Category Archives: Business & Economy

Manipal Hospitals may invest around $240M to more than treble bed capacity in three years

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion

The company recently acquired a 72-bed hospital in Malaysia.

Bangalore-based Manipal Health Enterprises Ltd, the third-largest hospital chain in India, is planning to invest up to Rs 1,500 crore (around $240 million) to have a capacity to operate up to 5,000 hospital beds, top executive of the company told VCCircle.

ManipalBF30oct2013

“We plan to have total capacity of around 5,000 hospital beds, existing and potential, in India and abroad by 2015-16. When I say potential, it means that in some of our investments we start off with say a 200-bed capacity but have the option to increase it to say 300 beds. Of this, around 3,500-4,000 beds will be in India and 1,000-1,500 beds will be outside India,” said Rajen Padukone, MD & CEO of Manipal Health Enterprises.

These extra beds mean the company could add 7-12 more hospitals in its network. At present the company has 10 hospitals with 1,600 operating hospital beds under its network which include academy cum hospitals as well as corporate hospitals.

“The total investment for our three-year expansion is around Rs 1,500 crore but it’s a bit up in the air and could change depending on the kind of models we look at besides acquisitions. For example, there are a number of developers who are looking to invest with us and in such a scenario up to 40 per cent investment could come from them,” he said.

Further, the expansion of the company would be through brownfield, greenfield and acquisition routes. Padukone said overseas, the company could focus more on acquisitions.

Manipal recently acquired a 72-bed hospital in Malaysia.

“The acquisition was finalised a couple of months ago. It is a secondary level hospital in Kuala Lumpur. As part of the deal, we have space to raise capacity at the existing location and eventually shift the business from 72-beds to a 200-bed hospital. The new hospital would be a multispecialty secondary and tertiary facility,” Padukone said.

He said the company is looking to have a capacity of 400-500 beds in Malaysia which includes setting up a hospital in Malacca and one or two more in Kuala Lumpur in three years.

Apart from Malaysia, Manipal is exploring opportunities to launch and acquire hospitals in the Middle East and Africa.

“In South Africa, we are looking at both education and hospital opportunities. In three years we are looking at a capacity of 1,000 hospital beds,” he said.

Padukone explained that the company will expand in three buckets. The first bucket would include increasing capacity in current hospitals; the second bucket includes increasing more hospitals in cities it is present in and the third includes being in contiguous states where it already has presence.

“In our existing hospitals, we feel we could add capacity by 600 more beds. For example, in Manipal hospital in Goa we have added 200 beds and also added 150 beds in various existing hospitals in Bangalore. We will strengthen our presence in cities we are already present; so two more hospitals are coming up in Bangalore. And we will expand in contiguous states such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa. We will also look at cities where we have an educational presence like Jaipur in Rajasthan,” Padukone said.

The company has raised and has access to about $200 million from three private equity players that invested in it, including IDFC Alternatives, Kotak Private Equity and India Value Fund.

(Edited by Joby Puthuparampil Johnson)

source: http://www.vccircle.com / VC Circle / Home> Other / by Lohit Jagwani / Friday – September 27th, 2013

K-LOUNGE gets style to Shimoga

Business & Economy

K-LOUNGE, fashion retail chain promoted by India’s premiere fashion house, Kewal Kiran Clothing Ltd opened its first K- LOUNGE store in Shimoga, Karnataka.

The company boasts of revolutionising fashion in India through their five brands Killer, Easies, Lawmanpg3, Integriti and Addictions. All these brands have attained a cult status and are exclusively available through the K- LOUNGE fashion chain.

KLoungeBF27sept2013

Hemantbhai, Director, K – LOUNGE, said: “Any customer who walks in to K- LOUNGE is guaranteed to experience world-class ambience, variety in designs, colours, cuts, materials and of course price.”

K- LOUNGE stores are elegantly designed for an international shopping experience. Their customer-friendly approach and impeccable service has not only increased footfalls of customers, but also of prospective franchisees queuing up. K- LOUNGE has presence in over 100 cities across India.

