NI Desk at the Rotterdam Marathon ‘09

At the 2009 Rotterdam Marathon, Mauro Fiorucci completed the long run with great spirit and vigor.. wearing the brand of the Netherlands India

The Rotterdam Marathon is an annual marathon that has been held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands since 1981. It has been held in April of every year since the third edition in 1984, and attracts many top athletes. It has also been ranked as one of the top 10 marathons in the world by Runner’s World magazine. The event is the most popular marathon in the Netherlands, followed by the marathons of Amsterdam and Eindhoven.

Read more on Rotterdam Marathon on Wikipedia.

Qiagen to Expand Distribution Base in India

The Netherlands based firm, Qiagen, a leading sample and assays technology provider with $ 893.0 million sales is looking at expanding its distribution base in India through more collaboration with government and private medical institutions.

Speaking at the launch of Qiagen cares Kolkata Project, a joint project with Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute on cervical cancer, Mr. Victor Shi, President, Asia said “Asia being a high disease burden area is one of the fastest growing healthcare markets, growing at approximately 10% in 2008. It had contributed roughly 10% of Qiagen’s total global business in 2008. The Asian market is key to our growth strategy. We hope to maintain double digit growth that we had over the last few years with increased focus on Asia specific diseases like avian flu, cervical cancer, SARS, TB etc.” “We are also looking at expanding our commercial network in India this year. Qiagen in India is only limited to Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. We will be increasing our Indian team this year. There are many under-served areas in India like West Bengal, Orissa. We will be looking at more such programmes in collaboration with government or private agencies,” said Mr. Shi.

The company at present has three major distribution bases, one each in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. “We are in talks with various partners and government agencies in various states to implement more programmes and bring in more of our products and offerings from our stable,” he added. (Business Standard: April 22, 2009)

Pharma companies adhere to EHS to attact global business

Globalization seems to be driving the Indian pharma industry towards better environmental, health and safety (EHS) performances. In order to elevate their global image, several Indian companies are complying with EHS standards to widen their horizons and attract international players.

EHS auditing is becoming a global practice as organizations around the world develop audit standards. Big players across diverse industrial sectors especially from US and European countries are opting for EHS compliance as one of the key mandate in the process of manufacturing outsourcing.

Most pharma companies like Ranbaxy Laboratories, Alembic, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Cadila Pharmaceuticals, Zydus Cadila, Arch Pharmalabs and USV, among others have ensured a proper EHS management system and other environmental initiatives to attract additional business opportunities in the global arena. Companies with orientation of exports to the Western world are faced with no choice but to adhere to EHS. Besides customer audits, many Indian companies have been proactively seeking out ISO14000 and ISO18000 standards to signal EHS compliance.

To be in sync with the green policy of the western world, Indian companies seem to be proactive in adopting a number of green initiatives, including a proper EHS management system.

The EHS guidelines were created by the International Finance Corporation in 1998. The objective of EHS is to safeguard life, property and the environment. It enables industries to manage risk better, reduce cost and improve health & safety of people in general. Most global pharma companies use environmental, health and safety performance criteria to assess and select contract manufacturers, key API suppliers, contract research and development labs and even logistics centers. This is primarily done to protect the reputation of the global pharma companies while they outsource to India. (Business Standard: April 23, 2009)

CONTRACT JOBS TO KEEP PHARMA COMPANIES HEALTHY

Till last year, auto components were the fastest growing segment of the manufacturing universe. But the slowdown and the liquidity crisis have taken the sheen off auto components, with the focus now shifting to another segment: contract research and manufacturing services, popularly known as Crams.

Most Indian pharmaceutical and life sciences companies have entered this sector which typically implies outsourcing of manufacturing by global pharma majors to Indian companies, and is expected to become a $2.46 billion industry by 2010, from its current size of $869 million, according to a KPMG-CII study.

Ms. Swati Piramal, Vice Chairperson of Piramal Lifesciences, the R&D arm of Piramal Healthcare, says Crams would account for 30-35% of Piramal Healthcare’s revenue in the next fiscal year. “Large pharma companies create value from R&D and marketing and not manufacturing. Manufacturing is not core to them, and considering that historically the sector has been conservative in outsourcing, the sector will have good growth in the medium to long term,” says Ms Piramal.

Within the US, approximately 33% of the $40-45 billion that is spent annually on R&D has been outsourced, and is projected to increase to 41% or to $24 billion this year, a recent Yes Bank report said. “Over the next 20 years the Crams market will go on increasing year-on-year,” said Mr. Janmejay Vyas, founder & MD of Dishman Pharma. Mr Vyas’s study for industry association CII, also finds India ahead of China in the manufacturing, both in terms of the number of US FDA-approved plants, as well as the number of drug master file filings.

