SIKKIM: Our larger goal to transform Sikkim into a total Organic State by 2015 – Chamling
GANGTOK, August 28: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today expressed his confidence that Nathu La border will become one of the most important land trade corridors in the country.
“We are sure that in due course of time, the Nathu La border will become one of the most important land trade corridors in the country”, said the Chief Minister in his keynote address during a seminar on the ‘Export Potential of Sikkim’ organized by EXIM bank here at Gangtok.
The seminar was organized in association with State Commerce and Industries department and Sikkim Chamber of Commerce which was attended by top brass of EXIM bank, Sikkim MP PD Rai, government officials and members of Sikkim Chamber of Commerce.
Pointing out that the Nathu La is being used now just for local border trade, Mr. Chamling said: “It is hoped that in due course, we will be able to open it up for more exports to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China and their needs”.
“We are negotiating with the Chinese government through the Central government to upgrade the list of tradable items and to introduce new items and to do away with some obsolete items contained therein. This will make our cross-border trade more robust and need-based”, said Mr. Chamling.
The Chief Minister said that the State government required technological know how to harness its natural resources and cash crops in view of their export potential. He urged the EXIM Bank to think of possibilities of getting export benefits through institutions like NABARD for promotion of healthy varieties of large cardamom for the farmers of Sikkim.
“Our larger goal has been to transform our State into a total organic State by year 2015. And we need to tell the world more aggressively that what we produce and sell is 100 percent organic brining special tag value to our products”, Mr. Chamling said. He added that Sikkim is the hub of some very exportable commodities like ginger, cherry pepper, large cardamom, mandarin orange, passion fruits, cut flowers and medicinal herbs.
Mr. Chamling also urged the public and private sector industries to set up smaller industries in the state and said that his government has had a consistent policy to encourage the participation of the industrial houses for the industrialisation and economic development of the state.
The Chief Minister highlighted that despite locational disadvantage, the State had been making progress in rapid strides which were visible.
“Tourism is already booming in our State”, said Mr. Chamling asking the EXIM Bank to think of finding better ways of extending marketing opportunities to get overseas partners.
Sikkim Lok Sabha member PD Rai also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, BP Pradhan, secretary of State Commerce & Industries department placed the welcome address while Sikkim Chamber of Commerce SK Sarda presented the vote of thanks.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
EXIM Bank EXIM Bank to recommend Sikkim to get GI certification on home grown products
Gangtok, August 28: The Export Import Bank of India better known as EXIM Bank has observed that agro-based, horticultural products and floriculture products of Sikkim has a comparative advantage from an export perspective due to the agro-climatic variety of the State.
The EXIM bank also advised the State government to ensure value addition to these products for them to fetch international market and accruing revenues.
The observations and suggestions were made by EXIM Bank today in a study report ‘Sikkim-Export Potential and Prospects’ which was released by Chief Minister.
Pawan Chamling at a seminar on ‘Export Potential of Sikkim’ held here in the Capital.
Mr. Chamling was the chief guest and Lok Sabha member from Sikkim PD Rai was present as the guest of honour.
In his address, the EXIM Bank Chairman TC Venkat Subramanian pointed out that the Himalayan State grows 90 per cent of large cardamom of the country, a substantial quantity of ginger, and horticulture produces like orchid flowers with all these produces being in demands in foreign countries.
Besides, the State has created its own niche in the domestic market as the producer of various handicraft products like the carpets, woollen garments, toys and wooden items, said Mr. Subramanian, adding these products have good demands in foreign countries which the State government can tap by way of export to earn substantial revenue.
Mr. Subramanian said a research team was set up for the study after a day long seminar held in Sikkim last year to find out where Sikkim’s strength lay as far as exports were concerned. He recommended that the State Commerce & Industries department set up a separate export unit to facilitate exports and tie up with other export agencies.
The EXIM Bank chairman recommended that the State government should ensure value addition to these products by obtaining Geographical Identification (GI) certificate for them to maintain their distinct identity for the purpose of export.
The bank will give 50 per cent assistance to the State government towards the expenses on GI certification on various home grown products of Sikkim, Mr. Subramanian said, adding that it will also provide other assistance to the State to market the local products internationally. The State government should take up measures for improvement of the quality of various produces earmarked for export by tying up with the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) for identification of various crops suitable for the local climate and supply of high quality seeds for various crop, he suggested.
In its report, the EXIM bank has mentioned that among the products which have good potential for exports include large cardamom, orchids, Temi Tea, ginger, Mandarin orange, medicinal plants, honey and handicrafts.
Mr. Subramanian also said that the study observed that the cultivation of gherkins and Avocado could be undertaken on a wide scale considering the availability of suitable climate and soil type in Sikkim.
