The Hindu : Front Page : Singapore readying for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

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Sunday, Sep 07, 2008
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Singapore readying for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE: The stage is being set for the first-ever Asia-Pacific “Indian Diaspora event.”

India’s annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is seen here as a festive conclave with “a global reach.” The ‘PBD Singapore,’ slated to be held for three days from October 9, will be a regional variant. The objective, according to the organisers, is to promote an event with a difference, which will be in tune with the City State’s efforts to remain “an economic hub” in the Asia-Pacific zone.

The prime mover is the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI). While the Confederation of Indian Industry has joined hands with the SICCI, the governments of Singapore and India have extended “full and active support,” according to Sat Pal Khattar, chairman of the ‘PBD Singapore’ steering committee.

Singapore, in his view, is the theatre where India scored its “first Look-East policy breakthrough under [former] Prime Minister Narasimha Rao [in the early 1990s].”

Free trade pact

Briefing journalists, SICCI chairman Vijay Iyengar said the “business focussed” conference would be particularly topical, as India’s free trade agreement with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) “is in the pipeline.” The key thematic discussions would centre on sustainable development, scenarios for India’s next generation, and youth and education.

‘Towards a dynamic Indian Diaspora’ being the overarching theme, it was expected that the conference would capture the imagination of entrepreneurs and opinion leaders among overseas Indians in Asia-Pacific, he said. Estimates of the Indian-origin people in this region varied from five million to 10 million.

The entire galaxy of Singapore’s political leadership would be associated with the conference; and elder statesman Lee Kuan Yew, presently Minister Mentor, is expected to shine the spotlight on “India’s role in the big global picture.” Indicating this, Ambassador Ong Keng Yong said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong would be the guest of honour at the inaugural session. While Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong would recall his long engagement with India, President S.R. Nathan had also agreed to associate himself with the event.

Economic dimension

Mr. Ong said “the economic and trade dimension” would define the Singapore event, in some contrast to the pervasive sense of “kinship” that usually enlivened the annual shows in India itself.

‘PBD Singapore’ is open to both resident and non-resident Indians, Indian-origin citizens of other countries, and also other foreigners with a stake or interest in India. Official India would be represented by Union Ministers Kamal Nath, Vayalar Ravi, Kapil Sibal and A. Raja. Malaysia’s Human Resource Minister S. Subramaniam is another likely participant.

Rajendra Kumar Pachauri, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and China’s Special Representative for Climate Change Yu Qingtai agreed to participate in the session on sustainable development, being seen as the centrepiece of the thematic agenda.

Dedicated website

The SICCI has already launched a dedicated website http://www.pbdsingapore.com.sg for the conference. Mr. Iyengar said the ongoing preparations helped to “catalyse” the launching of the SICCI’s Representative Office in New Delhi to cater for the long-term needs of small and medium entrepreneurs. The SICCI India office could also serve as a portal for ‘PBD Singapore.’

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