The global Crams sector is projected to touch $64 billion by 2010, with India, already a leading manufacturer of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and intermediates. Indian companies can aim for a larger chunk of the market, prompting countries like China to join the bandwagon, say persons familiar with the trend.

Lupin, another major player, also sees growth in the Crams space. The company’s Crams business, Novodigm, exports over 90% of its products to global pharmaceuticals and speciality chemical companies in European Union, North America and Japan. This core focus on custom synthesis and process research capabilities has helped Lupin double its sales in the past nine months. (The Economic Times: April 13, 2009)

Philips to make India hub for medical equipment manufacturing

After acquiring two healthcare companies in India, Philips is working on a strategy roadmap to make India one of its global production hubs for medical equipment. The company plans to invest substantially on upgrading the acquired manufacturing facilities and increasing their capacity, with plans to start shipping them globally in another 18-24 months.

As per the plans, Philips is evaluating options to manufacture both new equipment and undertake refurbishment of old machines in India. However, the initial focus will be on value-segment medical equipment which has large market potential in Asia, Africa, CIS and parts of Europe.

Philips Electronics India Senior Director and Head (Healthcare Business) Mr. Anjan Bose said the company is currently firming up plans to make India a global production hub. “The investment details are currently being worked out to expand capacities and upgrade the plants to meet global quality and regulatory standards,” he said.

Philips last year made two healthcare acquisitions in India — Meditronics and Alpha X-Ray Techlonogies. By virtue of this, Philips acquired a footprint in manufacturing of medical equipment, with five plants that specialize in imaging devices and X-Ray machines. The acquisitions also enabled Philips access critical technology to develop value-segment products.

The company is planning to undertake more such acquisitions in India to further strengthen its value-segment portfolio. “We are exploring such options in ultrasound and imaging devices. The current time could be favorable for such acquisitions since valuations are low and several companies have cash flow issues. The acquisitions will help us to tap rural hospitals and needs of emerging markets,” Philips India CFO Mr. Coen Reuvers said. (The Economic Times: April 8, 2009)

Dutch heritage sites in state to get facelift

KOCHI: Dutch Ambassador to India Bob Hiensch said that his country was planning to prepare a map of Dutch heritage in Kerala and primary work for it would start by the end of May.

The Ambassador was in Kochi on Thursday to take part in the inauguration of David Hall Art Cafe, the centuries’-old Dutch Building at Fort Kochi, which has been renovated as art and cultural centre by the cgh Earth Group.

“Our plan is to carry out the scheme with the cooperation of local NGOs. We also seek the assistance of other authorities and civil societies in restoring a shared heritage. Apart from India, the Dutch had their presence in Indonesia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Surinam and Brazil,” Heinsch said. He said that the Netherlands had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of India for preserving Dutch monuments in India.

Hiensch, who holds a doctoral degree in political science from the University of Amsterdam, said that the people of Netherlands had great admiration for the democratic system in India. “The Netherlands have economic interests in India. If anybody from the Netherlands shows interest in investing in India, they would be encouraged, but the final decision is to be taken by the companies,” he said. Heinsch lauded the high rate of literacy in Kerala.

“We are on an effort to preserve the major archives of Dutch heritage in Tamil Nadu. For this, we are expecting the contribution of the NGOs and the local academic groups who have knowledge about the history of both countries. An exhibition on ‘Hortus Malabaricus, the precious book on the flora and fauna of Kerala written by Dutch commander Hendrik Adriaan Van Reede Tot Drakestein, is another programme envisaged,” he said.

Heinsch, who joined the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was appointed Ambassador to India one-and-an-half years ago. Earlier in 1974, Heinsch was elected city councillor in Loosdrecht and served in that capacity till his first diplomatic assignment in 1977. It is the second time he is visiting Kochi.

His first visit was in December 2008 for the Volvo Ocean Race.  Source

News Focus

Source: Indian Express

Henri Christiaans Associate Professor Delft Universal of Technology, The Netherlands, said that governments should be stimulated to invest more in Design. Atul Kirloskar CMD Kirloskar Oil Engines ltd , YS Rajan, principal advisor CII, and Henri Christiaans, associate professor Delft Universal of Technology, The Netherlands, Frank Heemskerk, Minister for Foreign Trade Government of the Netherlands and Nachiket Thakur, chairman, Pune Design Foundation and Theo JJ Groothuizen Counselor Science and Technology, the Royal Netherlands Embassy, were also present.

