World Trade Center Mumbai and All India Association of Industries (AIAI) organised an interactive meeting with a High-Level Business Delegation from Chile representing EdTech, Biotechnology, Renewable Energy, Start-ups, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Construction, Mining, Banking & Financial services and IT services.

The delegation was led by Mr. Jorge Loyola Castro, Trade Commissioner to India, ProChile. Mr. Castro informed, “Chilean President has visited India with the largest delegation ever led by the present Chilean government to any country. This is the first Chilean Presidential visit to India in 16 years. A key highlight of this visit is the launch of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India. Both the countries have set an ambitious target of concluding negotiation for this agreement by the end of 2025. We deliver what we promise.”

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Kunal Khemnar, (IAS), Joint Chief Executive Officer, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) invited Chilean companies to participate in Maharashtra’s goal of USD 1 trillion economy from the current size of USD 510 billion. “Our mission is to promote industrialization in 10 industrially backward districts. The Gadchiroli Steel City is the success story of our industrialization effort even in Naxal-affected areas. I assure single window clearance and all business support to Chilean companies willing to invest in Maharashtra,” he remarked.  

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI) mentioned, “The visit of the Chilean President comes at the most opportune time when India is signing new trade agreements and strategic alliances with different countries. I congratulate both the governments for launching negotiation for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and I hope we can soon conclude this. There is tremendous scope to enhance trade and investment relations in agriculture, mining, R&D, energy and other critical sectors.”

In his remarks, Mr. Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle highlighted the recent initiatives of Indian Post such as Dak Niryat Kendra for export facilitation in rural areas. He also informed about other initiatives such as paper-less customs clearance, inhouse customs and truck control checking system for seamless movement of goods.

Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai proposed vote of thanks for the event. Ms. Naik suggested Chilean companies to explore investment opportunities in Maharashtra, which is the leading industrial state of India. Ms. Naik also complimented India Post for establishing Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra in rural areas, which she described as a landmark initiative, to facilitate exports from small scale enterprises.

In his remarks, Mr. Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle highlighted the recent initiatives of Indian Post such as Dak Niryat Kendra for export facilitation in rural areas. He also informed about other initiatives such as paper-less customs clearance, inhouse customs and truck control checking system for seamless movement of goods.

The event was attended by more than 20 Chilean companies, who engaged in fruitful business to business meetings with around 70 Indian companies to explore trade, investment, technology tie-ups and joint ventures.

Headline Image: (from left to right):  Ms. Priya Pansare, Director, Trade & Investment Promotion, WTC Mumbai, Mr. Jorge Loyola Castro, Trade Commissioner to India, ProChile, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI), Mr. Kunal Khemnar, (IAS), Joint Chief Executive Officer, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Mr. Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle, Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai, Ms. Aakruti Bagwe, Director - Operations, WTC Mumbai

Promotional Image:  Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI) [middle] with Mr. Jorge Loyola Castro, Trade Commissioner to India, ProChile (right). (Also seen in the photograph) A member of the Chilean delegation (left)