Diplomats Highlight Trade, Investment and Global Opportunities at Mumbai Gathering

Belgium, Brazil and Japan representatives discuss stronger economic ties, investment and business collaboration with India

Diplomats, government officials and industry representatives discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation between India and partner countries at a Diplomatic Corps Gathering organised by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai. The gathering brought together over 30 Consuls General and members of the diplomatic corps, along with senior government and business representatives.

Diplomatic Gathering Focuses on Trade and Investment

H.E. Ambassador Frank Geerkens, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai, addressed the gathering while bidding farewell to Mumbai. He highlighted the importance of the city as India’s commercial, financial and entertainment capital and called for stronger long-term business relationships, particularly in view of the forthcoming India–EU Free Trade Agreement.

“It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to Mumbai after one of the finest tenures of my diplomatic career. The warmth of the people, the friendships we have built and the opportunity to work with Mumbai’s highly responsive business community have made this experience truly memorable. Mumbai, as India’s commercial, financial and entertainment capital, offers tremendous opportunities for strengthening economic engagement. Looking ahead, there is a need to build long-term business relationships, particularly in view of the forthcoming India–EU Free Trade Agreement. Belgium remains an important strategic partner for India across various sectors, with our strong relationship in the diamond industry being particularly significant. As you spend time in Mumbai, you do not merely live here; the city grows on you, and I leave with a deep sense of satisfaction about what we have been able to accomplish during my tenure,” said H.E. Ambassador Frank Geerkens, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai.

Speaking about the experience of diplomatic postings and the importance of building relationships, Mr. José Mauro da Fonseca Costa Couto, Consul General of Brazil in Mumbai, said, “Being diplomats and bureaucrats, moving from one country to another and taking up a new posting is not always an easy task. In such circumstances, even a small gesture of warmth and generosity can make a meaningful difference. Arriving in a new country and a state like Maharashtra, and particularly a city like Mumbai, requires us to get to know people, build relationships, identify common interests in business, investment and technology transfer, and establish connections that can facilitate opportunities. Institutions such as World Trade Center Mumbai play an important role in fostering goodwill, strengthening people-to-people connections and creating a positive foundation for greater cooperation and trade between countries.”

Ms. Sato Hitomi, Consul General of Japan in Mumbai, highlighted the growing people-to-people and economic links between India and Japan.

“India and Japan have developed strong goodwill and people-to-people relations over the years. There is growing interest among Indians in visiting Japan and Japanese people visiting India, not only for business but also for tourism and employment opportunities. We hope to encourage greater exchanges between the two countries and explore opportunities that can benefit both India and Japan. Mumbai is not only India’s commercial and economic centre but also an important destination for Japanese investment. Japan has been associated with major infrastructure projects in Mumbai and Maharashtra, including the Atal Setu, Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail, and Metro projects. These engagements demonstrate the scope for further strengthening bilateral ties,” she said.

Maharashtra Highlights Foreign Investment Opportunities

Shri Praveen Singh Pardeshi, CEO, MITRA (Maharashtra Institution for Transformation), outlined the state’s focus on attracting foreign investment and supporting businesses.

“Maharashtra continues to welcome foreign investment and remains committed to extending all necessary support and cooperation for the successful implementation of projects in the state. Maharashtra is among India’s leading destinations for Foreign Direct Investment and, as one of the country’s foremost industrial states, is working towards becoming a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030. The Government is also placing special emphasis on policies and initiatives for women entrepreneurs, MSMEs and exporters to drive economic growth, strengthen entrepreneurship and create greater employment opportunities across Maharashtra,” he said.

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI), welcomed the diplomatic representatives and highlighted the potential for expanding economic engagement.

“Mumbai has always welcomed people with warmth and openness. We look forward to building strong associations with our new colleagues from Japan and Brazil, while bidding farewell to our dear friend from Belgium with gratitude for his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations. India’s bilateral trade with Belgium, Japan and Brazil stands at over USD 52 billion, with the potential to double to USD 104 billion over the next five years through stronger trade, investment, business and people-to-people ties. There are significant opportunities for greater cooperation in areas such as innovation, artificial intelligence, technology, healthcare and other emerging sectors,” he said.

Diplomatic Corps and Industry Representatives Attend

The gathering saw participation from over 30 Consuls General and members of the diplomatic corps, along with senior government officials and representatives from the business and industry community.

Among the attendees were Mr. Sven Östberg, Consul General of Sweden in Mumbai; Shri Om Prakash Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), Government of Maharashtra; Ms. Roop Rashi, Chief Executive Officer, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Government of India; and other senior dignitaries and representatives.

The gathering brought together diplomatic, government and industry stakeholders to discuss bilateral trade and investment relations, economic engagement and opportunities for business collaboration, investment and industry partnerships between India and partner countries.