.
The state of the UK/India partnership
But I think we can and should do better. Given the ties between us, we should be much more ambitious. I see a real opportunity to create a partnership of equals in building the future our peoples want.
India’s strategic goal is transformation: inclusive development that benefits all its people. The UK offers what India needs to achieve that:
- India needs inward investment to build the country its people want: the UK specialises in raising and delivering investment capital.
- India needs infrastructure: roads, metros, railways, ports, airports: the UK specialises in infrastructure.
- India needs to build new cities and manage the successful expansion of its existing ones: the UK specialises in urban planning and architecture.
- India wants to create a bigger manufacturing sector at the top end of the value chain: the UK specialises in precisely the high tech manufacturing required.
- India needs power, from both traditional sources like oil and gas, and renewable sources like wind and solar power: we specialise in all those areas.
- India wants to educate the 500 million of its young people who will be coming onto the labour market in the next ten years: we specialise in education and skills.
So there is a close match between what India wants and what the UK offers, and between what the UK wants and what India offers. That’s a good basis for an even stronger partnership in the coming years.
Conclusion
I said I’d tell you how to get to heaven, or at least how to get to lasting growth and prosperity. I hope that my reflections on the UK and India have given some hints of that.
But it’s not complicated. In short, countries will succeed, wherever they start from, if they invest in their own people: in health, education; if they invest in the physical infrastructure necessary for growth: roads, airports, power;  if they build the institutions necessary for stable, democratic and open governance and the rule of law; and if governments do the right things. The job of governments is to create the right enabling environment for business and growth, and then get out of the way and let their people’s natural talent and creativity flourish without constraint.
There’s a large European country, which I will also not name, in which there’s a saying: “the economy grows at night, while the government is sleeping”.  We in Britain don’t believe the government should sleep. We do believe it should only get involved in the things it really needs to – and that ultimately growth and prosperity will not be driven by government or bureaucrats, but by the private sector and entrepreneurs like you. Our task is to free you and where necessary, support you. And yours is to let your imagination run wild and invent the future.

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