Indian Diaspora Engagement Meet to be held in Bahrain

MANAMA: For the first time, India will hold a meeting for Indian businesses in Bahrain this week to acquaint them with the various investment opportunities in the country and also seek investments from Bahraini nationals.

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs ( MOIA) through Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre ( OIFC) will organise the first 'Indian Diaspora Engagement Meet' of the year on September 6.

Minister of External Affairs & Overseas Indian Affairs Sushma Swaraj is expected to attend the event.

"Delighted that OIFC has decided to have this meet in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the first time. Given the ease of doing business in Bahrain, the meet is both timely and appropriate," said Mohan Kumar, Indian ambassador to Bahrain.

The inaugural session of the meet will also be addressed by Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohd. Al Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain and Kamal Bin Ahmed, Minister for Transportation & Acting Chief Executive of Economic Development Board, Bahrain.

"With the renewed investor interest in India's development, OIFC considers it is the appropriate time to organise such a meet. With the new Indian Government's affirmed & focused policy direction and initiated action on multiple fronts, the Indian economy has shifted tracks and is looking up," Charu Mathur, CEO OIFC said.

He said plans to hold such platforms on an annual basis were also considered.

A 36 member delegation - led by Prem Narain, Secretary Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs & Chairman OIFC - will visit Bahrain to acquaint the Indian community with the various investment opportunities in India and to seek inward investments from both Indian diaspora and Bahraini nationals.

Over 400 delegates from Bahrain are expected to participate in the meet, including high net-worth members, senior or middle level employees and Bahraini entrepreneurs and businessmen.

OIFC was established in 2007 with the objective of supporting the Indian diaspora connect better with India and assisting them in deepening their economic and intellectual engagement with India.