1 week ago
Diplomats Highlight Trade and Investment Opportunities in Mumbai
Diplomats from Belgium, Brazil and Japan met in Mumbai with Indian officials and business leaders.
They talked about how countries can trade more, invest in each other and share technology.
Belgium’s consul general was thanked as he prepared to leave Mumbai.
Japan’s representative discussed Japanese investments in major Mumbai and Maharashtra infrastructure projects.
Brazil’s representative said organizations can help diplomats and businesses build useful connections.
Maharashtra said it wants to attract more foreign investment and create jobs.
The group also discussed tourism, healthcare, innovation and artificial intelligence.
They believe stronger relationships between people and businesses can create more opportunities for all the countries involved.
Belgium’s outgoing consul general said Mumbai offers major opportunities for stronger economic engagement, including through the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement.
Brazil’s consul general emphasized business, investment, technology transfer and people-to-people connections between India and Brazil.
Japan’s consul general highlighted tourism, employment, investment and infrastructure cooperation between India and Japan.
Maharashtra officials said the state welcomes foreign investment and aims to become a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030.
The gathering brought together more than 30 consuls general, government officials and business leaders to discuss international cooperation.
- Who
- Consuls general from Belgium, Brazil and Japan; Maharashtra officials; MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai; government and business representatives.
- What
- A diplomatic corps gathering focused on trade, investment, business, tourism, technology and people-to-people relations.
- Where
- Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
- When
- The exact date was not stated; the event took place during the diplomats’ Mumbai postings and included a farewell for Belgium’s consul general.
- Why
- To strengthen international cooperation and identify opportunities for greater trade, investment, business and bilateral engagement.
Key facts
- Event organizer
- MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai
- Attendance
- More than 30 consuls general and diplomatic corps members, along with officials and business representatives
- Trade figure
- India’s bilateral trade with Belgium, Japan and Brazil was described as exceeding USD 52 billion
- Trade potential
- The trade figure could double to USD 104 billion over the next five years, according to Dr. Vijay Kalantri
- Maharashtra target
- The state is working toward becoming a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030
- Infrastructure projects
- Japanese engagement includes the Atal Setu, Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail and Metro projects
- Priority sectors
- Innovation, artificial intelligence, technology, healthcare, women-led entrepreneurship, MSMEs and exports
Quotes
Ambassador Frank Geerkens
Belgium Consul General in Mumbai
“"Looking ahead, there is a need to build long-term business relationships, particularly in view of the forthcoming India–EU Free Trade Agreement."”
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Sato Hitomi
Japan Consul General in Mumbai
“"We hope to encourage greater exchanges between the two countries and explore opportunities that can benefit both India and Japan."”
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Dr. Vijay Kalantri
Chairman of MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and President of All India Association of Industries
“"India’s bilateral trade with Belgium, Japan and Brazil stands at over USD 52 billion, with the potential to double to USD 104 billion over the next five years through stronger trade, investment, business and people‑to‑people ties."”
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