Incepted in 1981, and headquarted in Mumbai, Kewal Kiran Clothing Limited is amongst the few large branded apparel manufacturers in India. The company has consumers in Asia, Middle East and CIS. The company designs, manufactures and markets branded jeans and a wide range of apparel products for men and women.

source: http://www.news.franchiseindia.com / Franchise India / Home> News / September 16th, 2013

JSS Hospital: In service to Life

Business & Economy, Science & Technology

JSShospitalBF27sept2013

Mysore :

by  S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

It was in 1974 that the JSS Mahavidyapeetha started a primary health centre on Ramanuja Road in city. In 1984, JSS Medical College was started and the primary health centre was upgraded into a 60-bed hospital for fulfilling the requirement of a teaching hospital. Later, it was upgraded to 1,200-bed specialty hospital. It has been almost 4 decades since JSS Mahavidyapeetha has been catering to the health needs of people in and around Mysore.

Now, on the auspicious occasion of 98th birth anniversary celebrations of Jagadguru Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamji, the JSS Mahavidyapeetha is all set to open its new JSS Multi-Specialty Hospital for public service to add to the quality of medical facilities.

Prez to dedicate JSS Multi-Specialty Hospital

Having proved its commitment to the society through educational institutions and philanthropic works, Sri Jagadguru Sri Shivathreeshwara Mahadvidyapeetha (JSSMVP) is now coming out with a Multi-Specialty Hospital adding to the already existing one on Ramanuja Road in city.

The Mahavidyapeetha has been providing educational opportunities to all sections of society without discrimination on caste, creed and religion. The best example is the JSS Free School at Suttur which caters to nearly 4000 students from all communities providing them free schooling and hostel facilities. The Mahavidyapeetha has become a household name in Mysore and surrounding districts. Students from Mysore, Mandya, Hassan and Chamarajanagar districts have been benefitted largely by the educational institutions run by JSS Mahavidyapeetha. It has been 6 decades since its inception and JSS has never compromised on quality of education and philanthropic works.

It was in 1954 Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji, the 23rd pontiff of Jagadguru Veerasimhasana Peetha at Suttur, decided to establish JSS Mahavidyapeetha to cater to the educational needs of the rural populace. This was followed by establishment of hostel for students, which offered free food and basic facilities which is in practice even today. Many students of JSS Mahavidyapeetha, who are today at the helm of affairs in various departments, do not forget to remember the Mutt which provided them free schooling.

JSS Mahavidyapeetha, which took its first step in the field of education with the starting of a high school, has now forayed into Crèches, Primary schools, High schools, Pre-University, Degree, Law, Engineering, Medicine, Dental Sciences and Pharmacy Colleges thus catering to all classes of society. Considering the quality of education and facilities, JSS was awarded the Deemed University ststus. The Medical, Dental and Pharmacy Colleges in Mysore and Ooty were brought under its control in 2008.

Now, a young child who joins JSS institution seeking education can go to become a technical expert, an engineer, a technologist, a doctor or a philosopher from the same institution. JSS Mahavidyapeetha has all the facilities that shape youngsters into a good citizen of the country. After Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji, the administration of the Suttur Mutt was taken over by Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji under whose guidance the JSS Mahavidyapeetha became a massive educational organisation offering variety of courses.

Currently, there are around 70,000 students pursuing education in 350 institutions run by JSS Mahavidyapeetha at various parts of the country and abroad.

Besides education, the Mahavidyapeetha has also forayed into several social works to spread the knowledge of spirituality and also help those in need. The JSSMVP has been successfully running institutions such as:

JSS Jan Shikshana Samsthan, JSS Krishni Vignana Kendra, JSS Old Age Homes, JSS Literary and Cultural Centres and JSS Publications.

Speaking about the healthcare facilities provided by the JSS Mahavidyapeetha, currently the JSS Hospital on Ramanuja Road has been providing quality healthcare to people of Mysore and surrounding districts.

It was in 1974 that JSS Mahavidyapeetha established a primary health centre in Mysore under the aegis of JSS Medical Services Trust to address the needs of the poor. Yet another health centre was established at SJCE premises in 1982. Though initially the existing JSS Hospital was not constructed for the hospital purpose, it was later converted into a 60-bed hospital and later was converted into 1,600 bed hospital in 1986 on a sprawling 2.40 lakh sqft area. The existing hospital has 16 state-of-the-art Operation Theatres and intensive care units for cardiac, respiratory, medical, surgical and dialysis patients. It also has neonatal and emergency wards. With the dedicated doctors and hospital staff, the hospital has been providing quality healthcare facilities at affordable prices.

