Saturday, September 3 2005 14:39 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) would soon open an exclusive EXIM Club in Bangalore to take up the cause and needs of the exporters and importers of the State, according to its President S Babu.

Pointing out that there is no formal non-governmental organization comprising the exporters and importers of the State, Babu said the Club is hoped to be in a position to become the official spokesman for projecting their needs.

"We feel that the Club will meet many of their needs", he told reporters. "It would also, in course of time, enter into suitable working arrangements with other similar organizations in different parts of the world".

The apex chamber of commerce and industry of the State planned to take a delegation to Venezuela, Sri Lanka and South Africa seeking to enhance cooperation and strike new partnerships, Babu said.

Noting that SMEs (small and medium enterprises) are facing several problems, he said the FKCCI has proposed to organize a south zone summit on SMEs to address these issues.

An all India SSI (small scale industries) conclave is also planned to be hosted here.

FKCCI slammed the State Government's alleged apathy towards infrastructure problems in Bangalore.

"The availability of adequate infrastructure facilities is vital for the acceleration of the economic development of the State", Babu said.

"There is today, considerable doubt about Government's ability to supply infrastructure services effectively".

Bangalore, he said, has so far held out against competitors in attracting IT and other hi-tech investments, in spite of poor infrastructure, due largely to the extraordinary cosmopolitan nature of the city and its inherent talent pool.

But this cannot go on forever, he warned.

Babu added, "What dismays us is the seeming lack of concern on the part of the agencies and even the Government at top levels as we are yet to see a coordinated effort in addressing the city's problems".

He also suggested to the State Government to approach NTPC to set up a thermal plant in the State, noting that such a facility of high capacity would take care of the future power needs of the State.