India-Central Asia Economic Relations: A Report of RIS/CII Seminar

Considering that India and Central Asian countries have held historical economic linkages and their future path of joint economic progress needs to be studied in greater detail (see Annexure I for the background) Research and Information System for the Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), New Delhi launched a research programme on Economic Cooperation between Indian and Central Asia. As the first step towards meeting the objectives of the research programme RIS-CII Seminar on India and Central Asia Economic Relations was organized on October 17, 2003 in New Delhi. The Seminar was divided into two working sessions viz. (i) Geo-Strategic Perspectives and Framework for Trade and Investments which dealt with strategic and economic potential, business environment and trade linkages and (ii) Trade and Investment: Focus on the Energy Sector (Seminar Agenda is enclosed as Annexure II). The Seminar was well-attended by industry representatives, policy makers and academia. The list of participants is given in Annexure VI.