Auto Trade Dialogue in New Delhi Organized by SIAM

12/01/2008 -- Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers organized the third Auto Trade Dialogue on January 11, 2008 in New Delhi. The Dialogue was intended to facilitate better understanding and appreciation of the characteristics, market dynamics and policies of the automotive industries in individual countries and regions.

There were three focused sessions in the programme – Trade Agreements, Trade & IPR and Market Characteristics, Trade Flows & Auto Policies. The Dialogue saw participation of international associations and Indian Government, academia and industry.

Mr G K Pillai, Commerce Secretary, Government of India, in his inaugural address highlighted the Indian government’s continued commitment to promote trade and globalization. But at the same time, he said that we must not forget interest of our industry; country’s population and employment are more critical than globalization.

Dr Surajit Mitra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises in his address emphasized on the need for the industry to remain focused. He said that the growth of this industry should not be derailed and expressed the government’s continued commitment to encourage manufacturing and exports.

Mr Rajive Kaul, Past President CII and Chairman, NICCO Corporation in his address said that Indian industry is commitment to integrate globally.

Mr Abhay Firodia, Past President, SIAM and Chairman & Managing Director, Force Motors in his welcome remarks said that the Indian industry has come a long way and one should focus on the strengths of our industry.

Mr A K Taneja, Past President, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) & President, Shriram Pistons & Rings pointed out that the auto component industry was the first industry to open itself to trade and is committed if level playing field is provided.

Mr Ivan Hodac, Secretary General, European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) talked about the structure and challenges faced by the European auto industry in areas such as: environment, safety, mobility, intellectual property, taxation, trade, etc.

Mr Liam Benham, Vice-President, Asia-Pacific & Africa Governmental Affairs, Ford Motor Company emphasized on the advantages of trade and said that one needs to have a long term view - looking at increasing product diversity/ differentiation.

Mr Toshihiro Iwatake, Vice President, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association talked about Japan’s position in various trade agreements and emphasized that one must move forward on EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) between India and Japan.

Dr Hans Georg Raber, Chairman, Customs Working Group, The Association of the German Automotive Industry (VDA) said that various kinds of trade barriers should be removed and simplified procedures should be put in place.

Dr Yilong Chen, General Director of Asia Pacific Affairs & Chief Representative of Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), Asia talked about China’s automotive industry and opportunities.

Mr Suren Abeyagoonasekera, Past Chairman, Ceylon Motor Traders Association highlighted the problem of used parts import in Sri Lanka and violation of IPR.

Ms Aishah Ahmad, President, Automotive Federation of Malaysia while talking about the Malaysian auto industry, highlighted that their industry has excess capacity and exports are being looked as an opportunity by many national car makers.

Mr David Croxson, Head of International, The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) updated on the developments in UK’s auto industry and various policies in place like ELV Directive, UK Climate Change Bill, etc.

Mr Suparat Sirisuwanangkura, President, The Thai Automotive Industry Association talked about the Thai automotive policy and auto trade.

Mr Roger Pitot, Executive Director, National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) updated on the latest developments in the South African auto industry and their Motor Industry Development Programme.

Mr Bernard Swiecki, Director, Asian Automotive Programs, Center for Automotive Research (CAR) talked about the trends in US market and performance of the various auto majors.

Chairing the session on Trade Agreements, Mr Amarendra Khatua, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry reiterated our country’s commitment to greater openness in trade.

Mr P K Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, chairing the session on Market Characteristics, Trade Flows and Auto Policies remarked that it is important to understand dynamics of various countries.

Dr Biswajit Dhar, Head – Centre for WTO Studies, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) chaired the session on Trade & IPR and highlighted the importance of IPR for the auto industry.

Mr A S Puri, Chairman, International Relations Group, SIAM and Sr General Manager, Tata Motors briefed the participants about the characteristics of Indian market, trade flows and key government policies.

Mr T S Vishwanath, Head International Trade Policy, CII talked about the IPR regulations and issues in India.

Mr Ravi Kant, President, SIAM and Managing Director, Tata Motors in his concluding remarks talked about manufacturing base and intellectual property created by the Indian auto industry.

Source: SIAM

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