Business Reporter -
MUSCAT -
Dec 13: India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, M J Akbar, arrived here yesterday at the head of a large delegation of government and business leaders.
The delegation will take part in the 5th India-Arab Partnership Conference, which has been organised by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) in collaboration with the Arab League Secretariat, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), General Union of Chambers of Commerce & Industry in the Arab Countries (GUCCIAC) and Federation of the Arab Business.
FICCI is fielding a large contingent of Indian businessmen to participate at the Conference. Rajendra Shukla, Minister for Commerce, Industries and Employment of the Indian State of Madhya Pradesh, is also leading a delegation of senior officials from his State.
The theme of the 5th India-Arab Partnership Conference is “Partnership towards Innovation and Information Technology Co-operation”. After the inaugural and ministerial sessions, the Conference will hold panel discussions on the following topics: Technology and Innovation; The renewable Energy and Clean Technology; The Health and Drug Industry; The Higher Education and Skill Development; Food Security and Safety; and Tourism.
The presence of high level ministerial and business delegations from India at the 5th India-Arab Partnership Conference reflects the importance that India attaches to its trade and investment relations with 22 Arab countries, which have emerged as India’s important trade partners, said a press statement issued by the Indian Embassy, Muscat, yesterday.
Apart from participation at the 5th India-Arab Partnership Conference, M J Akbar will also hold bilateral meetings with the Government of Oman with a view to review the existing bilateral cooperation between India and Oman in all its dimensions and to explore the opportunities for expanding further the strategic partnership between the countries.
India and Oman are maritime neighbours joined together by Indian Ocean.
The historical relations between India and Oman have evolved into a strategic partnership, which has continued to expand in all its dimensions. India has regarded Oman as a key and trusted partner in the Gulf region. India-Oman relationship is based on shared values, common interests and respect for each other’s concerns and priorities.
Akbar will also be meeting the Indian community in Oman, numbering around 800,000, at a reception hosted by the Indian Ambassador at the Embassy.
The Government of India has always accorded a high priority to promoting the welfare of Indian diaspora and has enhanced interaction with the Indian communities living abroad. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had also met the Indian community during her visit to Muscat in February 2015.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