Image Source

FMO led syndicate to provide ECB of US$100 million to Srei

Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd., India’s leading private sector infrastructure financing institution, today signed a Letter of Intent with FMO to secure External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) of US$100 million. This loan amount would be used to step up Srei’s infrastructure project finance and equipment financing business where Srei is the market leader in India. The LOI was signed between Mr. Hemant Kanoria, Chairman and Managing Director, Srei Infrastructure Finance Limited and Mr. Nanno Kleiterp, Chief Executive Officer, FMO. This loan would be used for funding infrastructure projects directly and also for import of infrastructure equipment for on leasing to infrastructure projects.

This development assumes special significance in the backdrop of the global financial crisis and limited channels of credit. While Government of India has announced fiscal and monetary stimuli with a special focus on infrastructure creation to push the country’s growth, banks and other financial institutions have limited risk appetite and thus credit is not forthcoming even for viable infrastructure projects. While project developers have been adversely affected, the worst hits are the numerous small and medium size companies who depend on NBFCs like Srei for their funding requirement. Such enterprises form the bulk of Srei’s clientele and thus this loan from FMO to some extent will act like a booster dose to ease the credit availability scenario.

FMO started investing in Srei since1997 and since then has provided different kinds of debt, equity and guarantee structures.

There are large number of international institutions and banks who have confidence in Srei’s infrastructure business and in spite of global financial crisis, are willing to provide long term loans to us,” said Mr. Hemant Kanoria, Chairman & Managing Director, Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd.  He further added that the loan from FMO will immensely help Srei to cater to the pent-up demand of the infrastructure sector in India. Asserting that there are quite a few viable infrastructure projects in the pipeline, Mr. Kanoria called upon the industry to truly generate a culture of public-private partnership by playing its part in kick-starting an investment-led demand cycle.

Despite the global downturn and the onset of recession in many developed nations, India is still registering a near 7% growth which is healthy by all standards. Though the growth rate is expected to come down to 5-6% next year, India still holds a lot of potential because of its huge domestic market. We are constantly monitoring the developments in India and also keeping an eye on the various infrastructure projects that are coming up. We at FMO, are definitely bullish on India,” said Mr. Nanno Kleiterp, CEO of FMO.

About Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd.
Srei is a Holistic Infrastructure Institution, constantly and consistently ideating to deliver innovative solutions to its customers, and thus playing a significant role in nation-building over a period of two decades, both in urban and rural India. Srei’s businesses include Infrastructure Equipment Leasing & Finance; Project Finance, Advisory & Development; Insurance; Venture Capital; Capital Market; and Sahaj e-Village. Srei has a pan-India presence with a network of 63 offices and has also expanded overseas with 3 offices in Russia and few others in the pipeline in South Asia and West Asia. Srei is the first Indian infrastructure financing institution to get listed on the London Stock Exchange. Srei Equipment Finance Pvt. Ltd. is a joint venture between Srei and BNP Paribas Lease Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of BNP Paribas.

About FMO
The Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) is the international development bank of the Netherlands. FMO invests risk capital in companies and financial institutions in developing countries. With an investment portfolio of € 3.4 billion, FMO is one of the largest bilateral development banks worldwide. Thanks in part to its relationship with the Dutch government, FMO is able to take risks which commercial financiers are not - or not yet - prepared to take. FMO’s mission: to create flourishing enterprises, which can serve as engines of sustainable growth in their countries.

Source

Dutch Trade Minister Visits India

Mr. Frank Heemskerk, Minister for Trade, visited India in the first week of February 2009 and met with Minister Kamal Nath, Kapil Sibal and others to discuss future plans for the coming year. Minister Heemskerk is very supportive of the manner in which India is managing itself at the WTO. He is also of the view that incidents like the Satyam debacle are a learning of what not to do. However, the growth curve of business between India and the Netherlands must increase.

The focus areas for collaboration with India are:

• Bio Medical/Pharmaceutical sector
• ICT sector
• Maritime
• Agro technology/Food
• Infrastructure
• Water

As for the FTA between India and EU, the Netherlands supports it since it sees the value of Indian partnerships in the long term.

The Netherlands offers many cities that are high business avenues in the country.

Rotterdam is the biggest port city and offers a very business oriented atmosphere.

The banking system is well-supported here with banks like:

• ING Bank
• ABNAMRO
• Fortis
• Rabobank

Randstad completes restructuring Indian operations

Hennai, March 23 (IANS) The Netherlands-based 17-billion-euro ($23-billion) global staffing solutions company Randstad Holding has completed restructuring its Indian operations, officials said.

