|
The Federation of Industries & Commerce
of North Eastern Region was formed in 1992 for the creation and
sustenance of an environment conductive to the growth of the industry,
trade and commerce in the northeastern states of India. FINER is a
non-government, non-profit making, industry led and managed
organization. FINER has a membership of over 300 firms and is the
largest chamber of commerce, industry and trade of the region. The
membership ranges from the tiny sector to the mega-size industries and
includes both private and public sectors. It includes several
industry/sectoral associations and state/district level associations.
FINER plays a proactive role in the economic development of the
Northeast through information and analysis based inputs in policy
formulation. FINER is a member of many advisory committees in the
areas of Power, Central Excise, Customs, Banking, Export, Industry,
Public sector reforms, etc. FINER's view is frequently sought by the
government as well as by the media. We maintain close liason with MPs
from the region. On many occasion MPs have raised issues in parliament
based on our representation and reports. The credibility that FINER
has built up over the past 13 years of existence ensures that its
voice is always heard.
FINER had played a very important role in formulation and subsequent
amendments to the Northeast Industrial Policy, introduction of
international flights from Guwahati airport, formulation of industrial
policies of the states of the region, fixation of reasonable power
tariff, transport subsidy on tea exported from ICD, Amingaon etc.
FINER has contributed significantly in the legislation of Assam Value
Added Tax Act, 2003 and Assam Power Act, 2003. Increase in credit flow
to the Northeast is another area where FINER has made positive and
tangible contribution.
FINER maintains regular interactions with foreign embassies and high
commissions. FINER has been invited for participating in various
programmes abroad in countries like USA and UK. A business delegation
of the organization had visited Bangladesh for exploring trade
opportunities. FINER participated in business delegation to Egypt led
by Smti Vasundhara Raje, then Minister of State for SSI, Govt. of
India in 2002 and to Myanmar for participating in the "Made in India"
show held at Yangoon, Myanmar in 2004.
At the national level FINER is affiliated to FICCI and CII and is
represented in several of their national committees. Joint programmes
are held with them from time to time. FINER has a MoU with the
government of Assam and FICCI for the promotion of industrial
investment in Assam. An international investment meet named 'Guwahati
Initiative' was organized very successfully in February 2001 in
association with FICCI, NEC, Assam Government and Ministry of
Commerce.
In a rapidly changing business environment, FINER has been at the
forefront, helping industry find new solutions and enhance its
competitiveness. FINER regularly arranges seminars, workshops,
conferences on subjects relevant to the members. Under FINER's
initiative 10 entrepreneurs from the Northeast underwent a two week
programme at IIM, Ahmedabad on "Small & Medium Enterprises". FINER
organised a seminar " Emerging Opportunities in the Northeast" in
association with SBI, which was an eye opener for the new
entrepreneurs. Emphasizing on the potentiality available in the
northeast India, the region being encompassing by as many as five
neighbouring countries the Federation has recently organised a seminar
"Lookeast- the Infrastructural Requirements" in association with DONER
and ILFS.
One of the primary aims of FINER is the dissemination of information
to its members. FINER is on the mailing list of many government
departments/agencies and foreign embassies/consulates. Information
collected from various sources is published in a monthly 'FINER
Bulletin'. This is circulated not only to all members, but also to
concerned central govt. departments, northeastern state govt.
departments/agencies, banks, MPs, Governors, Chief Ministers, etc.
FINER recognizes that social responsibility must be integrated into
strategic planning of corporate. FINER plays its role in socially
useful projects including one on marketing of hand made traditional 'gamochas'.
As a conscious citizen it has even filed a PIL at the Gauhati High
Court to make the Consumer Courts functional to enforce consumer
rights. It has brought out a Report on the "Impact of Bandhs on the
economy of Assam". The report was discussed and appreciated in the
Assam Assembly. FINER's reports on banking scenario "Banking In The
Northeast" and on pollution "Environmental Law, Rules and Regulations
impacting Industries" have also received acclamations.
|
