GOA, INDIA - Global markets continue to change with developments across countries and it has become a crucial factor for all stakeholders in the arena of international trade to equip themselves with a holistic view of latest trends and best practices to enhance the regions footprints in the overseas markets. . It’s time that we collectively drain our energies into Making in Goa and selling abroad and “Made in Goa and Sold Abroad” is the only mantra for success, said the Chief Guest, Mr Glen Souza Ticlo, Hon'ble Member of Legislative Assembly, Goa and the Hon'ble Chairman of Goa Industrial Development Corporation in his Inaugural Address on the occasion of “World Trade Day” organized by World Trade Centre Goa on 25th May 2017 at Navelim, Goa.

He further stated that 90% of the people would say Goa is known for its Tourism, iron ore, and pharmaceuticals business and very few people are aware of small entrepreneurs who manufacture ophthalmic lens, handicrafts and automobile parts helping foreign markets to grow. While Iron ore, fish and pharmaceutical products account for a major share of the total exports, which in turn earn substantial foreign exchange for the country, he opined that Goa also has a large number of small entrepreneurs from other sectors, such as engineering goods, ophthalmic lens, Concrete products, furnishing and fashion foot wears that are making inroads in the export market.

Mr. Ticlo congratulated the promoters of World Trade Day, World Trade Centre Goa, and said that the promoters are indeed committed in ensuring that our State has its share of success in the field of World Trade. He also advocated that the WTC Goa should embark on organizing World Trade Fairs where the importers, exporters and manufacturers meet, deliberate, decide and act. “Made in Goa and Sold Abroad” should be the new mantra that would ensure Goa's success in international Trade, he added.

Ms Rupa Naik, Director – Projects, World Trade Centre Mumbai, in her Welcome address said that The World Trade Day is a unique and extensive programme of the World Trade Centers and Trade Promotion Organizations across the World and seeks to create awareness on the significance of international trade for the economic development of the region. She opined that Goa is known internationally as one of the most preferred tourist destinations and so it’s not difficult to market any product made in Goa to the world as Goa is a brand by itself”. She added that you just have to say "Made in Goa" and nobody would question any more about the credibility of the product. She also highlighted that there is a huge potential for Manufactured Goods and other services in the global markets and she encouraged the entrepreneurs of the state to rise and take advantage of the same. She offered the support of World Trade Centre Goa, to specially guide young entrepreneurs to become great exporters and successful businessmen and said that The World Trade Centers with their network of 339 Centers in 89 countries is the best network to use to explore new markets for products and also promote Goa as a hot tourist destination.

Mr. Ramesh Holeyachi, Dy. Director General of Foreign Trade, Goa, deliberated on the importance of exports as being the growth engine of the country. He said that India should use the democratic dividend of youth between the ages of 19 – 39 years which is an asset for being more productive and competitive in International Trade to earn foreign exchange which is a good indicator of the development of the Country. He deliberated on the Globalizations of industries and cited the examples of firms like IBM, Andrew Telecommunication, Pentair Water as being good examples of foreign companies operating from the region to boost international Trade. He also explained the ‘Nirayat Bandhu Scheme” for International Business mentoring of young Turks in International Business enterprises offering them a complete hand holding in starting and sustaining their International enterprises, this he said would facilitate Exports from India and bring much needed training and mentoring to new entrepreneurs in the Exports Field.

Rev Dr. Simao R. Diniz, Principal of the Roasry College, in his theme address congratulated World Trade Centre Goa for Organizing World Trade Day and opined that his vision and mission is to train the students to become an educative community through cooperation, integrity, justice, which are a few parameters which are essential for being successful in International Trade. He further added that country needs to have harmony, brotherhood and peace to form and transform our budding entrepreneurs into responsive citizens and successful entrepreneurs.

Mr. Mahendra M. Khandeparkar, Director Lift Controls Pvt Ltd informed that Goa has a land area of 3702 Sq. kms, a literacy rate of 88.7% , is blessed with an excellent natural harbor, good air connectivity and excellent culture but needs to develop good infrastructure in terms of roads, stable electricity and water supply. He hoped that with the implementation of GST, India would become a more competitive manufacturing destination. He opined that the Government and all stake holders should work in tandem to create a very cordial atmosphere to usher in a win-win situation for all.

Mr. Prashant Kamat, Functional Manager , Directorate of Industries, Government of Goa thanked WTC Goa for organizing such an event, which will help the corporate world in Goa. He expressed that Foreign Trade is a lucrative field but needs some care and nurturing particularly in maintaining a high standard of Quality. The Government of Goa he said is seriously dealing with development of infrastructure in the state. He touched upon the Sagarmala project which will enhance hinterland and port connectivity and mentioned about the developmentof the New Mandovi Bridge, the proposed Zuari bridge and four laning of NH 17 and NH 4A which are currently under consideration.

For promoting International Trade, Mr Kamat said that the Central and State government encourages the export units in MSMED sector by implementing various schemes like assistance to International Marketing of MSME (MO MSME) Entrepreneurs to participate in domestic and international exhibitions. Bar code reimbursement scheme (MOMSME), Certification & Patenting Scheme of DITC, Food processing Scheme of DITC, PMEGP& CMRY Scheme. he further stated that the Government of Goa is working tirelessly to enhance the Ease of
Doing Business and once Successfully implemented would enable entrepreneurs, business men and industrialists to seamlessly get all registration licenses online without any physical touch.
On the occasion of the World Trade Day, WTC, Goa, honored M/s Kineco Kaman Composites India Private Limited and M/s Buoyancy Consultancy & Engineering LLP , Members of WTC Goa for their outstanding performance in International Trade.

Prof. Anson of Rosary College, Navelim, proposed the vote of thanks and Mr. Cyril Desousa, Assistant Director -Trade Promotion, World Trade Centre Goa, moderated the event. The Programme witnessed an active participation of around 80 representatives from Trade, Business , Banking and Education Sectors.

Seen in the Picture (L-R) Chief Guest Mr Glen Ticlo, Hon'ble MLA & Chairman, GIDC,
Mr Mahendra Khandeparkar, Director, Lift Controls Pvt. Ltd, Mr Prashant Kamat, Functional Manager, Directorate of Industries, Trade & Commerce, Govt. of Goa, Ms Rupa Naik, Director-
Projects, WTC Mumbai, Rev. Dr Simao Diniz, Principal Rosary College and Mr Ramesh Holeyachi,
Dy. Director General of Foreign Trade, Goa.