Gujarat govt to use vibrant plank to woo West Asia

GANDHINAGAR: In a first,

Gujarat

government and GOI (Government of India) have decided to use the platform of the

Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

(

VGGS

) for strengthening ties with West Asian and African countries.

Following instructions from the Centre the state government has added two new features in the three-day VGGS 2019 — West Asia Day and Africa Day.

The Centre and state governments are focusing on inviting key leaders as well as business leaders from these countries to the summit. The authorities are banking on the soft power of Indian communities in these countries, as well as expanding diplomatic and business relations, to strengthen India’s position in the global order.

The countries targeted to build stronger ties include Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Gaza Strip, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, West Bank and Yemen and African countries.

Rajkumar Beniwal, managing director, iNDEXTb said, “The state government and the Centre have planned to add two new features, West Asia Day and Africa Day, in the upcoming vibrant summit to promote the state and country’s trade and business with West Asia and Africa.”

Beniwal added, “The Indian diaspora have a strong presence in West Asia and Africa, and we can use it for enhancing business and people to people ties. We have approached the ambassadors of these countries in Delhi and also our Indian ambassadors in these countries. Senior officers are supposed to visit these countries shortly for further ties.”

“We expect significant participation from these countries. West Asia and Africa Day will be celebrated on two different days,’’ said Beniwal adding that the focus will be on promoting India’s medical and other services, tourism, food and MSME products in these countries, and also develop bilateral long-term trade relations.

Beniwal said, “We are receiving investment inquiries from these countries and there is a huge scope for industries from this state to expand their presence there.’’