OnPoint by Keith Ng

Yeah, that story about the duck went on for ages. They managed to catch the duck and remove the needle. The duck is fine, but feeling nervous about duck season approaching.

Hmm, speakers from places as obscure as Hungary and Syria, three from S'pore/Malaysia, none from Pakistan (duh)... and *none from China.* Interesting. The programme asks: 'Does the 21st Century belong to Asia?', saying,

it is perhaps possible to foresee a situation, when the
importance of Asia increases at an exponential rate, thus making it the centre of international economic activity. But, is Asia consciously working towards it? Are the emerging economic powerhouses of Asia connecting with each other, where a unified face of Asia seems possible?

Uh... when you don't invite the other economic powerhouse of Asia along to the panel addressing that question... it sort of answers itself?

I guess the New Zealand angle will be, as ever 'what's in it for us', 'what did the New Zealand delegate say,' 'did the New Zealand delegate get to meet anyone important,' and 'did the New Zealand delegate meet any adorable ducks.' I'm interested in how the conference is framing India as an emerging influential geopolitical power, explicitly compared against China in the new world order - but will the conference actually address how that power will be exercised, particularly in terms of points of difference with China? Will there be any discussion at this conference about responsibilities for 'South' leadership on development, trade and - I doubt it, but hey - human rights, democracy and multilateralism? The programme for '21st Century: global outlook' says:

As economic interests tend to overshadow ideological alliances, it would be interesting to see how the emerging economies play their chessmen in the big game called strategic alliances.

Indeed. Does this mean that India will largely abandon any principles it has - eg selling out Burma and the Tibetans - in order to play chess with the other big 'emerging economy' which it incidentally, again didn't invite along onto this panel, a panel which instead features an ex-Prime Minister of Hungary?

I guess I'm interested in how well Sutton acquits himself as our "roving ambassador" and whether he comes across as provincial in this setting as he used to at home.

As Tze Ming suggests, the absence of China speaks volumes. It might be fun to keep score of mentions of the C-word.

And I confess I'm intrigued that Dipak Patel is Zambia's former Minister of Commerce. Dare you to do a Norman Gunston and ask him if he misses his playing days ...

RB beats me to the punch. Dipak Patel was from Zambia, or Kenya, or something though, right?

I suppose you'll be at the "Focus: New Zealand" luncheon.

Appart from that.... I must confess I'd be tempted by the spouses' program. Is Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji really Norah Jones' dad? That must make him famous...

It is an Indian conference about India, with a few international patsies of note along to make for headlines and talk about India. China detracts from that. Besides, its organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry - why on earth would they wish to raise the topic of China when they are really trying to showcase their wares and country?

from Wikipedia's entry on the CII (which btw reads like a CII propoganda piece):

"The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry led and industry managed organisation, playing a proactive role in India’s development process"

Oh and Keith, I'd like you to go along to the Arabian Nights event at 7.30 Wednesday 18 January. Given the time slot it seems like entertainment, but given the host (a UAE based government investment authority) it could be business related. Therefore I am confused and in need of your services.

Keith, make sure you contact Sudha Ramachandran while you are in Bangalore. Here is a link with some biodata about her - http://www.stimson.org/southasia/vf.cfm?ID=63.

She may have some interesting leads for you while you're in India. Sudha is a very experienced, dynamic and dedicated journalist who is a contributor to the Asia Times Online (www.atimes.com) and NatRad listeners might have heard her do the occasional two-way with Kim Hill.

Obviously any references to climate change and how India's increasing industrial might be mulling any measures to reduce carbon emissions. Personally, and on an unrelated level, I'd love to know what the authorities in India are doing to save the tiger. Extinction beckons.

Happy trails.

Hi Keith, Following the traditional "Cui Bono" how about checking out the Wed 17th lunch networking session at 1245, Hotel Grand Ashok?
I figure that even if the legal aspect is dry as dust it may be more informative to see how India looks to engage with Australia and vice versa - a fellow local primary produce exporter often goes through experiences that we in a less well-resourced nation can benefit from..

Off topic, kudos to seeing off that Coddington freak - have you ever noticed that Deb and Ann Coulter are never seen in the same room together?

Cheers

In fact, Norah Jones' real name, according to Wikipedia, is Geethali Norah Jones Shankar.

1) Thank god the duck is okay. I was getting pretty worried there.

2) Yes - there is a glaring lack of Chinese speakers, which is interesting. It seems to be a wide mix of "non-aligned countries" plus the UK. The line-up says something in itself, at any rate.

3) Can't make it to the Aussie lunch, unfortunately. Hangin' with the Canadians. Curious about why the Aussies sent their attorney general, though.

Hey Keith, I see from the Guardian (now how urban liberal does that sound) that Nicholas Stern is going to be there with Gordon Brown. Sidle up to him, and ask what he is doing to make his trip to India carbon neutral. Seriously would be good to get his take on place of NZ in the 'post carbon' economy.

Never mind the duck. What about the kitten?

What about the kitten?

Well, they've renamed it "Lucky" rather than "Street Pizza" so I think it'll be OK.

Joined the scrum for WTO Big Cheese Pascal Lamy today. Gordo B will be up soon. Will post recording later, if it's not too crummy.

Not that you care, because you're all asleep right now.