Goa: The Saudi Indian Business Network (SIBN), working under the patronage of Consulate General of India, led a delegation of 30 Saudi businessmen and members of Saudi Indian Business Network (SIBN) to the recently concluded “Vibrant Goa Global Expo & Summit 2019” held from 17-19, October, 2019 at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Taleigao, Goa, India.
The Consulate General of India, Jeddah is actively involved in the promotion of foreign investments in India and such business delegation aids in the realization of this objective. The delegation was one of the strongest delegations from the Middle East.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Promod Sawant formally inaugurated the three-day exhibition and Summit. Hon’ble Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Mr. Piyush Goyal, was also present at the event. The delegation met with Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Promod Sawant during the event and a MOU was also signed between Vibrant Goa and Saudi Indian Business Network (SIBN).
The Consul General of India Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh’s initiative played a key role in making the visit of this large delegation to the Vibrant Goa Global Expo & Summit 2019 a big success.
The event drew attention to abundant opportunities for Indo-Saudi business, with various well-known groups showing interest in developing partnerships. Most of delegates expressed their desire to be part of the next SIBN delegation.
The three-day event was attended by 500 International delegates from nearly 50 countries comprising large retailers, importers and investors along with government firms.
On behalf of Saudi Indian Business Network (SIBN), Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki, General Secretary, signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the sidelines of Vibrant Goa Global Expo & Summit 2019 between Saudi Indian Business Network (SIBN) and Vibrant Goa. The SIBN and Vibrant Goa look forward to enhance trade between Goa and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia considerably.
One of the Saudi delegates Dr. Abdul Basit Salem Sairafi urged the Consulate General of India to organize more such tours to India for Saudi businessmen. “I laud the work of SIBN in trying to bridge the gap by bringing together parties from both countries through every means and opportunity,” he added.
Another delegate Dr. Khalid Albar said he benefited from this trip of three days. He also acknowledged that India is on a progressive path, especially in Medical Tourism services, but it needs to create awareness and promote itself with persistence. He said more trade visits by delegations would benefit both Saudi and Indian businessmen. Another delegate, Mr. Hussein Bahamdein highlighted how Saudi Arabia and India can work jointly to promote trade between the two countries.
Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki, General Secretary of SIBN, said Goa is definitely a preferred choice for manpower-related services — onshore as well as offshore. There are many opportunities to invest in Goa and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Moin Akhtar, Consul (Commerce & PIC) and Amjad Shareef, Marketing & Research Officer of Indian Consulate Commercial Section coordinated for a successful Vibrant Goa trip. Air India, Jeddah’s Reservation Manager Salman Aziz and Aleemuddin Shareef, Sales Manager, extended overwhelming support to the delegation during this trip to India.