A high-level delegation from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), that visited the city on Monday, called for better cooperation in various sectors between Kerala and ASEAN countries.
The delegation led by Vietnamese ambassador and ANDC (ASEAN-New Delhi Committee) chairman Nguyen Thanh Tan, interacted with business leaders in the state at an interactive session organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The delegation consisted of officials from six ASEAN countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Brunei, Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar. Speaking on the occasion, Nguyen Thanh Tan said that trade between India and ASEAN countries had increased considerably recently.
“The collective growth rate of ASEAN nations in 2011 was 4.7 per cent. The region plays a pivotal role in many sectors of the world economy. The trade between ASEAN nations and India was $58 billion in 2011, which increased to $70 billion in 2012,” he said.
Dato Sidek Ali, High Commissioner, Brunei, said that the country offers great opportunities in oil and gas industry.
“The Brunei Economic Development Board is actively trying to bring in Foreign Direct Investment to the country. The investors can enjoy many benefits including low tax rates while investing in Brunei,” he added.
Philippines ambassador Benitob Valeriano said that the country is looking for opportunities in Kerala’s coconut and coir sector, while his Thai counterpart Pisan Manawapat said that his country and the state could work together in infrastructure development.
Hendra Henny Andries, Minister Counsellor, Indonesia said that the country offers scholarships for students to study there. U Ba Hila Aye, Charged Affairs, Myanmar, Jose Dominic and former chairman of CII Kerala spoke.