Apart from implementing the Government programmes, the JSS Mahavidyapeetha has also been providing free treatment for those who are unable to bear the expenses of medical treatment. Currently, the hospital treats around 1,000 patients in the out-patient department everyday. Apart from the JSS Medical College, the hospital provides exposure to students of JSS Nursing College, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS College of Speech and Hearing and JSS College of Physiotherapy. JSS Mahavidyapeetha also plans to establish a 100-bed hospital in Chamarajanagar.

The New Super Specialty JSS Hospital

Though the existing JSS Hospital has been upgraded to 1600-bed with 35 specialties and super specialties, the vision of Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji was to build another hospital to cater to more people. With continued efforts and perseverance of the Mahaswamiji, the new JSS Hospital is soon to become a reality.

It was in 2009 that the JSS Medical Service Trust decided to come up with another hospital. After a wait for four years, the works on the hospital have been completed, except for minor works.

The hospital will provide specialty and super specialty health care in the areas of Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Urology, Oncology, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, Neonatology, Nephrology and other specialties. The hospital will also take up Cardiothoracic surgeries in future as there are three Modular Operation Theatres which enables the hospital to take up any complicated operations.

The new hospital has been constructed on an area of 12.5 acres with two basements, ground floor and four top floors on MG Road adjacent to the existing JSS Hospital at an estimated cost of Rs. 300 crore. The 1,800-bed hospital consists of general wards, special wards and critical care beds. The Radiology Department has been equipped with Telsa Digital MRI Machine, 128 Slice CT Scanner and Advanced Ultrasound and Echo Cardiograph Machines. Each floor of the hospital has been provided with 9 lifts to facilitate easy movement of patients, public and staff. Provision has also been made for a helipad as well.

JSS Medical Trust has given priority to appoint qualified and committed medical and para medical staff. Currently, the hospital has 65 Professors, 38 Associated Professors, 48 Assistant Professors, 48 Lecturers from various specialties. It also has 1030 Para-medical staff and nurses, who have been working hand-in-hand to provide best of the treatment to the patients.

The new JSS Hospital will definitely be a boon for the Medical students as they would get a hands-on experience with the latest technologies in the field of medical science.

The new Hospital will be inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee on Sept. 23 at 3 pm in the gracious presence of Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji. Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj will preside. Chief Minister Siddharamaiah will release ‘Prasada’ special issue of JSS Mahavidyapeetha and Union Minister Oscar Fernandes will release special issue of JSS Monthly Newsletter.

The facilities available at the New Hospital

1. 1800-bed with general and special wards

2. State-of- the-art critical care beds (ICU/ICCU/PICU/NICU/RICU/CTVS ICU/SICU)

3. 24×7 accident and emergency services

4. 28 Major Operation Theatres

5. 3 Modular Operation Theatres

6. MRI (3 Tesla)

7. CT scanner (128 Slice)

8. Advanced flat panel cardiac Cath lab and advanced noninvasive cardiology services

9. State-of-the-art Blood Bank

10. Burns and Trauma Centre

11. Physiotherapy, Artificial Limb Centre, Eye Bank and Comprehensive Rehabilitation Centre

12. ICTC and ART Centres

13. Recognised Hospital for Central & State sponsored insurance schemes (Yeshaswini, Vajpayee Arogyashri, ESI etc)

14. 24X7 advanced Dialysis services

15. 24X7 Drug Centre

16. 24X7 Hi-tech Ambulance Services

17. Superspeciality services: Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Pulmono-logy, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, Pae-diatric Surgery, Urology, Rheumatology, Haema-tology, Keyhole laparascopic Surgery, Surgical Gastroenterology, Neonatology and other diagnostic and clinical facilities with latest equipments.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / September 21st, 2013

Karnataka CM seeks partnership with global industry leaders

Business & Economy, Leaders, World Opinion

Bangalore, Sep 12 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting at Dalian in China, is exploring partnerships in interactions with global leaders, officials said Thursday.

 

“The chief minister attended the plenary of the WEF annual meeting, unveiled by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in the presence of about 2,000 delegates from over 90 countries, including heads of state and ministers,” an official said.

 

The three-day meeting which began Wednesday, is dubbed “Summer Davos” and brings together thought leaders, policy-makers, decision-makers and chief executives of multi-nationals to deliberate on global socio-economic issues and problems.

 

The forum’s new champions are companies, young global leaders, scientists, geeks, social entrepreneurs and global shapers.

