By Mewati Sitaram
Fourth World Trade Exhibition inaugurated by Governor of Maharashtra on 3rd October, 2023 at the World Trade Center in Mumbai. After the success of the G-20 summit held under the chairmanship of India, its importance on the global stage has been rising since. There were 30 countries participating in the mega event which showcased the importance of such a mega platform. The event was jointly organised by World Trade Center (WTC) Mumbai and All India Association of Industries (AIAI). The theme of this event was ‘Trade, Technology and Tourism’.
Governor with Diplomats and dignitaries at the inaugural event. ( Photo PRO Raj Bhavan)
In his inaugural speech Governor Ramesh Bais said “Many countries today look to India as a viable alternative for trade expansion as it is one of the biggest markets. India has another dividend in the form of a young population”. He asserted that the World Trade Exhibition organized at this important time will act as a friendly bridge to promote trade cooperation and development in various countries.
The Governor said that “Maharashtra is the most attractive state in terms of industry and investment and there are also many opportunities for tourism development in the state. The Governor said that through the World Trade Expo, various countries will get an opportunity in trade, investment and tourism. Their country will get to know the prospects of trade in the state.
Governor said that “Today, tourism has become an important component of the global economy. Last year alone, 1.80 crore tourists went to various countries from India and 6.1 lakh foreign tourists came to India. Tourism was also boosted by 17.31 crore domestic tourists.
The Governor was keen to know about the expo, so he visited the stalls of various countries that included Vietnam, Argentina, Ethiopia, Congo and Kenya, who participated in the World Trade Exhibition. He also queried with the trade representatives at their respective stall about technical know-how of trade produce which were displayed at the stalls.
On this occasion, the Governor suggested that all the participating countries in the trade fair should increase cooperation with Maharashtra and explore new horizons of collaboration in other areas too.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President of AIAI, Mumbai WTC apprised that that 30 countries are and five Indian states are also participating in this expo. The World Trade Exhibition In the ‘World Trade Expo’, meetings and sessions have been organized on trade-to-trade cooperation and trade-government cooperation. He said that a skill training center is also being run by the World Trade Center and many women are being given free skill training.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri welcoming Governor Ramesh Bais. (Photo PRO Raj Bhavan)
Rita Bahuguna-Joshi- Member of Parliament from Prayagraj, British Deputy High Commissioner in Mumbai Harjinder Kang, Demeke Atnafu – The Ambassador to Ethiopia, Zakia Wardak Consul General of Afghanistan, Dannawit poolsawat- Consul General of Royal Thai Consulate, Eddy Wardoyo- Consul General of Indonesia, Shirani Ariyarathne Consul of Sri Lanka, Vicente Gomis Ruiz-Consul of Spain,Consul of Mauritius, Vice President of WTC Captain Somesh Batra, ED-WTC Rupa Naik, Consuls of many countries in Mumbai as well as industry and trade representatives attended the event.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
