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" on Oct. 17-19. The Consulate is actively involved in the promotion of foreign investments in India and such business delegation aids in the realization of this objective. Goa Chief Minister Dr. Promod Sawant formally inaugurated the three-day exhibition and summit. Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal was also present at the event. The delegation met with Sawant during the event. Consul General Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh's initiative played a key role in making the visit of the 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 event was attended by 500 international delegates from nearly 50 countries comprising large retailers, importers and investors along with government firms. On behalf of SIBN, Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki, general secretary, signed the MOU on the sidelines of summit with Vibrant Goa, with both looking forward to enhance trade between Goa and Saudi Arabia considerably. One of the Saudi delegates Dr. Abdul Basit Salem Sairafi urged the Consulate 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. 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, Hussein Bahamdein highlighted how Saudi Arabia and India can work jointly to promote trade between the two countries. Zaki 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 the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Moin Akhtar, consul (commerce & PIC) and Amjad Shareef, marketing & research officer of Indian consulate commercial section, coordinated the successful trip. Air IndiaJeddah's Reservation Manager Salman Aziz and Sales Manager Aleemuddin Shareef extended overwhelming support to the delegation. — SG