 

Siddaramaiah, who is on a week-long overseas trip for the first time since becoming chief minister in May, also met Japanese Science and Technology Minister Hakubun Shimomura at the Dalian conference centre, and discussed partnerships in the IT space and education sector. “Being in the forefront of hardware and software technologies, Japan and Karnataka can jointly promote the IT and electronics sector.

 

Both officials also decided to explore additional funding from Japan for infrastructure corridors and high speed rail projects,” the official told IANS here.

 

The chief minister invited Shimomura to visit Bangalore for a first-hand view of the phenomenal growth of the software industry in India’s tech hub. Siddaramaiah also called on WEF Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab at the mega event venue and discussed expansion of the forum’s activities in the state. Accompanied by a 22-member team, including a 15-member group of business delegates in formal suits, the chief minister visited the Dalian port and evinced keen interest in its operations.

 

The chief minister visited the control room of the port, and authorities made a presentation on port management. The Dalian port has capacity to handle 1.7 million tonnes of food grains with hi-tech storage facility and rail connectivity.

 

Later in the day, the chief minister went to International Metal Working Company (IMC) in the new development area of the port city. “As IMC has a subsidiary in Bangalore — Taegu Tech Ltd — the chief minister told the company management to expand capacity of its India operations,” the official said. US multinational Berkshire Hathway fully acquired IMC recently by picking up 20 percent share six years after it bought 80 percent of the equity. As a global player, IMC has 140 subsidiaries in 65 countries the world over.

 

Siddaramaiah also took time from his busy schedule to visit the wind turbine manufacturing facility of Sinovel Wind Group at Ganjing Zi district in the Liaoning province of mainland China. “The chief minister discussed with the company officials on the knowhow (technology) to further harness the wind energy potential in the state, which is estimated to be about 11,000 mw and promote clean energy,” the official said.

source: http://www.firstpost.com / First Post / Home> FWire / September 13th, 2013

Exports award to city’s industry

Business & Economy, Records, All
Supreme Plasticisers Executive Partner S. Vishal (2nd from right) receiving the award from Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma at the event.
Supreme Plasticisers Executive Partner S. Vishal (2nd from right) receiving the award from Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma at the event.

Mumbai :

Supreme Plasticisers, Belagola Industrial area, Mysore, was presented the ‘Excellence in Exports’ award under SME segment of the ‘Chemical Exports Promotion Council (Chemexcil)’ at a ceremony held on Aug. 30 at Trident Hotel in Mumbai.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / September 18th, 2013

From Beans to Bricks

Business & Economy, Leaders

Brigade Group Founder speaks to SOM

1) M.R. Jaishankar 2) Brigade Sparkle at J.P. Nagar
1) M.R. Jaishankar 2) Brigade Sparkle at J.P. Nagar

Mysore :  

Brigade Group, unlike most developers from Bangalore, has not ignored Mysore and has had a number of projects in the city. M.R. Jaishankar, Founder and CMD of Brigade Group, spoke to SOM during his visit to city recently to inaugurate the Company’s latest project.

by S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

Having come from a family of coffee growers in Chikmagalur, M.R. Jaishankar completed his degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore and then secured an MBA degree from the University of Mysore. He worked as a management trainee at the UB-MEC Batteries after which he started his own company MLR Industries in 1980. The company manufactured Chicory. MLR industries, under the leadership of Jaishankar, went on to become the largest supplier of Chicory to Brooke Bond India Limited.

In 1984, Jaishankar decided to diversify into real estate and launched his construction company ‘Brigade Enterprises Limited’ with a grand construction of Brigade Towers during October 1986, which at that time was the tallest building constructed by a private developer.

When asked why he chose the construction business, he says because it was viable.

“Any business is 80 percent common sense coupled with hard work and good use of opportunities. Right decisions at right time in the interest of the company with no selfish motive will always help in the growth of a business”, says Jaishankar.

He then adds, “Though we had a presence in Mysore, here too we have become the first company to build the tallest apartment complex Brigade Horizon.”

Sharing his idea on housing for the middle-class sector, Jaishankar said that the prices of land have gone up which has resulted in rise in prices of the apartments. “The Government should come forward and provide lands at a cheaper rate so that the private developers come forward to construct affordable houses”, he added.

