European Communities awards EUR1 million to WTO training programmes
March 31, 2008
The European Communities has donated EUR1 million (about CHF1.55 million) to the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund (DDAGTF).
This donation will finance technical assistance programmes and training activities for developing and least developed countries as well as economies in transition. The aim is to better adapt their practices and laws to WTO rules and disciplines, improve the implementation of their obligations and enhance the exercise of their membership rights.
Overall, EU Member States and the European Commission have contributed around two thirds of the total funding for the DDAGTF, since it was first set up in 2002.
“I welcome this new donation that demonstrates the EC’s constant commitments to help developing countries benefit fully from the multilateral trading system and better integrate in the global economy” declared WTO Director General Pascal Lamy.
EC Ambassador Eckart Guth stated “Acquiring a better understanding of WTO rules and procedures is key for developing countries if they want to use trade as a tool for development. For this reason, the EC will continue to support the Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund”.
Indo-French SME Joint ventures mooted
March 31, 2008
Coimbatore: Tirupur Exporter’ Association (TEA) has suggested setting up of joint venture in small and medium enterprises (SME) with France for enhancing business relations between the countries.
The proposal was made to Jean Louis Poli, Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Economic Mission, Embassy of France in Delhi, who visited the knitwear hub of Tirupur on Friday, TEA president, A Shaktivel said in a release today.
SMEs in France have been invited to visit Tirupur to observe the business performance and potential of SMEs and also to visit India Knit Fair, scheduled to be held in May, he said.
On the possibilities of increasing business relations between the countries, especially in SME sector, Poli has visualized existence of opportunities and promotion of business activities among SMEs in both countries, the release added.
Tata Motors to invest 6000 crore in Pune
March 31, 2008
Mumbai : Tata Motors will be investing Rs 6,000 crore over four to five years in its existing facilities in Pune that would raise its capacity by 40 per cent to up to six lakh units.
The company on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government for the investment.
The investment is expected to generate 1,500 more jobs. As part of the expansion, Tata Motors plans to set up vehicle testing facilities in Pune.
Tata Motors’ Pune unit is spread over two regions-Pimpri and Chinchwad. They are engaged in the design and manufacture of sophisticated press tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, metal pattern and special tools, as well as models for development of new ranges of automobile products.
Rs. 20.78 crore sanctioned for road construction in J & K
March 31, 2008
New Delhi: The Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Thiru T.R. Baalu, on the recommendation of the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has approved a sum of Rs. 20.78 crore under the Central Road Fund (CRF) Scheme for construction of 16 km long village road (3.75 m wide) with Retaining wall from Kahara Jai Road up to Village Jaurn in Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir.
This road will connect village Kahara in Bhalessa area with Jai in Bhaderwah passing through the villages of Gugara, Malanu, Bithola, Bagdair, Halaran, Jooda and Shamdalian before entering the picturesque meadows of Jai in Bhaderwah thus opening up avenues of development for people of all these villages.