An eclectic mix of about 400 delegates comprising overseas Indians as well as business and industry leaders from Bahrain attended the Diaspora Engagement Meet, a confluence to strengthen trade ties and explore investment opportunities in India, organised by Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC) in Manama, Bahrain today. In an initiative to improve investment and catalyze trade between the two countries, the Meet served as a privileged platform to explore and energise various investment avenues in India, and strengthen Indian Diaspora's engagement with vibrant and strong India.
The summit was graced by the august presence of Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs & Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India, Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohd Al Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kingdom of Bahrain, Kamal Bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board, Prem Narain, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indians Affairs & Chairman, OIFC and Chandrajit Banerjee, Co-Chairman, OFIC & Director General, CII.
A series of focused presentations on various sectors highlighted business opportunities between India and Bahrain. Kerala presented state's initiatives for NRIs through NORKA-Roots. Discussion on policy framework to facilitate investments and economic engagement with India led by the Reserve Bank of India and leading banks, was a hallmark of the programme.
For the first time, the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) participated in an overseas Meet organised by OIFC. DIPP shared with the audience the new policy framework for investment into India as well as iconic infrastructure projects like the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). eBiz, an ambitious project of DIPP which aims to get all procedures, clearances on a common platform received much appreciation.
Emphasising the need for making the overseas Indians a part of this development agenda, in her keynote address Swaraj said, "Our Government is firmly committed to bring back growth, have clear policies which will facilitate business environment, transparency and speed, well thought out decisions. The result is there before you in just 100 days. GDP growth is showing early signs of recovery. Our focus is growth with good governance and transparency with eye on manufacturing, infrastructure & trade." She added, "The huge gathering in this event signifies great hope from the Government. This is the same hope that the Indian voters showed in elections recently. A big win comes with a huge responsibility."
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