Sharjah, 16 Nov. 2009 First India-Sharjah Business and Cultural Forum was launched, Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) at a press conference today in Sharjah
The press conference was attended by SCCI Director General Hussein Mohammed Al Mahmoudi; Venu Rajamony, Consul General of India in Dubai; Sudesh Agarwal, President of the Indian Business and Professional Council; and a representative from the Indian Association in Sharjah.
The India-Sharjah Business and Cultural Forum will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at SCCI’s headquarters. It is being organised in coordination with the Consulate General of India in Dubai, the Indian Association in Sharjah, and the Indian Business and Professional Council, Sharjah. The business, artistic and cultural event aims to strengthen cultural communications and mutual relations between India and the UAE, Sharjah in particular. It will welcome VIPs and senior government officials from Sharjah as well as business and cultural leaders and businessmen. It will also feature presentations on trade and investment opportunities from delegates of India and Sharjah, and will also provide details about the proposed setting up of a technology center in the South Indian state of Kerala.
Speaking at the press conference, Hussein Mohammed Al Mahmoudi said: “India and the UAE maintain strong economic relations and deep cultural ties, even as the non-oil trade volume between the countries touched USD 44.5 billion in 2008-09. This Forum serves as an ideal platform for interaction between business leaders of India and Sharjah and for highlighting the art and heritage of India. It provides an opportunity for us to appreciate the vital role India has played in the UAE’s growth and development in various levels.” “Sharjah is a leading destination in helping achieve sustainable and comprehensive development across the region. This event is a major initiative by the SCCI and will certainly contribute to supporting the Indian presence in the UAE at the economic, cultural, artistic, and social levels,” added Rajamony.
During the event, Rajamony outlined the Forum agenda, including the meetings, programs, events and topics to be discussed. He underscored the concerns of participating Indian businessmen and investors and the opportunity provided by the direct communication with their peers from the UAE to identify the investment environment and available prospects and services in Sharjah.
The India-Sharjah Business and Cultural Forum will also include evening cultural and artistic programs at the University City Hall in Sharjah. To be held under the theme �India Then, Now and Forever,’ the activities will be introduced by the DARPANA Group under the supervision of Mrs. Mallika Sarabhai. The event will also showcase the opening of an art gallery at the Chamber’s headquarters which will feature a painting entitled �100 Years of Indian Cinema.’
