How is the OIFC positioning itself?
The OIFC is a clearinghouse for all investment-related information. It is like a single point contact or a single widow. It will provide end-to-end solutions with the entire gamut that includes information that is general, related to policy, related to specific sectors, and related to states.

What are the key thrust areas for the OIFC?
Right now we are more focused on real estate, wealth management, taxation, and legal issues.

If you were to specifically talk about the USP of the OIFC, what would you mention…
It will be in terms of ease of doing business, reduction in transaction costs, removal of all hurdles. We will help put together project proposals, obtain approvals and clearances, facilitate acquisition of land, power, water. The OIFC is about facilitating a decision with a free service.

Most of the investment will flow into the states, so will you be able to offer necessary expertise to deal with the state Government machineries?
Yes. We will identify sectors for potential investors, and facilitate investments through hand-holding services that would help build momentum for investment in states.

What will be the key areas of investment?
Investment in a generic sense will include areas like money, stock, real estate, infrastructure, and industry. Then there will be investment in knowledge, we are thoroughly committed to building up a Diaspora Knowledge Network. The other significant areas of investment will be in philanthropy.

SUBHA RAJAN

As CEO, what is your vision for the OIFC?
My vision is that OIFC will be the best thing to happen to the Indian Diaspora --- it will be the final and one stop call for all information and clarifications.

The Market Place is an unique concept and is being introduced for the first time at the PBD. Please tell us more about it…
The Market Place will be the first ever of its kind meeting place / information centre for all delegates to get answers to their queries. It will be a place to network, watch presentations, conduct B2B meetings and most importantly enable the Diaspora to connect to India personally, financially, emotionally and socially.

Please tell us the gains from the Mini PBD held in September in New York City…
The PBD in New York was a great success because it brought together the Indian Diaspora from all areas, including the Caribbean countries, the North Americas. It was the first of its kind, and there was great bonding, and sharing.

Likewise, you also made trips to the Gulf and Africa. What possibilities do you see in attracting expat investment from these areas…
The Minister’s visit to the Gulf and Africa were very important as they helped the Diaspora in these regions feel that they are cared for and not forgotten because they have left Indian shores.

What is the processing time for a query that comes before the OIFC, and what are the areas that you receive your queries as of now?
We get a lot of queries especially on wealth management, taxation, IT, education, real estate. Most are answered with 24 hours, as we work with eminent knowledge partners. Some that require more research takes a while longer, but we acknowledge all queries even while we are researching the answers.

January 2008