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1st Annual India Trade Conference - May 2008
Thank you again for supporting the May 2008 India Trade Seminar [ITC-2008], and making it a huge success. A couple of hundred attendees, strong line-up of speakers, and highly interactive sessions.
Almex USA receiving the U.S. Dept of Commerce's Export Achievement
Certificate
from Mr. Claudio Lilienfeld at the India Trade Seminar 2008.
"A galaxy of speakers. Exceptional." -
Attendee from India.
"Congratulations on a conference very well presented".
- UC-Irvine Guest.
"Panels were quite useful and liked the low-Powerpoint
discussions." - Business Attendee.
"I think the event was a fantastic success!"
- Govt Attendee.
"Meeting a few of the key people really helped me."
- Business Attendee.
(Comments from the 2008 India Trade Seminar)
ITS2008 Post Seminar
Release
ITS2008 Book Release
Report
AN OVERVIEW OF THE EVENT - BY MR. JIM MACLELLAN
The India Trade Seminar which was held on May 28th, 2008 at the
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts was a deemed a success by
many of the participants who were interviewed afterwards, and
exceeded its goal of 150 attendees by a substantial margin.
This was a unique event in that the focus was more on physical
movement of import and export cargoes in a booming trade environment
between the two countries. Additionally, there was a well balanced
cross section among the panelists of businesses (of various sizes
and types), academics, service providers and high-ranking government
officials.
This Seminar was unique inasmuch as it provided both a strategic
overview of trade between India and the United States as well as a
pragmatic review of the mechanics of cargo movement. Additionally,
although the bright spots of rapidly expanding trade were outlined
by the USTR Rep Mr. Claudio Lilienfeld and the President of Almex
USA, Mr. Ravi Tilak, the occasionally complex challenges of
infrastructure within India as well as documentary & tariff issues
were reviewed in a candid manner that would provide practical
assistance.
By special arrangement a very senior official of the USTR in
Washington Mr. Claudio Lilienfeld flew especially to Los Angeles to
address the conference. As a result, we were able to have insider
insights into the current state of progress of trade with India.
Both Governments have established an astonishing number
private/public bilateral working groups covering a broad array of
sectors. The intense focus of these groups is reflected in the
skyrocketing trade figures since 2003. We were told to expect a
continuing upward trajectory of trade as framework agreements
continue to be successfully negotiated due to political will that
exists on both sides. The strong present and future growth of the
component of defense-related (i.e., aircraft) orders for U.S.
suppliers was especially interesting, even though constraints remain
with regard to a number of export controls.
A wonderful highlight was the presentation of one of the highest
export awards of the U.S. Department of Commerce, who were strongly
represented by Paul Tambakis and Julie Anne Hennessy, to Almex USA.
Mr. Ravi Tilak, President of Almex USA gave a very eloquent address
on the positive future for the Indian economy and society and the
building of a special new relationship with the U.S. on a
multi-dimensional basis.
A panel of logistics, customs & port experts gave numerous insights
on the "how to" of the processes. Jay Patel (President, Westcoast
Warehousing, LLP) and Roger Clarke (President, LA Customs Brokers &
Freight Forwarders Association) gave real life experiences of how
they resolved challenges with real-world shipments. Both the
modalities of airfreight and seafreight were discussed, and the
unparalleled resources and services of the international airport and
seaports here in California were explained. Means of risk reduction
and due diligence methodology were the underlying principles that
were communicated as "takeaways". The interest in the "how to" for
small to medium size businesses and start-ups revealed a demand for
future such sessions which would further investigate practical
problems and their solutions.
Academics were well represented and USC Professor Dr. Ravi Kumar's
incisive comments on his research into the corporate sector were
highly illuminating and well received by the audience who engaged in
spirited and informed dialogue with the panelists during the
question and answer periods.
The presentations culminated with a book release and a fascinating
commentary on contemporary corporate "mantras" and the "triple
bottom line" by the author Dr. Subhash Sharma. Mr. Frank Quevedo,
Vice President of Southern California Edison offered gracious
closing remarks.
The culinary treats presented by Saffron Spot were a delight and
topped off with distinctive and delicious Indian mango & saffron
flavored ice creams.
The reception afterwards was a great hit with guests staying until
the dimming of the lights at 8:30 p.m., and most reluctant to leave.
This was a wonderful occasion for a social mingling of speakers and
audience where the dialogue continued on an informal basis (which,
ironically, is often the most effective means of in-depth
communication). Miss India and..Miss Sri Lanka graced the reception
with their presence in beautiful traditional dress and posed for
numerous photographs by the "paparazzi". Numerous booths by vendors
and service providers around the reception area contributed to the
lively and friendly ambience. Gifts bags with generous donations by
Southern California Edison, the Port of Los Angeles, and other
sponsors were offered to all attendees.
This was a unique event due to dimensions of the occasion, but many
inquired as to whether it would be held again, and we sincerely hope
that the friendly and diverse organizers will consider making it a
regular event !
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| Small-to-Medium Size Enterprises with an interest in trading with India. Service companies in the global transportation, financial, legal & trade insurance sectors. Corporations with an India strategy. Networking for professionals. | ||||||
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Download PDF of the India Trade Seminar - May 2008, Los Angeles