GOVERNMENT URGES INDUSTRY

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry assured Indian industry that the government was in favor of liberalization but at the APEC negotiation table it would be the voice of moderation. India understands that high tariffs are not favorable but at the same time zero tariffs would also hurt the economy. Hence, the industry needs to recommend appropriate tariff rates that the government could propose.

CORN PRODUCTIVITY

FICCI said that there is a need to enhance the productivity of maize while increasing the income of the farmers. The state governments along with various stakeholders were making a conscious effort towards this end. The government was cognizant of the needs of the maize sector and the annual Maize Summit was an effort to bring to fore the global and domestic scenario of maize and issues confronting the maize supply chain.

DEFENSE PARTNERSHIP

FICCI welcomes the bipartisan support to the initiative taken by Representative George Holding (R-NC) to institutionalize the Indo-US defense relationship through an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which was passed by the House on May 18.