Global Networking Meet

Tarun Kumar, Nimesh

New Delhi। The Indo-European Business Forum (IEBF) proudly hosted its Global Networking Meet 2023 on "Unicorns and Sustainable Development," held on October 10th, 2023, at the prestigious House of Lords in Westminster, London, United Kingdom. The event provided an exceptional platform for prominent figures from the fields of business, technology, and entrepreneurship to discuss and promote sustainable growth and international economic collaboration.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa (joined virtually), Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Uttar Pradesh (joined virtually), Mr. Paul Scully (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport), Mr. G.P. Hinduja (Chairperson of Hinduja Group), Mr. Joseph Muscat (Former Prime Minister of Malta), Lord Evans, Ms. Nimisha Madhvani (High Commissioner of Uganda), Princess Katrina, Mr. Tom D'Silva (Prime Minister’s Office, UK), Ms. Alaxandra Sasha (1st Deputy to the Danish Parliament), the Rt. Hon. Baroness Uddin, and Ms. Ingrida Darasaite (Economic Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the United Kingdom) and distinguished representatives from India, the European Union, Poland, and various other countries also graced the occasion.

The IEBF Global Networking Meet 2023 centered on stimulating discussions regarding the strengthening of economic ties between India, the UK, and the European Union. It celebrated the forum's remarkable journey since its establishment in 2007, which has played a pivotal role in harmonizing business relations between these regions.

Mr. Vijay Goel, Founder Member of IEBF, reflected on the significant role the forum has played in aligning business cadence between the EU, UK, and India. He also holds the position of Chairperson of the London Chambers of Commerce, Asian Business Association, and the UK unit of ASSOCHAM.

Mr. Sunil Kumar Gupta, Co-Founder of IEBF & Founder of SARC Associates, emphasized the potential for India and the UK to collaborate in shaping a sustainable world. He said, “India and U.K. can collaborate to realise the vision of one earth one family one future. Together we can shaper a sustainable world.”

Mr. Gopichand P. Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group, expressed optimism regarding India's future, predicting it will soon become the world's third-largest economy. He also lauded the Indo-European and Indo-UK ties. Mr. Hinduja is fondly known as 'GP' in business circles and chairs the Hinduja Group and Hinduja Automotive Ltd, UK.

Dr. Joseph Muscat, Former Prime Minister of Malta, praised the world's interconnectivity and witnessed the association between India and smaller states like Malta. Mr. Muscat acknowledged the enduring importance of Indo-UK relationships. He said, “In this world of interconnectivity, all countries are dependent on each other. It is fascinating to witness the level of association between India and microstates such as Malta today and for the years ahead.”

Mr. Paul Scully MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy), highlighted the rapid growth of tech hubs in Bangalore, India, and London, UK. He underlined the common hunger for growth, technology infrastructure, and the accompanying ecosystem shared by both nations. Mr. Scully assumed his role on February 7, 2023, at the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology.

Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, stressed the significance of the Indo-UK relationship. He mentioned “British PM Rishi Sunak met Indian PM Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, where the leaders agreed on the enduring importance of Indo-UK relationships. State of Goa has been diversifying its economy beyond tourism and into sectors such as IT, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.”

Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Uttar Pradesh, showcased the state's potential as a powerhouse of agri-based industries. He mentioned, “The State of Uttar Pradesh has proved to be a powerhouse of Agri-based Industries with year-round ideal Agro-climatic conditions, which can thus create a robust and dedicated supply chain network for the Indo-European region.”

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their respective fields:

I. Mr. Max Garza, Chief Blockchain Officer, Faction AI - Innovative Global Smart Cities Disruptor of the Year

II. Mr. Biswanath Patnaik, Founder, FinNest Group - Social Entrepreneur of the Year

III. Mrs. Sudha Reddy, Chairperson of Sudha Reddy Foundation - Woman Entrepreneur of the Year

IV. Mr. Rajesh Kamireddi, Founder, Divija Tech Ed Pvt Ltd - Best Social Impact Startup Entrepreneur of the Year

V. Mr. Vipin Aggarwal, Founder, Longview Research & Advisory Services Private Limited - SME Financial Services - Longview Research & Advisory Services Private Limited

VI. Joint award to Mr. Ramanuj Mukherjee & Mr. Abhyuday Agarwal - Education Technology - Law Shiko (Addictive Learning Technology Private Limited)

VII. Ms. Alexandra Sasha, 1st Deputy to the Danish Parliament and 1st Deputy Member of Frederiksberg Council - Entrepreneurship through technology and education

VIII. Mr. Santosh Mishra, Owner of Sanfran Developer Pvt Ltd - Entrepreneur of the Year - Real Estate Sector

The IEBF Global Networking Meet 2023 was a resounding success, fostering international relations, celebrating entrepreneurial excellence, and promoting sustainable business practices. This event demonstrated the commitment of individuals and organizations to building a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

For more information about the Indo-European Business Forum and its activities, please visit the official website iebf.org.in