Bhopal, The Country Session at the Global Investors Summit (GIS) became a platform for representatives from nine nations to praise the immense potential of India and Madhya Pradesh in advancing trade, commerce, and industrial relations. Participants from Norway, Zimbabwe, Thailand, Nepal, Rwanda, Poland, Lesotho, Fiji, and South Africa expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to fostering stronger ties with India and Madhya Pradesh.
= India: A Global Investment Hub, Says Jacqueline Mukangira from Rwanda
On the second day of the summit, during the Country Session, Ms. Jacqueline Mukangira, a representative from Rwanda, emphasized India’s critical role as a global investment hub. She stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India, particularly Madhya Pradesh, is an emerging destination with vast opportunities for investment across all sectors. She highlighted the growing trade and industrial collaboration between India and Rwanda since Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Rwanda in July 2018, as well as the friendly diplomatic relations between the two countries. Mukangira also mentioned that there are promising opportunities in defense, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors, with the Rwandan president having visited India five times. She expressed gratitude to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav for inviting them and elevating Rwanda’s respect on this global platform.
= Poland’s Sebastien Duboloski Impressed by Madhya Pradesh’s Hospitality
Mr. Sebastien Duboloski, a representative from Poland, expressed his deep appreciation for the warm hospitality he experienced in Bhopal and Madhya Pradesh. He emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, anything is possible in India. He noted that after Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Poland last year, new opportunities for development have opened up, making trade and investment in Poland incredibly easy.
= Fiji: A ‘Small India’ with Deep Ties to the Motherland
Mr. Jagannath Sami, a representative from Fiji, reflected on the long-standing relationship between Fiji and India, referring to Fiji as a “small India.” The connection dates back to 1879 when 60,000 Indians arrived in Fiji to work in sugarcane fields, with 40,000 choosing to stay. Today, 33% of Fiji’s population is of Indian descent. Mr. Sami highlighted that both countries are working closely in sectors such as agriculture, energy, forestry, health, fisheries, and mining. He also mentioned the ongoing construction of a 100-bed modern hospital funded by India in Fiji.
= Textiles and Renewable Energy: Key Areas for Collaboration, Says Lesotho’s Representative
Ms. Leboheng Valentine from Lesotho emphasized the importance of Madhya Pradesh’s participation in the textiles and renewable energy sectors.
= India’s Invaluable Contribution to World Civilization: Eric Gudbrand
Meanwhile, Norway’s representative, Mr. Erik Gudbrand, lauded India’s priceless contribution to global civilization. He also praised the grand Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj and shared that he had personally visited the Ganges to cleanse his soul. Reflecting on Prime Minister Modi’s speech about the vast potential in green energy, Mr. Gudbrand expressed a keen interest in working on green energy projects with India and Madhya Pradesh.
= Nepal’s Shankar Prasad Highlights Shared Cultural Heritage
Dr. Shankar Prasad, a representative from Nepal, pointed out that the Vikram Samvat calendar, which originated in Ujjain, continues to be in use in Nepal instead of the Gregorian calendar. He emphasized that this reflects the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two countries. He also noted that Nepal is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. Nepal is also part of the Buddhist Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, and soon, the Shiv Circuit. Dr. Prasad encouraged increasing trade and investment between Nepal, India, and Madhya Pradesh, highlighting that products made in Nepal are duty-free and quota-free in India.
= Bhopal: The Heart of Incredible India, Says South Africa’s Keithushelo
Mr. Keithushelo from South Africa described Bhopal as the heart of Incredible India. He spoke highly of the strong trade relations between India and South Africa, with nearly 100 Indian companies operating across South Africa. Mr. Keithushelo also expressed his excitement about South Africa’s potential collaboration with Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the fields of technology and textiles, as inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s address at the GIS.
= A Bright Future for Global Investment in Madhya Pradesh
As the Global Investors Summit progresses, it’s clear that Madhya Pradesh’s strategic position, combined with India’s growing global influence, has attracted keen interest from various nations. With leaders from across the world speaking highly of the state’s investment potential, this summit marks the beginning of even more promising global partnerships in the future.
