H.E. Mr.Carlos Abad

H.E. Mr.Carlos Abad
H.E. Mr.Carlos Abad

India and Ecuador have had a vibrant relationship over the years in the sectors of defense, agriculture, culture, education and petroleum. ANA met with H. E. The Ambassador of Ecuador on the occasion of his country's National Day to discuss areas of bilateral interest between the two countries. Excerpts of the Face to Face interview are mentioned below.

ANA. Greetings from Asia News Agency on your National day. After a period of instability President Ecuador Rafael Correa enjoys the support of a broad array of class and demographic groups. The President’s Proud and Sovereign Fatherland (PAIS) movement is the dominant political force in the country. Excellency, is it right to assume that democracy in Ecuador has firmly entrenched itself and is this a result of the maturing of political parties?

H.E.: The democracy in Ecuador is consolidating on grounds of the new Constitution approved in 2008 with the mandate of 80% voters. This new supreme law that approves the decentralization and separation of powers, while constituting new sovereignty, it is oriented fundamentally to foster and guarantee the rights of citizen. Besides that it also creates the regime of good living and recognizes and values greatly the Earth, (la Pachama mama) as subject of rights. It also gives in a prioritized way rights to adults and matured adults, youth, to pregnant ladies, children and adolescents, physically challenged people, ill people, people who are suffering from catastrophic diseases and others who are deprived of liberty (here I am referring to prisoners).

ANA. Ecuador is a member of the United Nations and most of its specialized agencies, the Organization of American States, and many regional groups - mostly American. At a time when BRICS countries are emerging as a force to reckon with in international politics, has there been a change or a re-focus in the policies of your government to these countries, particularly India?

H.E.: We recognize and highly value the efforts cast by emerging powers for the regional integration, we also deem that it is very important on part of India to render more attention to countries of South American continent, especially to the countries of Pacific coast. It is desirable to share the international agenda with India and amplify mechanisms and delegations and also increase the participation in international congregations, forums and meets such as United Nations and Non Aligned Nations

ANA. Excellency, how would you describe the status of relations of your country with India? What are the dominant areas that define bilateral relations today as compared to two decades ago?

H.E.: There is no doubt that the friendly relations between our two countries are fostering even further since the establishment of Diplomatic Mission of the Republic of Ecuador in New Delhi. We have signed about half a dozen agreements with India in the sectors of defense, agriculture, culture, education and petroleum. Nevertheless, there exist other spheres e.g. science and technology, mining, pharma and IT wherein we are interested and looking forward to cooperate. And for that it is indispensable to obtain a speedy answer back from the Republic of India while determining the approval and arrival of special and certain sectors delegations visiting from overseas countries.

ANA. The Ecuadorian economy is based on petroleum production with the oil sector accounting for more than 50% of the country’s export earnings. But exports to India are mainly composed of wood, newsprint, coffee, tea, spices, chocolate etc. Excellency, is there a reason for the low level of trade in oil products particularly since there is a MoU between the two state-owned oil companies - ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) & Petroecuador?

H.E.: The vigorous growth of trade balance between Ecuador and India is very important despite the fact that modest figures of export –import between two countries. We have the problems of air and sea route connectivity yet to overcome lack of knowledge about each other or in other words to develop trade culture between business communities of both the side that will allow and boost the confidence in each other. Increase the number of business delegations of various sectors like food products, industrial products and it is indispensable to pave the road for the sector of investments (FDI) in medium or short term plans. Ecuador already has established a Ecuador-India Chamber of Commerce that has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with FICCI. Ecuador has signed agreements with United States, European Union and Andean countries (Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Colombia) these instruments can facilitate regional trade, transference of technology and investments.

ANA. Even the level of trade between the two countries is modest. We understand there is a MoU between Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Export and Investment Promotion Council of Ecuador (CORPEI). Excellency, can we have your views on the present status and potential of expanding economic relations between Ecuador and India?

H.E.: There are ample opportunities that exist between our two countries especially in the sectors of petroleum, mining pharmaceutical sector, infrastructure, hydroelectricity and alternative energy are a few to exemplify. However, it is essential to find the mechanisms of trade negotiations in order to develop schemes that favor the companies of both private and public, a scheme that can resolve the problems of connectivity, modes of payments, phytosanitary among others. Ecuador is ready to discuss and develop such a mechanism while working together with India for that Ecuador calls India to negotiate the development and establishment of this sort of mechanism.

ANA. Ecuador is projected as an attractive country for foreign investment. What are the incentives that your country offers for prospective investors from India?

H.E.: With the draft of production code a number of incentives and benefits have been granted and ensured for (FDI) foreign investors, especially tax incentives of diverse class for that are granted an extended period of time. In the sectors of renewable energy, biotechnology and transport, fresh and processed food products are some sectors that are bestowed with special benefits. Of course there are other lucrative offers for petroleum and mining sectors these sectors are considered strategic sectors. Ecuador is ready to open negotiation for a Double Taxation Treaty. Ecuador for its strategic position in the South American continent is hub for exports to north and South American countries. We are also interested in tourism sector that offers a paradise on earth conditions to tourists who are nature lovers and has keen interests in exploring history of this part of world.

ANA. Ecuador was one of the first countries to purchase the Indian made Dhruv helicopters. Excellency, is there a concerted effort being made to strengthen defence relations?

H.E.: Ecuador is the first Latin American country that has bought helicopters made of Indian technology. This act of Ecuador has facilitate India penetrate the market of this region. Ecuador is desirous to increase the cooperation in the defense affairs, especially in training, Peace keeping missions (UNO) and other matters. We are looking forward to receiving a favorable reply from Indian side so that an important delegation from the defense sector may visit India at the earliest.

ANA. Ecuador is an ethnically diverse country with Mestizo forming the largest majority followed by indigenous groups, Caucasian and others. Has such diverse ethnicity exacerbated social tensions and communal harmony?

H.E.: The declaration to grant due importance to indigenous States and African regions in the constitution, along with the recognition of their rights and safeguard Human Rights has been a basic call to channelize the demands of these people that has resulted in their favors as government is now keen and is casting more efforts for the development of infrastructure in these regions, diminish the weight of poverty and expansion of their culture. Big campaigns have been introduced to eliminate discrimination and efforts are being cast so that they may have access to employments. Similarly many projects have been introduced to help senior citizens and people who are physically challenged. This project has started rendering its results and unemployment rate has come down in these regions while showing good growth for increasing income rate.

ANA. Finally, Excellency, a word from you about the usefulness of News behind the News, a journal that has been serving the India based diplomatic community for nearly 4 decades.

H.E.: In my personal assessment News behind the News is one of most credible journal in India, since 2006, I am regular reader of News behind the News, when I first landed India to serve my tenure as Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to India. I found most the articles true to facts and written after extensive research and exhaustive investigation. Truthfulness and veracity of facts and figures presented in News behind the News has always won my appreciation. News behind the News together with Front line is very bold and very audacious journal that dare to confront the ruling Government on various issues and henceforth always have completed the true missions of journalism without fearing anyone. I must congratulate the entire team of News behind the News for their wonderful accomplishments throughout the years.