KPL and Brigade Group

Brigade Group was one of the Karnataka Premier League (KPL) franchise owners, Bangalore Brigadiers. The franchise was bought for a whopping USD 1.1 million. Though, first two seasons were conducted in 2009 and 2010, the tournament has not been conducted since 2011 owing to misunderstanding with KSCA authorities.

Sharing his experience on KPL, Jaishankar said “from the beginning itself KPL was a badly conducted tournament.” He then added, “Even the present committee too did not take much interest in solving the issued related to KPL.”

When asked whether Brigade Group would still want to be a part of KPL, Jaishankar mentioned that it depended on the planning and handling of the tournament. He said that the tournament should be conducted with a good intention.

“We have an open mind. But, everything depends on what the KSCA offers to the franchise and promotions on the tournament”, said Jaishankar.

Speaking of his company’s plans for Mysore, Jaishankar said that they are also coming up with two luxury hotels — one on New Sayyaji Rao Road with 150 rooms and other on KRS Road. This apart, the group is also coming up with another apartment project on Nanjangud Road shortly.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by S. N. Venkatnag Sobers / September 13th, 2013

Sakaala extended to Mangalore University colleges

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Education

Seats will be reserved for students excelling in art and culture; students to get TC in four days, says VC

Students of Mangalore University can get transfer certificate in four days after submitting applications and marks cards in three days from the date of announcement of results.

Vice-Chancellor T.C. Shivashankara Murthy told reporters that Right to Services Act (Sakaala) had been extended to all the 195 colleges coming under the university. Mangalore University and other universities in the State came under the Act since August 16.

As many as 14 services are being provided in a time-bound manner by the colleges. It includes transfer certificate and duplicate of admission letter (four days), conduct and study certificates (two days), issuance of marks cards and bus passes (three days). A.M. Khan has been appointed the nodal officer who will be looking at the implementation of the Act in the University and its affiliate colleges.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Mangalore / by Staff Correspondent / Mangalore – September 01st, 2013

Made by Martha

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Nature, World Opinion
A basketful of yum: Fusing recipes from the USA and Europe with Indian flavours / Photo: Murali Kumar K. / The Hindu
A basketful of yum: Fusing recipes from the USA and Europe with Indian flavours / Photo: Murali Kumar K. / The Hindu

Martha Kohlhagen, who settled down in Bangalore and runs a gourmet enterprise. She makes preserves, sauces, and desserts

Chicken breast stuffed with apple and onion relish, lemon tarts made with lemon curd, pannacotta vanilla cream dessert using caramel sauce, fresh vegetable salad with orange vinaigrette and chicken and pesto pastry. Such delicious food was prepared at Foodhall in 1 M.G. Road recently by Martha Kohlhagen with Chef Lynn Clemente, from Vivanta by Taj Whitefield. They also shared insights on what goes into preparing a good continental meal.

Martha, from Colorado in the United States, made Bangalore her home six years ago. “I first came to the city with an IT firm,” says Martha. But her interest in food led her to start her own company, Martha’s Preserves, in the city, which offers gourmet preserves, sauces, and desserts.

With continental restaurants mushrooming at every corner of the city and shows like MasterChef becoming increasingly popular, the interest in continental cuisine has been growing.

“There’s a huge market and interest in continental food. It’s a question of how you go about it. Where do you get ingredients? You have to pay attention to and look for what products are available in the market,” says Martha, who launched Martha’s Preserves in December last year.

“I have taken traditional recipes from the US and Europe and blended Indian flavours within them. My most popular products are my pineapple chilli jams, pomegranate orange marmalades, chocolate and pesto sauce. I have introduced French caramel sauce and fig and raisin jam. All of my products are an infusion of flavours of different cuisines.”

All the products of Martha’s Preserves are a 100 per cent natural, with no preservatives. “And it’s good, good food. I don’t compromise on the quality of my products. Each bottle is full of fruit and vegetables” adds Martha.

Gourmet food to her is about using the best ingredients to bring out the best flavours. “There is a difference between eating and really enjoying food. Gourmet food is about enjoying what you eat and saying ‘wow, that’s really good!’ It goes back to the quality and care in making the product.”

Martha speaks of what constitutes continental cuisine, and says depending on how you prepare it, there is something for vegetarians in it too. “It’s primarily preparations of meat and vegetable. If you are a vegetarian, you can expand on the vegetarian part — it’s a good balance of various types of food in one meal. The main course must be as good as the accompaniments and vice-versa. You can stuff the same things in a zucchini as you do in a chicken and it tastes equally good. All my products are vegetarian. But the lemon curd does have egg.”

