The much anticipated visit to Indian Embassy in Manila concluded with greater insight into bilateral relations between India and Philippines, Historical perspective and contemporary issues facing both nations.
AIM Manila arranged meeting with Mr. Amrit Lugun, Councilor, Embassy of India, Philippines. We were delayed by 15-20 minutes because of heavy traffic and security checking. Nevertheless, we reached and had interesting and engaging discussions with Mr. Lugun. He gave historical perspective on development of Philippines, Indian community’s contribution in Philippines and queried us on our backgrounds, future plans and experiences in Philippines.
Some of insights were:
• Philippines is heavily dependent on rice imports and agriculture needs lot of attention.
• He shared that there is huge potential in tourism industry.
• English Language and strong customer orientation are key to success of Filipino BPO industry.
• Trade between India and Philippines is doubled but balance of trade is in favor of India. There is huge scope of Filipino exports to India.
• Philippines is strategically located with proximity to Japan, China, Korea and ASEAN countries but because of greater distance from India, Indian businesses have been restricted to countries such as Malaysia, Thailand etc.
• There is strong Sindhi community who has excelled in alien land as they have in their home country.
• There are many companies from India including Infosys, Wipro and Sutherland having operations in India. Embassy of India facilitates Indian companies who want to start operations in India
• Philippines executive and judicial setup is heavily influenced by American System. Hence, a re-haul in bureaucratic setup is expected after next year’s presidential elections.
• Philippines is heavily dependent on rice imports and agriculture needs lot of attention.
• He shared that there is huge potential in tourism industry.
• English Language and strong customer orientation are key to success of Filipino BPO industry.
• Trade between India and Philippines is doubled but balance of trade is in favor of India. There is huge scope of Filipino exports to India.
• Philippines is strategically located with proximity to Japan, China, Korea and ASEAN countries but because of greater distance from India, Indian businesses have been restricted to countries such as Malaysia, Thailand etc.
• There is strong Sindhi community who has excelled in alien land as they have in their home country.
• There are many companies from India including Infosys, Wipro and Sutherland having operations in India. Embassy of India facilitates Indian companies who want to start operations in India
• Philippines executive and judicial setup is heavily influenced by American System. Hence, a re-haul in bureaucratic setup is expected after next year’s presidential elections.
We normally visit embassies of other countries Indian for getting visa but this was the first time for many of us to visit Indian Embassy in other country.
Overall, it was another Manila experience that we would cherish forever.
Good to the Indians doing well abroad too !!! Hope you guys had a great time there.
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