The report has also suggested formulation of a viable export strategy for the state of Sikkim which could encompass issues like creation of a conducive trade environment through inter alia, develop alternate connectivity channels to the state and enhancing lists of products that can be traded through the Nathula pass, promoting local entrepreneurship in the state, create a centralized umbrella public-private partnership body which exclusively works on the development of ‘Brand Sikkim’ strategies at the production level.
The study also advocates creation of processing units in the private sector and enhancing processing capability through collaboration with major food processing chain or a large corporation.
The seminar was organized in association with the State Commerce & Industries department and the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce
Gangtok, August 28: The Export Import Bank of India better known as EXIM Bank has observed that agro-based, horticultural products and floriculture products of Sikkim has a comparative advantage from an export perspective due to the agro-climatic variety of the State.
The EXIM bank also advised the State government to ensure value addition to these products for them to fetch international market and accruing revenues.
The observations and suggestions were made by EXIM Bank today in a study report ‘Sikkim-Export Potential and Prospects’ which was released by Chief Minister.
Pawan Chamling at a seminar on ‘Export Potential of Sikkim’ held here in the Capital.
Mr. Chamling was the chief guest and Lok Sabha member from Sikkim PD Rai was present as the guest of honour.
In his address, the EXIM Bank Chairman TC Venkat Subramanian pointed out that the Himalayan State grows 90 per cent of large cardamom of the country, a substantial quantity of ginger, and horticulture produces like orchid flowers with all these produces being in demands in foreign countries.
Besides, the State has created its own niche in the domestic market as the producer of various handicraft products like the carpets, woollen garments, toys and wooden items, said Mr. Subramanian, adding these products have good demands in foreign countries which the State government can tap by way of export to earn substantial revenue.
Mr. Subramanian said a research team was set up for the study after a day long seminar held in Sikkim last year to find out where Sikkim’s strength lay as far as exports were concerned. He recommended that the State Commerce & Industries department set up a separate export unit to facilitate exports and tie up with other export agencies.
The EXIM Bank chairman recommended that the State government should ensure value addition to these products by obtaining Geographical Identification (GI) certificate for them to maintain their distinct identity for the purpose of export.
The bank will give 50 per cent assistance to the State government towards the expenses on GI certification on various home grown products of Sikkim, Mr. Subramanian said, adding that it will also provide other assistance to the State to market the local products internationally. The State government should take up measures for improvement of the quality of various produces earmarked for export by tying up with the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) for identification of various crops suitable for the local climate and supply of high quality seeds for various crop, he suggested.
In its report, the EXIM bank has mentioned that among the products which have good potential for exports include large cardamom, orchids, Temi Tea, ginger, Mandarin orange, medicinal plants, honey and handicrafts.
Mr. Subramanian also said that the study observed that the cultivation of gherkins and Avocado could be undertaken on a wide scale considering the availability of suitable climate and soil type in Sikkim.
The report has also suggested formulation of a viable export strategy for the state of Sikkim which could encompass issues like creation of a conducive trade environment through inter alia, develop alternate connectivity channels to the state and enhancing lists of products that can be traded through the Nathula pass, promoting local entrepreneurship in the state, create a centralized umbrella public-private partnership body which exclusively works on the development of ‘Brand Sikkim’ strategies at the production level.
The study also advocates creation of processing units in the private sector and enhancing processing capability through collaboration with major food processing chain or a large corporation.
The seminar was organized in association with the State Commerce & Industries department and the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce
SIKKIM: Dr. Kelkar to ensure justice is given to Sikkim by 13th Finance Commission
FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS
GANGTOK, August 27: The 13th Finance Commission has assured all help will be given to Sikkim.
The commission chairman, Dr. Vijay Kelkar assured all help to Sikkim during a meeting with Sikkim Lok Sabha member PD Rai.
An IPR release informs that Dr. Kelkar also congratulated Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party for making significant progress on development and political fronts.
During the meeting with Mr. Rai, the commission chairman stressed the need to do more to alleviate the debt issues of the State. He also extended all possible help regarding the core financial and fiscal issues of the State.
Dr. Kelkar reminded the MP the need to place before the 13th Finance Commission the special need on economic security arising in the State because of the closure of the only artery to Sikkim the NH 31A due to political and environmental reasons.
To this, Mr. Rai said that he would see that this is sent forthwith to the commission.
During the meeting, the Sikkim MP Mr. Rai apprised chairman of the need to see that the award this time of the Commission toward Sikkim is a just and fair one. He related the need to see that Sikkim receive justice in making up for the poor award last time around which has put huge amount of fiscal pressure. He said that it, the 12th Finance Commission, did not take the State’s special position in mind.
Mr. Rai was earlier briefed by the State Finance Department.
Mr. Rai reminded Dr. Kelkar of the special needs of the State in alignment with the Article 371 F of the Constitution of India. He also stressed the fact that the State was on course to develop faster. He spoke to Dr. Kelkar about the vision of the Chief Minister and giving huge priority to imparting high quality education and skill development.
