Vinayshil Gautam
One of the amazing elements of learning is that some common place items of information are not in the conscious domain of knowledge of people. The case of the ocean surrounding India and bordering the countries on the east African coast and of south-east Asia comes easily to mind.
To put this observation in perspective, it is important to note that the concept of a nation state is itself of a comparatively recent origin – not even two centuries old.
It is important to recognise this to understand the underpinning of the prevailing trade and commerce, not to forget business, in this part of the world. An illustration will help communicate this point.
Civilisational change is as old as rivers. There is adequate evidence to show that cinnamon was taken to Australia by sea-farers from south-east Asia about 45,000 years ago. Given that scale of sea-faring traditions, more recently (roughly over a 1,000 years ago) south-east Asia was known to have deep exchanges with South Asia.
Hence, that many sea routes were chartered and there are palpable similarities of customs, belief and language between different parts of south-east Asia and South Asia.
The veneration of Rama IX of the Chakri dynasty in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya in Thailand comes easily to mind. The reigning deity of the temple of Prasat Preah Vihear of Cambodia is of Lord Shiva and Angkor Wat of Cambodia is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The influence of Tamil culture of the Sangam period on Maldivian oral linguistic and cultural tradition and customs has been significant.
The Jatakas and the Puranas show abundant evidence of maritime trade with this part of the world. There is evidence of similar traditional boat-building techniques. The examples can be multiplied through centuries. It will serve the purpose of this text to flag the significance of understanding the dynamics of linkages. These linkages are eched in the psyche of communities.
To develop appropriate trade linkages and to forge meaningful economic ties, it is essential not only to know of the modulating influences of culture, but also to learn from each other.
This reflects itself in modern times. For example, in India, a small percentage of the population carries a large burden of tax and it is worth asking if this helps with the overall prosperity. If so, to what extent?
Mauritius Seychelles, the UAE, in this region and indeed elsewhere in the world, like Bermuda Luxemburg, Monaco etc. are tax-free zones. China has more than 500 special economic zones.
India can create its own equivalent of a Dubai, Singapore or Hong Kong. If one were to consider special economic zones on our coast line and consolidation the eco systems, the gross domestic product (GDP) of India can grow by leaps and bounds in about a decade.
The proposition is simple. A framework is needed for good governance, calling for new paradigms. Typically: Can India be an investment destination in the Asia-Pacific Rim area? If so, India which has 17 per cent of the world population in 2.2 per cent of the world land mass, with a share of 2.6 per cent of the world GDP and 2.2 per cent of the world trade, has indeed 0.35 per cent of the world foreign direct investment. It’s difficult to understand all this, let alone explain it.
The proposition is simple: Where so much is being said in celebrating India’s diversity, the diverse indigenous economic structure is still to be mapped. Trade can become complementary only thereafter.
There is a need for a proper mechanism and institutional framework for harnessing regional savings and productive deployment of theses resources. This has to be carried to its logical conclusion with a more evolved policy planning framework.
Policy debates need to be encouraged for identifying those core issues concerning infrastructure investments, evaluations of existing and prospective mechanism for channelising savings.
This is doable provided we can cultivate home grown or swadeshi, effective human capital. After all, India arrival day is celebrated in the nations of Caribbean, Mauritius, Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, Fiji and the list is large. We in India have to also respect the talent that is in our country and is rooted here.
