A seminar on “Doing Business With Japan” was organized by “Confederation of Indian Industry Southern Region” in coordination with the “Guidance Bureau, Government Of Tamil Nadu”. The seminar was held between 10.00 a.m. and 01.50 p.m. on 21^st September 2010 at ‘Hotel Le Royal Meridien’, Chennai. Typically registration for the participants was between 09.30 & 10.00 a.m. it was based on invitation made by CII-SR to prospective beneficiaries and other stake holders.

In the opening address Mr. Chandra Mohan, convener, Economic Affairs & Taxation Panel, CII, Tamil Nadu formally greeted the Japanese team. In his speech he referred that India’s GDP is next to Japan and this would build good Economic ties with Japan. Industrial relationship between two countries prospered with a unique technology transformation from the automobile industries. This was fundamentally feasible because of the ‘Suzuki’ cars. Japanese quality movement like ‘Kaizen’ has influenced in Indian industries. Confederation of Indian Industry has contributed to Indian industries development. The government of Tamil Nadu announcement about the financial city will be a revelation to international organization and foreign governments. He formally introduced the speakers of the Japanese Bank – Mizuho Corporation Bank

A special address was delivered by Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries Department; Government Of Tamil Nadu delivered the special address. In his speech he referred that during a similar presentation in Japan, some beauracrats from Tamil Nadu Government attended. Impressed by the Japanese presentation an initiative was taken to organize a corresponding program and that was materialized, which resulted in our gathering here to share both countries financial and economic development. He was impressed by the presentation style of the speakers and handouts circulated by the Japanese team. He also cited about the coincidence of the two countries services, youngest country in terms of world demographics. A thought process struck him, as how India can take advantage and also learn right lessons from Japan. In his statistical reference he said there are 620 Japanese industries in India are operating out of which 175 Japanese organizations are under the purview of Tamil Nadu state. Chennai Bangalore railway projects are under the purview of the state governments, Delhi Mumbai IT corridor are also under government’s thought process, Japanese firms have shown interest for a development. The opening of “Japan External Trade Organization -JETRO” CII-SR organized the occasion a couple of months in Chennai, this JETRO office in Chennai will enhance Japan’s industrial ties. Tamil Nadu government is also conceptualizing to setup Japanese city, golf court and financial city so the state government seeks a road map, for such proposals initiative from Japanese firms is highly regarded

Closing remarks was presented by Mr. Chandra Mohan. In his speech he cited about his experience during his stay in Japan for two weeks. At the occurrence of earth quakes in Japan, he experienced a unique approach of the Japanese people. They are not panicked only because of the sustainability of the buildings but also about the courage to face the natural calamity.

In our subsequent blogs we shall also share the excerpts of the Japanese speakers.

Here we bring to you, some more excerpts from the wide media coverage reve received for Connect 2010. We thank all the press and media persons for attending the event and giving a wide coverage.

“Speaking at the valedictory session for the IT summit, Connect 2010′ here, Stalin said that when the government of India proposed to withdraw concessions extended to SEZ under the Direct Tax Code, Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi had taken up the issue with the Union government, and the period of concession had since been extended.”

- Times of India, Sep 10, 2010 ….. Read Full Story

“Urging the IT industry to expedite their projects in SEZs in the State, Deputy Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Thursday promised to provide the industry world-class infrastructure.”

- The Hindu, Sep 10, 2010 …….. Read Full Story

“Addressing a session on physical infrastructure at ‘Connect 2010′, Sunil Paliwal, TIDCO Managing Director, said implementation of major infrastructure projects faced capacity constraints in three areas – inadequacies in tender procedures, consultancy and contractors.”

- The Hindu,  September 9, 2010 ………… Read Full Story

“The Tamil Nadu government plans to invite international bids by early next month for its proposed financial city near Chennai. The proposed city would attract investments worth Rs 10,000 crore, according to a senior state government official.”

- Business Standard, Sep 10, 2010 …………. Read Full Story

Whats better way to culminate an electric day charged with high voltage panel discussions than by awarding the achievers.

Mr. Goapal Srinivasan, Chairman and MD, TVS Capital Funds ltd started the valedictory ceremony by quoting father of BOP model Dr. C.K.Prahlad -

“‘In 1947, we got our independence, but when will we get the freedom, freedom which spans our spiritual & intellectual dimensions ?”

Dy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin who graced the occasion gave CII-ICICI Venture Connect awards to the achievers who removed the safety lines, took risks, dreamt and discovered. First award went to Madhava Reddy of HTC Global Services. Madhava, a native of Andhra Pradesh studied at University of Michigan, came to Tamil Nadu and started off. He founded HTC global which has become a force to reckon with as it proudly boasts of a large clientele base including FORTUNE 500 companies. He is rightly the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’.

CII-ICICI Venture Connect award for Lifetime Achievement went to Mr. R Ramraj, Founder and CEO, Sify.com. A familiar face in India and one of the pioneers of e-revolution in India, Ramraj founded the first internet protocol system in India and has been instrumental in revolutionizing the internet surfing in India through Sify i-Way, a chain of internet cafes across the country. Mr. Ramraj, graduate in Chemical engineering from University of Madras & MBA from IIM-Calcutta serves on the board of Sequoia Capital and TiE Global advisors board.

Surely, we gratefully acknowledge ICICI contribution in fostering entrepreneurship through the coveted awards, as it would have surely given an ‘I can do it’ feeling to the students and budding entrepreneurs.

Here’re the details of 2 awards given away at the awards ceremony.

Madhava Reddy of HTC Global Services bags first award at CII ICICI Venture Connect Awards 2010 (Madhava Reddy)

CII ICICI Venture Connect Award 2010 Entrepreneur of the year goes to Mr Madhava Reddy

CII ICICI Venture Connect Award 2010 Lifetime achievement award goes to Mr R Ramaraj of Sify

Standby for more details and photos