Extraordinary And Plenipotentiary Diplomatist July 19 Edition . | Page 31

An ADBI Initiative
A
SSOCHAM was asked by the Ministry of External
Aff airs to do an unusual Webinar presentation on
“India-SICA Cooperation”. SICA (short in Spanish
for Central American Integration Area) consists of Belize,
Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala,Honduras, Nicaragua,
Panama and the Dominican Republic.
This D2B “with diff erence” saw a late night (IST) live
interaction between business representatives and diplomats
from both sides, including Indian Ambassadors to SICA
countries and their counterparts in New Delhi, participating
in a Track 1.5 format with the participation of Foreign Offi ces
of the concerned countries.
ASSOCHAM President Mr. B K Goenka meeting H.E. Sir Dominic Asquith,
British High Commissioner to India
ASSOCHAM Vice
President Mr. Vineet
Agarwal meeting
H.E. Ms. Harinder
Sidhu, Australian High
Commissioner to India
•
ASSOCHAM President Mr. B K Goenka meeting H.E. Dr. Ron Malka,
Ambassador of Israel to India
As a result of the Webinar interaction, a number of
new areas have been identifi ed for collaboration, including
agriculture, education, renewable energy, environment
conservation, Information Technology, science and
technology, drugs and pharmaceuticals, Small and Medium
Enterprises, infrastructure, tourism – to name a few. Specifi c
suggestions included:
• Ties for Organic Farming
• Enhanced Indian Exports to SICA countries.
• Introduction of Indian Nutraceuticals including Indian
Traditional Medicines and Therapies of Ayurveda which
could be extended to Yoga or AYUSH.
• Promotion of Joint Venture between India and SICA
Countries in sectors like Hospitality, Renewable Energy.
India can also strengthen its relationship with SICA
Countries through “International Solar Alliance”.
• Project Exports to SICA Countries.
• More Foreign Direct Investment in sectors like
infrastructure, electricity grids, railways, roads and
logistics.
• Cultural Programmes.
• Student Exchange Programme
• Entrepreneurship and Start-Up Awards.
• Memorandum of Understanding between Universities /
Educational Institutes.
• Agro-Industry and Footwear are the emerging sectors in
SICA Countries.
• India should also take benefi t of Free Trade Zones in SICA
Countries.
With its strategic location and duty free access to the USA
and other developed markets, SICA countries are well poised
to receive Indian investments and co-production arrangements
for mutual benefi t. 
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 5 • June-July 2019, Noida • 31