GOA, INDIA - World Trade Centre Goa in association with Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised an interactive session with the United Nations Procurement Division (UNPD) delegation headed by Ms Laura Kathleen Secher, UNPD, New York, USA on November 17 2015 at GCCI hall, Panjim. Ms Secher gave an overview on the procurements made by the UN, its process and the details thereon.

This was an unique opportunity for manufacturers with product and produce capacity mainly related to food and other products in the sectors like consumer durables etc. However UN procurements are made in a wide range of products including from machinery, energy sources, fuel, pharmaceuticals and services including transportation, Information Technology, Banking and financial services etc. The program was attended by the business entities and chamber representatives from Goa as well as the neighboring states like Karnataka.

World Trade Centre Goa was established in the city of Panaji, Goa to help promote business and business related activities. In this context we have already taken the initiatives to promote investments in the state of Goa and also promote exports. We have already conducted programs related to export in association with Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Mr Ramesh Patil, President, Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, requested the people of Karnataka and Goa to join hands in such initiatives which will improve trade relations between the states. He also congratulated WTC Goa for excellent work and invited them to conduct such activities in association with the Karnataka Chamber to impart knowledge and benefits for the growth of business and trade.

Mr Manguirish Pai Raikar, Advisor, WTC Goa urged the people of Goa and Karnataka to avail the benefits of the opportunities to grow trade ties between the UN and India through Goa, enhancing its identity from a mere travel destination to a business & investment hub. He mentioned a few facts from the UN Annual Statistical report that overall procurement (Goods & Services) of UN organisation in 2014 increased to $ 17.2 billion from $ 16.1 billion in 2013, which is a 7.2% increase. Also that the total procurement of goods increased by $891 million i.e. 11.7% and services increased by $ 264 million i.e. 3.1% from the previous year. Out of $ 17.2 billion worth overall procurement volume $8.713 billion is owing to the Service sector (50.5%) requirement and remaining $ 8.525 billion is in the product category (49.5%). Rise in procurement is attributed due to the growing demand for food products, transportation services, fuel and pharmaceuticals sectors. out of 194 countries, 127 had an annual procurement value of more than $ 10 million each.

Ms Ambika Dhakhenkar, Manager, WTC Goa proposed the vote of thanks to the Guest of Honour Ms Laura Kathleen Secher, UNPD for enlightening us about the unacquainted wealth of opportunities on this auspicious occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights and prosperity. And also to Mr Ramesh Patil, President, Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Manguirish Pai Raikar, Advisor, WTC Goa, Mr R S Kamat, DG GCCI, the other chamber representatives, the individual participants and our media friends present for making this event a big success.

PHOTO: 4th Mr Manguirish Pai Raikar, Advisor, WTC Goa, Ms Ambika Dhakhenkar, Asst Mgr, WTC Goa, Ms Laura Secher,Procurement Officer, UNPD, Mr Ramesh Patil, President, Karnataka Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Data Source: UN Annual Statistical Report 2014