“Philippines and India have untapped trade potential worth USD 3 billion, of which India’s untapped exports is USD 2.5 billion and Philippines’ untapped export to India is USD 650 million. This trade potential exists in sectors such as Healthcare, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Medical devices, to name a few,” said Ms. Pamela Pascual, Chairperson and CEO, WTC Metro Manila, Philippines, while speaking at the inaugural session on Connect India 2022 organised virtually by WTC Mumbai.

Connect India 2022 is a flagship programme of WTC Mumbai providing digital platform for participating companies to connect and network globally. She further suggested Indian companies to collaborate with Philippine companies in Research and Development activities and technology transfers.

Announcing WTC Metro Manila’s support for Indian companies who are willing to explore opportunities  offered by the Philippines market, she added, “WTC Metro Manila would be keen to play the role of an enabler for Indian companies by providing them WTC Metro Manila’s platform, match –making, trade related and consultancy services.”

Quoting the historical diplomatic and trade relation between India and Philippines, Ms. Pascual further added that the pandemic has exposed the deep-rooted vulnerability of supply chains for both countries and it has therefore become increasingly important for India and Philippines to co-operate beyond the realm of economic benefits and work for social welfare for the people of both countries.

Earlier in her welcome address, Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai highlighted the importance of MSMEs in a country’s economic development and inclusive growth. She said that Connect India 2022 would support MSMEs across regions and industries to develop and foster trade and investment relations, in developing business collaboration and partnership and exploring new markets.

Ms. Naik announced that WTC Mumbai has set a target of bringing around 1,000 MSMEs to this digital platform in the ongoing edition. She also requested World Trade Centres Association, New York to promote this digital platform among WTCs and MSMEs in Europe, North and South America.  

Speaking at the webinar, Mr. Scott Wang, Vice President WTCA, Asia-Pacific congratulated WTC Mumbai for successfully hosting Connect India 2022, which according to him has outperformed in many parameters. He gave a presentation on the WTCA “Market Access Programme”, which has match-making events, one-to-one meetings, seminars, dedicated pavilions and booths for exhibitors to promote their products and services. He also invited Indian companies to use the WTCA global network to expand their business and explore new markets around the globe.

The webinar was also addressed by Mr. Akhilesh Mahurkar, Director, WTC Shamshabad and Visakhapatnam who made a presentation on the business opportunities in the state of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. He assured full support to companies looking to invest in the two states.  Mr. Mahurkar informed that within one month, Connect India 2022 programme has received an overwhelming response from more than 30 companies in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, besides receiving participation from the Telangana state investment authority “Invest Telangana”. “I am hopeful that more companies will join and benefit from this Trade Show in the coming month,” he added.  

The webinar was attended by Dr G.D. Singh, Founder & Chairman- Asian-African Chamber of Commerce & Industry Foundation along with other members of business fraternity.