The company, which has seven outfits in India, will now offer flexi-staffing or temporary staffing solutions under the Randstad brand and the recruitment placement solutions under Ma Foi.

Beresford Blake Thomas (BBT), EmmayHR Services Ltd, Team HR Services (popularly known as Team4U), Ma Foi Consulting Solutions, Ma Foi Global Search Services and Ma Foi Management Consultants are the seven Randstad companies operating in India.

“We have consolidated two outfits - Team4U and EmmayHR’s three branches under Ma Foi. The process of integrating EmmayHR’s Mumbai operations is now on,” Brian Wilkinson, a Randstad board member, told IANS here.

While BBT, EmmayHR and Team4U were part of Randstad, the Ma Foi group came under its fold when it acquired another Netherlands-based staffing solutions company Vedior last year.

Officials said the brand consolidation was a company-wide phenomenon, not restricted to India.

“Nearly 80 percent of our revenues are from Randstad brand. By the end of this year, 95 percent of our various services will be rebranded,” Randstad chief executive and chairman Ben Noteboom told IANS.

Talking about the company’s business strategies, Wilkinson said Randstad did not believe in changing the names of all acquired brands.

“The acquisition of Vedior got Randstand nearly 100 brands. It’s a macho act to change everything. We are not for that,” he said.

The company followed this strategy when it acquired Ma Foi, a popular brand in India’s HR space.

Randstand retained the brand name with a tag line - Ma Foi, a Randstad Co.

Asked about Randstand’s successful Indian acquisitions, Wilkinson said: “Most acquisitions fail if people are insensitively handled. In May 2004, Vedior was acquired by Randstad; the same management team still exists under the new banner.”

Randstad started integrating its Indian subsidiaries in August last year with major reshuffles at the top level.

Ma Foi CEO K. Pandiarajan has been appointed Randstad India’s managing director in the place of Monisha Advani who was made EmmayHR’s managing director.

Pandiarajan was also appointed the CEO of Team4U.

Advani, who quit EmmayHR earlier this month, told IANS that the restructuring operations open “exciting opportunities to explore closer synergies among Randstad’s Indian acquisitions that will benefit our clients, candidates and colleagues”.

Noteboom said the company at present did not have any acquisition plans.

“Our prime target is organic growth. Acquisition is an entry strategy,” he said.

While Randstad’s Indian operations currently contribute around 100 million euros ($136 million), he said India and China were two important growth markets for the company.

“Once (the) economy stabilises, staffing companies like Randstad would start logging growth,” he added.

Source

India is Asia’s second largest economy growing to be a very strong attraction as an emerging market and a services back office due to the easy adaptation and language skills of the young work force. Even with a global financial scenario that has pulled all markets down, the Indian market is maintaining some sense of promise in the next two quarters.

Many international conglomerates are already present in India and have reaped the benefits. Now the SME sector is the area of growth and action. Small and Medium sized businesses are now booming and trying to find the next level in the market.

The Netherlands India Desk has set its focus in the SME sector to bring companies in contact between the Netherlands and India.

The financial crisis in the world has definitely put a dampen on the Indian Banks as well, however, they are not cash-empty as other foreign banks. Not so many consolidations have happened in the aftermath of the global situation. This shows the robust nature of the Indian market and its promise in the coming years. Indian banking sector is a very large sector with many Indian and International banks present for all kinds of service.

* ABNAMRO
* ING Bank
* HSBC
* ICICI
* Yes Bank
* HDFC

NEW BODY TO FAST-TRACK INDIA-NETHERLANDS BIZ PROPOSALS

New Delhi, Jan 14 If you want to do business in the Netherlands, it will be faster if you get your venture facilitated on a fast track basis through the newly-set up Netherlands- India Desk, which is backed by the local authorities, its officials said.  As the Netherlands moved ahead with its business facilitation plans despite the global recession, the Desk is a commercial organisation responsible for generating business between India and Rotterdam, the city authorities and the public and private sector, the Desk officials said.

Established earlier this month, the Desk, an India-focussed body, is being backed by the City of Rotterdam Development Corporation, which is a unique organisation that facilitates commercial ventures between Rotterdam and the rest of the world.

“Even with the slowdown of the economy worldwide, this is a good time to build a foundation for the future of growth between Rotterdam and India,” Frank Coomans of the City of Rotterdam Development Corporation said, adding that industries in the areas of IT, logistics, port-related services and media and creative industry were the focus of attention. Indian companies were welcome to make Rotterdam their base in the Netherlands, he added.

Read the online article here (www. indopia .in)