- KBF’s Curtain Raiser event introduced KBF Business Connect 2024, scheduled for 30th April and 1st May 2024.
- Indian Ambassador, H E Vipul, emphasized robust Qatar-India bilateral ties in investments and trade.
- Trade volume between Qatar and India stands at $19 billion annually, with $17 billion in energy exports.
- Dignitaries like KBF President Aji Kuriakose and IBPC officials attended the event, signifying strong business connectivity.
The Kerala Business Forum (KBF) recently organized a ‘curtain raiser’ event to introduce the upcoming KBF Business Connect 2024 which is scheduled to be held on 30th April and 1st May 2024.
Esteemed dignitaries such as the Ambassador of India to Qatar, H E Vipul, were present at the event. Also, KBF President Aji Kuriakose, Vice President Kimi Alexander, General Secretary Manzoor Moideen, and other officials from the Indian Business Professional Council (IBPC) were present.
During his address to the attendees, the Indian Ambassador highlighted the robust bilateral ties between Qatar and India in terms of investments and trade. He emphasized the role of business forums in facilitating growth and connectivity between the two nations.
The Ambassador underlined the substantial annual trade volume between Qatar and India, which stands at $19 billion (QR69.17 billion). Notably, a significant portion of this trade, amounting to $17 billion (QR61.89 billion), comprises energy exports alone.
The Ambassador’s remarks underscored the significance of sustaining and enhancing the economic relationship between Qatar and India, acknowledging the pivotal role played by initiatives like the KBF Business Connect in furthering this objective.
Vipul highlighted the robust growth of both economies, affirming India’s current standing as the fifth-largest economy and its imminent ascent to the third position. He underscored Qatar’s formidable economic strength, particularly its plans to expand LNG production to nearly 140 million tons annually. This expansion is expected to drive overall growth, including an increase in both the native and expatriate populations.
The envoy emphasized the significant potential for enhanced business, trade, and investment opportunities between the two nations.
He praised the forum’s strength and presence, noting the substantial presence of over 800,000 individuals from the Indian state in Qatar. This demographic presence not only benefits Kerala but also extends opportunities to eight additional states.
The Ambassador emphasized that when businessmen and traders convene, they actively discuss available investment opportunities. He highlighted significant expenditures undertaken by Indian business firms like Reliance Group.
Moreover, he stressed that the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is actively exploring further investment opportunities in India due to the burgeoning stock market. According to the official, there exist promising investment prospects for both QIA and other family businesses in Qatar, as well as for Indians residing in Qatar.
He expressed optimism, stating that the investments made by the Indian community in Qatar create a supportive environment for such endeavors. The Ambassador’s remarks suggest a proactive approach towards capitalizing on investment potentials, emphasizing the favorable conditions prevalent in both the Indian and Qatari markets.
The focus appears to be on utilizing existing relationships and market dynamics to foster mutually beneficial investment ventures. In essence, the Ambassador’s statements highlight a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and opportunity within the realm of international investment.
