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Our Bureau

To initiate steps for new standards in food safety

Kochi , Aug. 12

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) has come out against banning the production and sale of Coca-Cola and Pepsi by the Kerala Government.

Calling it an "extreme act", it feels that the move would send wrong signals to global investors keen on investing in the State. Rather than banning the products, the Government should have given the companies equal opportunity to clarify their position and amend the situation, the Assocham President, Mr Anil K. Agarwal, said.

Mr Agarwal, who was here in connection with the 149th AGM of the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said at a news conference that Assocham would initiate steps to set new standards in food safety as the existing ISI and BIS standards were outdated. "We have to set the standards as per our living conditions," he said and suggested that sector-wise approach was needed for upgrading of quality standards to fulfil the vision of making the country a manufacturing hub.

Attracting FDI

According to Mr Agarwal, the Kerala Government should make efforts to attract FDI for the growth of the State in its totality. "What is needed is getting consolidated FDIs and the Government should work towards attracting FDI by making the FDI policy more business friendly," he added.

Labour Laws

The current labour laws in Kerala discouraged productivity and employment opportunities as Indian manufacturers had to deal with many inspectors and other State agencies from time to time. This took away lot of time and increased the cost of production by way of higher transaction costs, he said.

More Stories on : Industry Associations | Standards & Benchmarks | Foreign Direct Investment | Beverages

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