The Maharashtra Governor opens World Trade Expo 2023’s 4th edition

Mumbai : “For India, the World Trade Expo is more than simply a gateway to the international marketplace; it is also a promise of a bright and interconnected future. I hope you all make the most of this Expo by making connections, learning something new, and working together to advance both of our fields. In his keynote speech at the opening of the 4th edition of the World Trade Expo at WTC Mumbai, H.E. Mr. Ramesh Bais, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, remarked, “I congratulate the World Trade Centre Mumbai and AIAI and hope for the resounding success of the ‘World Trade Expo.

The Honourable Governor said, “I am informed that the focus areas for this ‘World Trade Expo’ are ‘Trade, Technology, and Tourism.'” According to my understanding, the next two days will also contain information sessions, presentations from other nations, “Business-to-Business Meets,” and “Business-to-Government Meets” in addition to the exposition. I want to thank WTC Mumbai for hosting such a wonderful “World Trade Expo.”

H.E. Mr. Bais said that “India’s successful hosting of the G-20 Summit has showcased our country on the world stage” while discussing India’s rising status in the international community. The successful soft landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the moon is only one example of India’s scientific accomplishments that have garnered international acclaim. Our economic growth and new technologies are evidence of our nation’s might and determination. Investors from all over the world are flocking to India right now, drawn by its booming economy.

The Governor went on to say, “Last week, I met the Ambassador of a South American country who informed me that their nation had been delayed in seeing India’s potential. They remarked that the international community views India similarly to how it did China a few years ago. Indeed, India has become a worldwide icon of progress and innovation because to its booming economy.

The Governor said, “Tourism is becoming an integral part of the world economy. More than 72 million Indians journeyed overseas as tourists between January 2022 and November 2022, which is a staggering number. There has been a steady rise in this figure. About 1,731 million Indians and almost 6.19 million foreigners travelled to India in 2022. The trend line for these numbers is up.

He added, “India’s culture, cuisine, dance, music, yoga, and Ayurveda have already garnered significant interest worldwide. I am confident that in the coming years, various regions of our country will witness a substantial influx of tourists.”

Speaking of Maharashtra, the Governor informed, “We are the most attractive state for investment and collaboration. Maharashtra holds immense potential for tourism development, with several world-class educational institutions. The state boasts mature political leadership eager to boost businesses and industries.”

Hon’ble Governor acknowledged the role of WTC Mumbai in promoting global trade and investment. He said, “It is heartening to note that the establishment of the World Trade Center Mumbai in 1970 was a fulfilment of the dream of Bharat Ratna Sir. Dr. M. Visvesvaraya. Over the past 53 years, the World Trade Center Mumbai has emerged as a premier trade promotion organization in India and is part of the network of 318 World Trade Centers spread across 91 different countries. I extend my congratulations to the World Trade Center Mumbai and the All India Association of Industries for their efforts in maintaining Mumbai’s leadership in business and investment.”

In her remarks, Ms. Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh highlighted the significance of the proposed India Middle East Europe Corridor (IMEEC), which is a key outcome of India’s G20 Presidency. Ms. Joshi informed, “India is a global peacemaker and this corridor will serve as a base for future world trade. This corridor will reduce transit time for Indian goods to middle east and Europe by 40% and save around 15-20% of the country’s cost in communication and connectivity.”

During the inaugural session, Mr. Harjinder Kang, Deputy High Commissioner of British Deputy High Commission informed, “India-UK economic relationship is strong and it will further strengthen in the next 3-4 years of my tenure. FTA negotiation between the two countries is progressing well and our government aims to double bilateral trade by 2030.”

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman – MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI) informed, “World Trade Expo is a promising platform for MSMEs, startups, clusters and women entrepreneurs to connect with industry and trade missions of 30 countries and five state governments of India. The last edition of the Expo gave rise to USD 17-18 million new business opportunities for the participating delegates. At this year’s Expo also, we expect fruitful B2B and B2G networking events, that will grow India’s trade, investment and technological partnership with the participating countries,”

Dr. Kalantri further added, “World Trade Expo is an initiative to realise the vision of USD 5 trillion Indian economy by 2027 and USD 40 trillion economy by 2047.”

Dr. Kalantri informed that the Expo will also promote technology as a key enabler for growth of trade, employment and regional growth, including tourism, startups and MSMEs.

Dr. Kalantri also highlighted the other progressive initiatives of WTC Mumbai such as the establishment of Center of Excellence for Skill Development, conducting 60 trade events annually and organising Global Economic Summit to connect Indian industry to global market.

Emphasising the importance of skill development for world economy, Dr. Kalantri pointed out, “India has the capacity to supply skilled workers in hospitality, healthcare, engineering, textile designing and other sectors to the world market, which will require 50 million skilled workers in the next few years.”

Dr. Kalantri concluded his remarks by pointing out the importance of capacity building for women entrepreneurs and MSMEs to explore the global market.

Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai delivered vote of thanks for the event.

World Trade Expo received around 5,000 registrations from delegates, representing corporate houses, start-ups, MSMEs and women entrepreneurs.

About World Trade Expo

The two-day Expo will have high impact country presentations, networking sessions, workshops on export strategy, fashion show and exhibition. Nearly 30 countries are participating in this exhibition and India has USD 23 billion untapped export potential to these countries.

India can explore value addition opportunities in natural resource rich countries such as Zambia, Argentina, South Africa, and Ecuador that are participating in the expo. Rapidly growing economies such as Vietnam, Ethiopia and Philippines are also presenting partnership opportunities with Indian industry.

The sectors that hold maximum export potential are pharmaceuticals, automobile, agro and marine products, and Metal and motel products such as Iron and steel, and aluminum.

Industrial States such as Maharashtra, Gujarat and industrialising states such as Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan are showing their industrial policies and economic potential at the two-day event.