The chairman appreciated the overall progress in comparison to several other States, the release informs.
FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS
GANGTOK, August 27: The 13th Finance Commission has assured all help will be given to Sikkim.
The commission chairman, Dr. Vijay Kelkar assured all help to Sikkim during a meeting with Sikkim Lok Sabha member PD Rai.
An IPR release informs that Dr. Kelkar also congratulated Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party for making significant progress on development and political fronts.
During the meeting with Mr. Rai, the commission chairman stressed the need to do more to alleviate the debt issues of the State. He also extended all possible help regarding the core financial and fiscal issues of the State.
Dr. Kelkar reminded the MP the need to place before the 13th Finance Commission the special need on economic security arising in the State because of the closure of the only artery to Sikkim the NH 31A due to political and environmental reasons.
To this, Mr. Rai said that he would see that this is sent forthwith to the commission.
During the meeting, the Sikkim MP Mr. Rai apprised chairman of the need to see that the award this time of the Commission toward Sikkim is a just and fair one. He related the need to see that Sikkim receive justice in making up for the poor award last time around which has put huge amount of fiscal pressure. He said that it, the 12th Finance Commission, did not take the State’s special position in mind.
Mr. Rai was earlier briefed by the State Finance Department.
Mr. Rai reminded Dr. Kelkar of the special needs of the State in alignment with the Article 371 F of the Constitution of India. He also stressed the fact that the State was on course to develop faster. He spoke to Dr. Kelkar about the vision of the Chief Minister and giving huge priority to imparting high quality education and skill development.
The chairman appreciated the overall progress in comparison to several other States, the release informs.
SIKKIM: Ecotourism policy prepared by experts needed for Sikkim – JICA
FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS
GANGTOK, August 27: The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in its interim report for the proposed multi-crore ‘Integrated Project for Sustainable Development of Forest Resources in Sikkim’ has suggested formulation and notification of an ecotourism policy for Sikkim.
The proposed ecotourism policy should be formulated by experts on ecotourism who will review policies of other areas and then put up a draft policy, suggested Lionel Becherel, tourism expert of JICA study team during the interim report submission to the State government recently at Gangtok.
The JICA team is working on a preparatory study on the feasibility and cost factor for the proposed forest project for Sikkim.
While presenting the ecotourism component, Mr Becherel stressed the presence of private sector during the formulation of the ecotourism policy which should spell out what ecotourism should mean for Sikkim.
The JICA expert also pointed out the present rigidity in permit system is turning off tourists from Sikkim. Out of five million foreign tourists coming to India, only twenty thousand foreign tourists are coming to Sikkim, he said. There is lot of restrictions which needs to be eased, he said highlighting the need to ease restrictions impeding the development of ecotourism in Sikkim.
For this, Mr. Becherel recommended activities like economic impact study on revenue lost due to restrictions.
Coming to the subject of ecotourism marketing, Mr. Becherel first pointed out presently only Rs. 1 crore is being spent for marketing of Sikkim tourism. We need an Ecotourism Marketing Board with the objectives of attracting an increased number of tourists coming to Sikkim besides targeting new market segments, he suggested.
The JICA expert also expressed his concern over unfeasible expectations being developed during village tourism drive in Sikkim. Village tourism is coming strongly in Sikkim but we are building expectations in all villages where people build infrastructure for tourists and then nothing happens, he said.
Regarding this concern, Mr. Becherel gave the example of Pastanga village tourism where the village tourism made only Rs. 1000 last year. This is not business, he said.
To overcome such trend, the JICA expert suggested that ten best villages should be taken and promoted as village tourism model and increased number of tourists to 10 such villages with good ecotourism potential. These villages will be model for other villages to follow, he said.
Mr. Becherel also recommended creation of linkages with tour operators, capacity building of local stakeholders, village beautification and solid waste management for village tourism promotion. He stressed on developing local handicrafts of right size for tourists to take back home.
“Eighty percent of tourists come to Gangtok. We need to take people to other areas”, said Mr. Becherel.
For decongesting tourism traffic from Gangtok to other parts of Sikkim, Mr. Becherel recommended development of four international standard trek routes as well as local routes to attar the foreign and also the domestic market. “Sikkim got fantastic treks and we must capitalize on them”, he said. He also recommended setting up four high quality ecolodges in Sikkim to attract wealthy clientele where creation of 40 local jobs has been envisioned. He further suggested setting up three bird and butterfly watching areas to attract the special interest market.
“Bird watching is a very lucrative market and Sikkim has the right assets and we must capitalize on them”, said Mr. Becherel.
FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS
GANGTOK, August 27: The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in its interim report for the proposed multi-crore ‘Integrated Project for Sustainable Development of Forest Resources in Sikkim’ has suggested formulation and notification of an ecotourism policy for Sikkim.
