JEDDAH: Saudi Indian Business Network (SIBN), working under the patronage of the Consul General of India, led a delegation of 30 businessmen to the recently concluded Global Exhibition on Services in New Delhi.

The government of India and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, had organized the Global Exhibition on Services (GES) in New Delhi in association with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) from April 23 to 25.

The objective of the Global Exhibition on Services (GES) was to create a global platform for increased trade in services and to enhance strategic cooperation and develop synergies between the Indian and global business.

More than 40 countries took part in the exhibition and related seminars.

It provided an opportunity for service providers to showcase their services and forge new ties.

The focus was on sectors such as IT and telecom, tourism, health care, logistics, professional services, education, SMEs in Services, R&D and Space.

A press conference was held on April 20 at the Indian consulate before the delegation left for India to highlight the aims of the exhibition.

A debriefing meeting and a get-together was arranged in Jeddah.

It was attended by GES delegates, SIBN members and guests.

B.S. Mubarak, consul general of India, Jeddah, S.R. H. Fahmi, consul (commercial and community welfare) and Anand Kumar, consul (consular) were also present.

In his speech, Mubarak highlighted how India and Saudi Arabia can work jointly to promote trade between the two countries.

India is definitely a preferred choice for manpower-related services onshore as well as offshore. There are many opportunities to invest in India and Saudi Arabia.

Hani Fetyani said that he was happy to join an SIBN delegation for India again to explore business opportunities. India has great potential for trade and tourism, he pointed out.

He also appreciated the efforts of SIBN in boosting the links between Saudi and Indian businessmen.

Adnan Ahmed Jameel Zagzoog, who is in talks with Taj Group of Hotels to set up a Taj hotel in Makkah along with Ali Muhaidib, shared his experiences from the visit.

He urged the consul general to organize more such tours to India for Saudi businessmen.

“But I laud the work of SIBN in trying to bridge the gap by bringing together parties from both countries through every means and opportunity,” he added.

Syed Ahmed Abdul Qader, who signed four agreements with Indian companies, shared his experience. He explained how he succeeded in such a short trip of three days.

He also acknowledged that India is on a progressive path, especially in services, but it needs to create awareness and promote itself with persistence.

He said more trade visits by delegations would benefit both Saudi and Indian businessmen.

Riaz Mulla, Ahmad Al Attas, Yousuf Alsmadi, Emran and Danish from Al-Abeer Group and a few more delegates also shared their experiences and expressed their willingness to contribute SIBN in future with their expertise.

The program started with a welcome speech by Vijay Soni-Treasurer.

Asim Zeeshan of Event Management presented GES report highlighting facts, achievements and opportunities.

The program was compered by Vijay Son giving a live touch to business needs and opportunities.

Zakariya Biladi of Event Management managed the event and prize distribution, whereas executive secretary Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki presented a vote of thanks.

The consul general presented certificates and gifts to all the delegates who attended the event in New Delhi.

GES management and the organizing team praised the consul general for taking the lead by sending a delegation to India. The diplomat was also praised for guiding, helping, supporting and encouraging the SIBN team.

The consular general Mubarak presented certificates of appreciation and gifts to Majeedul Hasan, Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki, Vijay Soni, Asim Zeeshan and Zakariya Biladi for their contribution and efforts.