Voices

``Our relationship with Nortel Networks has been a long and productive one. We are gratified that they have selected Infosys as a strategic ally in the area of wireless. This will allow Infosys to expand on its wireless application experience into wireless infrastructure.'' -- Mr N. R. Narayana Murthy, Chairman and CEO of Infosys Technologies.

``Nortel Networks believes that the wireless network is about unleashing the power of the Internet for anytime, anywhere personalised access from virtually any device.'' -- Mr Clarence Chandran, Chief Operating Officer, Nortel Networks.

``Whatever happens, the oil market will tighten over the coming winter... But should OPEC fail to reduce output next year, prices will collapse as stocks rise, falling below $12 a barrel on average in the current fourth quarter of 2001.'' -- Centre for Global Energy Studies, London.

``India's image worldwide as a land of elephants and snake charmers is fading and we are being known as the land of professionals.'' -- Mr Azim Premji, Chairman, Wipro.

``The response to the India Millennium Deposit has been tremendous and subscriptions will exceed the Resurgent India Bond collections. The mood is such that even $5-$7 billion can come in.'' -- Mr G. G. Vaidya, Chairman, State Bank of India.

``Imagine what would happen if a venture capitalist had to pull out within a year of the company going public -- the market price of such a company would fall dramatically.'' -- Mr Dewang Mehta, President, Nasscom, protesting against the Government's restriction on tax benefits to venture capital funds.

``VSNL has an assurance from the Government that a fair evaluation of its premature loss of monopoly in international telephony would be fully compensated.'' -- Mr S. K. Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, VSNL.

``The unprecedented volatility in crude oil prices in recent times and the consequent sharp rise in feedstock costs have pressured petrochemicals companies globally. Reliance's ability to maintain its operating margins reflects the success of its business strategies.'' -- Mr Anil Ambani, Managing Director, Reliance Industries.

``We plan to close or sell unprofitable overseas subsidiaries and gradually reduce production in Poland, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and India.'' -- Mr Lee Jong-Dae, Chairman, Daewoo Motors.