The European Business Group (EBG), the representative body of European business interests in India, released the 2015 edition of Position Paper in the capital recently. The Position Paper is EBG’s main tool for advocacy with its stakeholders, which highlights the EBG’s views on policy. It was jointly released by Shri Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and H.E. Dr Joao Cravinho, Ambassador of the European Union to India along with Mr. Raman Sidhu, Chairman, EBG India, Mr Kersi Hilloo, Vice Chairman, EBG India & Mumbai Chapter Chairman and Mr Rajiv Dhawan, Delhi Chapter Chairman. G4S, a leading security solutions provider has supported EBG in setting up the Homeland Security Sector Committee, which was chaired by Ms. Rupan Sidhu, Director – Corporate Affairs, G4S India.

The output of the Sector Committees are reflected in the policy proposals outlined in the Position Paper and later it is distributed to key decision-makers in the Indian government, the European Commission and diplomatic missions of EU countries in India. It aims at strengthening India’s position in the World Bank’s global “Ease of Doing Business” index and, as a result, promoting trade, investment and employment creation on the subcontinent. EBG now has the following pan-India sector committees: Alcoholic Beverages, Automotive, Aviation, Banking & Financial Services, Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Defence, Energy(Oil & Gas and Power), FMCG, Healthcare, Homeland Security, ICT, Logistics, Retail, Real Estate and Telecommunication. 

While delivering the key note address, Shri Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry said “Europe is India’s biggest trading and investment partner. The government’s aim has been to create a conducive environment for making business easier. India must become a part of the global supply chain.” 

H.E. Dr Joao Cravinho, Ambassador of the European Union to India, shared his observations about the Indian economy, and trade relations with Europe, with those gathered. “This is a time of transformation. The government has come out with new ideas, and these ideas have shown that they are capable of changing the thinking of operators, particularly the ‘Make in India’ initiative has the potential to energize businesses. Moreover, European companies can play a major role in the success of the campaign.” 

On G4S India’s association with the position paper, Ms Rupan Sidhu, Director – Corporate Affairs, G4S India, said, “As the pioneers and leaders in the private security sector in India, it has been our constant endeavour to promote the interests of the sector. To this effect, we have forged partnerships like our association with EBG. Through the EBG position paper we hope to create a successful dialogue between the private security sector and decision makers from Indian Government to arrive at solutions for the current requirements of the industry. ”