The proposed ecotourism policy should be formulated by experts on ecotourism who will review policies of other areas and then put up a draft policy, suggested Lionel Becherel, tourism expert of JICA study team during the interim report submission to the State government recently at Gangtok.
The JICA team is working on a preparatory study on the feasibility and cost factor for the proposed forest project for Sikkim.
While presenting the ecotourism component, Mr Becherel stressed the presence of private sector during the formulation of the ecotourism policy which should spell out what ecotourism should mean for Sikkim.
The JICA expert also pointed out the present rigidity in permit system is turning off tourists from Sikkim. Out of five million foreign tourists coming to India, only twenty thousand foreign tourists are coming to Sikkim, he said. There is lot of restrictions which needs to be eased, he said highlighting the need to ease restrictions impeding the development of ecotourism in Sikkim.
For this, Mr. Becherel recommended activities like economic impact study on revenue lost due to restrictions.
Coming to the subject of ecotourism marketing, Mr. Becherel first pointed out presently only Rs. 1 crore is being spent for marketing of Sikkim tourism. We need an Ecotourism Marketing Board with the objectives of attracting an increased number of tourists coming to Sikkim besides targeting new market segments, he suggested.
The JICA expert also expressed his concern over unfeasible expectations being developed during village tourism drive in Sikkim. Village tourism is coming strongly in Sikkim but we are building expectations in all villages where people build infrastructure for tourists and then nothing happens, he said.
Regarding this concern, Mr. Becherel gave the example of Pastanga village tourism where the village tourism made only Rs. 1000 last year. This is not business, he said.
To overcome such trend, the JICA expert suggested that ten best villages should be taken and promoted as village tourism model and increased number of tourists to 10 such villages with good ecotourism potential. These villages will be model for other villages to follow, he said.
Mr. Becherel also recommended creation of linkages with tour operators, capacity building of local stakeholders, village beautification and solid waste management for village tourism promotion. He stressed on developing local handicrafts of right size for tourists to take back home.
“Eighty percent of tourists come to Gangtok. We need to take people to other areas”, said Mr. Becherel.
For decongesting tourism traffic from Gangtok to other parts of Sikkim, Mr. Becherel recommended development of four international standard trek routes as well as local routes to attar the foreign and also the domestic market. “Sikkim got fantastic treks and we must capitalize on them”, he said. He also recommended setting up four high quality ecolodges in Sikkim to attract wealthy clientele where creation of 40 local jobs has been envisioned. He further suggested setting up three bird and butterfly watching areas to attract the special interest market.
“Bird watching is a very lucrative market and Sikkim has the right assets and we must capitalize on them”, said Mr. Becherel.
EXIM BANK AND SIKKIM CHAMBER JOINTLY HELDS EXPORT SEMINAR IN SIKKIM
Gangtok:28th Aug 2009
Observing that Sikkim has great potential to export various goods ranging from cash crops to handicrafts, a top official of Exim bank today advised the state government to ensure value addition to these products for them to fetch international market and accruing revenues.
The Himalayan State grows 90 per cent of cardamom of the country, a substantial quantity of ginger, and horticulture produces like orchid flowers with all these produces being in demands in foreign countries, the EXIM Bank Chairman T C Venkat Subramanian said at a seminar here.
Besides, the state has created its own niche in the domestic market as the producer of various handicraft products like carpets, woolen garments, toys and wooden items, he said, adding these products have good demands in foreign countries which the state government can tap by way of export to earn substantial revenue.
The EXIM Bank official said that the state government should ensure value addition to these products by obtaining geographical identification (GI) certificate for them to maintain their distinct identity for the purpose of export.
The bank will give 50 per cent assistance to the state government towards the expenses on GI certification on various home grown products of Sikkim, Subramanian said, adding that it will also provide other assistance to the state to market the local products internationally
Observing that Sikkim has great potential to export various goods ranging from cash crops to handicrafts, a top official of Exim bank today advised the state government to ensure value addition to these products for them to fetch international market and accruing revenues.
The Himalayan State grows 90 per cent of cardamom of the country, a substantial quantity of ginger, and horticulture produces like orchid flowers with all these produces being in demands in foreign countries, the EXIM Bank Chairman T C Venkat Subramanian said at a seminar here.
Besides, the state has created its own niche in the domestic market as the producer of various handicraft products like carpets, woolen garments, toys and wooden items, he said, adding these products have good demands in foreign countries which the state government can tap by way of export to earn substantial revenue.
The EXIM Bank official said that the state government should ensure value addition to these products by obtaining geographical identification (GI) certificate for them to maintain their distinct identity for the purpose of export.
The bank will give 50 per cent assistance to the state government towards the expenses on GI certification on various home grown products of Sikkim, Subramanian said, adding that it will also provide other assistance to the state to market the local products internationally
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