Still Too Many Blocks In Business, Says Indian Chamber Of Commerce

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KLSICCI) claims that there are still many stumbling blocks preventing its members and associates from getting the right opportunities to prosper.

"We are having free trade all over the world but within the country we are not free to trade and get the opportunities from numerous government agencies," KLSICCI's Deputy President, Suresh Kumar J.Gorasia said on Monday.

There still seems to be a "check-mate" or certain systems that prevent aspiring Indian businesses to get access to opportunities, he claimed.

"At times, certain schemes are launched but by the time the chamber's members apply, the scheme's quota seems to be over," he told reporters here.

The KLSICCI has 535 members and affiliate members of more than 100,000.

At a luncheon talk later by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk S.K. Devamany, the minister acknowledged the issues faced by Indian businessmen in the country.

He admitted that among others, there was limited participation by Indians or in the worst case scenario non participation in the Petroleum related industry.

"It is a big sector, from petrol station to supplier chains. There are many more such sectors that have limited participation by Indians," he said.

He said the government understood the situation and that the matter would be addressed.

Among others, there are many plans to help genuine business minded Indians, especially in the small and medium industries (SMEs), he assured.

"This is not just for them to do businesses within the country but also to look into opportunities overseas," Devamany said.

Meanwhile, Suresh Kumaar said the KLSICCI, on its part, would continue to organise seminars and trade delegations to help its members.

"We also play the role of disseminating information on all the opportunities, grants and programmes made available by the government."

-- BERNAMA

Source: http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsbusiness.php?id=552714