April 10, 2002

‘17B’

    The Minister of State for Small Scale Industries, Smt. Vasundhara Raje has suggested to replace the old silk route with gas and oil pipeline. While addressing a session at Eurasia Economic Summit at Almaty the Minister emphasized the need for Indo- Kazakhstan bilateral cooperation in the energy sector as in 10-20 years India is expected to become the second largest energy consumer in the world and currently India consumes 7-8 million barrels per day. The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Mr. Dulat Kuanyshev indicated that an Indian route for Kazakhstan’s gas and oil can be considered, but did not provide any specifics. He said that there is a great potential between India and Kazakhstan and there are plans to establish a National Scientific Technical Centre in Astana with the assistance of India’s National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD). The purpose of the centre will be to support Kazakhstani Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Smt. Vasundhara Raje also stressed the need for all bilateral cooperation in the areas of pharmaceuticals, food processing, education, water, exploration of space, tourism and entertainment. She also reiterated the need to establish new links between India and Central Asia. She said, "Now that the world is becoming a smaller place, it is time for us to combine synergies".

    Smt. Raje also met Prof. Klans Schwab, Chairperson, World Economic Forum, and discussed various issues including geo-political and economic situation in Central Asia, India’s role in Central Asia and its crucial contribution of SMEs in national economies. Prof. Schwab suggested that India should organize international conferences on SMEs and offered World Economic Forum’s support in this.