Martha’s facebook page, Martha’s Preserves, also has recipes, which suggest ways in which you could use her products. You could also visit her website www.marthasfoods.com

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Food / by Sravasti Datta / Bangalore – September 01st, 2013

City’s Skanray wins Top 100 Asia award

Business & Economy
Vishwaprasad Alva (right), Managing Director, Skanray, is seen with Alex Vieux, Chairman, Red Herring, at the awards ceremony in Hong Kong.
Vishwaprasad Alva (right), Managing Director, Skanray, is seen with Alex Vieux, Chairman, Red Herring, at the awards ceremony in Hong Kong.

Mysore :

Skanray Healthcare, located at KIADB Industrial Area in Hebbal here was declared winner of 2013 ‘Red Herring top Asia award’ at a ceremony held in Hong Kong on Sept.5.

Vishwaprasad Alva, Managing Director, Skanray, received the award from Alex Vieux, Chairman, Red Herring.

Red Herring announced its Top 100 awards in recognition of the leading private companies from Asia, celebrating these startups’ innovations and technologies across their respec- tive industries.

Red Herring’s Top 100 Asia list has become a mark of distinction for identifying promising new companies and entrepreneurs. Red Herring editors were among the first to recognise that companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, Skype, Salesforce.com, YouTube, and eBay would change the way we live and work.

“Choosing the companies with the strongest potential was by no means a small feat,” said Alex Vieux, publisher and CEO of Red Herring. “After rigorous contemplation and discussion, we narrowed our list down from hundreds of candidates from across Asia to the Top 100 winners. We believe Skanray embodies the vision, drive and innovation that define a successful entrepreneurial venture. Skanray should be proud of its accomplishment, as the competition was the strongest it has ever been.”

About Red Herring

It is a global media company, which unites the world’s best high technology innovators, venture investors and business decision makers in a variety of forums, including print, online and exclusive events worldwide. Red Herring provides an insider’s access to the global innovation economy, identifying new and innovative technology companies and entrepreneurs. Its Red Herring 100 awards for North America, Europe, Asia and Global have recognised more than 5,000 companies in their early stages, including Baidu, Google, eBay, Skype.

About Skanray

It is one of the fastest growing medical devices and solutions company that is spreading globally and aims at becoming the world’s largest primary and Mass healthcare devices, technology and solutions company. It recently set up a design centre in Europe for advanced product technology just after announcing its investments into its Brazil operations.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / September 10th, 2013

Visitors throng Thailand Trade Fair in Bangalore

Business & Economy, World Opinion

Bangalore : (ANI):

A three-day Thai exhibition to improve bilateral trade ties between Thailand and India concluded here today.

Visitors were enthralled by a wide variety of items in the 25 stalls put in the trade fair, ranging from jewellery, footwear, decorative items to eateries.

“There are lots of fresh juices and natural pulp kind of juices so that you can enhance the flavours. There are very nice cute dolls, the artificial jewellery and the real gem stones, which are very expensive and the accessories suits the needs, whatever the ladies are interested in,” said Anisha, a visitor.

The first two days of the exhibition were reserved for display of the products, and sale of these items was opened on the last day of the event.

The sellers from Thailand felt that it was a great opportunity for their market to be spreading wings in India.

“This is the first time that we have come here to Bangalore, India. Our policy is that we would like to expand in the overseas market and last our company expanded to Indonesian market and the ASEAN market already. And right now this is why we would like to try to Indian market. And I think it is a big opportunity for the Thailand market,” said Tania, the owner of a toy stall.

The two Asian countries have maintained diplomatic relations since India gained Independence from the British rule in 1947.

India and Thailand have worked towards strengthening their trade relations in the past few years. Thailand is aiming at increasing trade with India to 16 billion $ by 2014.

According to media reports, bilateral trade between Thailand and India grew substantially in the last 15 years, reaching 8.6 billion $ in 2012.

India is in a free trade agreement (FTA) with ASEAN countries since 2010 that facilitates trade between the ASEAN countries, including Thailand. (ANI)

source: http://www.newstrackindia.com / News Track India / Home> Economy> by ANI / Bangalore – Saturday, August 31st, 2013