Laxmikant Parsekar thanks PM Narendra Modi for selecting Goa to host BRICS summit

PANAJI: Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting the state as venue for the BRICS summit as it would provide an opportunity to show Goa's culture to the world.

"When India got an opportunity to host BRICS summit, our Prime Minister Narendra Modiji selected Goa as a venue. Out of all the states he chose Goa. None of the states had applied for it, Goa too did not apply, but he thought our state is the right choice," Parsekar told a gathering while addressing Independence Day celebration in Panaji today.

"That is a great honour for the state. Prime Minister wants to show the environment, food and tourism spots offered by Goa to the representatives of BRICS countries. I thank the Prime Minister for the same," the CM said.

He said hosting BRICS summit is significant as heads of different nations would be participating in it .

"All the BRICS nations together calculate to 40 per cent of world's population. This means the entire world would be looking at Goa during the summit," Parsekar said.

He said Goa needs to take advantage of the limelight it will get during the BRICS to increase tourism flow.

Recently, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had visited the state to see the preparations for the event.

He had held discussions with the chief minister before going to Delhi.