The 4th edition of WTC Mumbai’s flagship event, the World Trade Expo, was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Ramesh Bais, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra.The Expo generated insightful dialogue on how technology can be an enabler of trade for MSMEs.

In his keynote address H.E. Mr. Bais informed, “The World Trade Expo is not just a two-day event; It is a promise of a bright, interconnected future and a bridge for India to the global market. I extend my congratulations to the World Trade Center Mumbai for its efforts in maintaining Mumbai's leadership in business and investment.”

Mr. Harjinder Kang, Deputy High Commissioner of British Deputy High Commission pointed out, “India-UK economic relationship is strong, and it will further strengthen in the next 3-4 years of my tenure. FTA negotiation between the two countries is progressing well and our government aims to double bilateral trade by 2030.”

The key highlights of the two-day Expo (October 3-4, 2023) were country presentations, exhibitions, B2B and B2G sessions and workshops. The Expo received registration from more than 5,000 delegates and it facilitated 14,000 B2B meetings between delegates from 26 countries and Indian start-ups, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs and industry clusters.

MSME clusters of Maharashtra from engineering, textile, food processing, garments, turmeric, furniture, electronics and other sectors showcased their products at the Expo. Apart from Maharashtra, MSME clusters from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh also participated at the Exhibition. The Expo was also attended by around 72 start-ups trained by Cornell University in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra.

Exhibiting trade missions from 14 countries made presentations on the trade and investment opportunities in their countries which helped MSMEs get first-hand information about the trade, tourism, investment, and technologies of the participating countries.

To align with the theme of the expo, a special session on export procedures and global market opportunities was organised. Mr. Pramod Sant, Former Vice President, Head – Import, Export and Customs, Siemens Ltd. conducted a workshop on basic procedures to export for aspiring exporters and women entrepreneurs. He explained foreign trade policy, export promotion schemes, export promotion councils, export documentation, modes of payment, letter of credit, customs procedures, free trade agreements, standard terms of export contracts and other basic concepts in international trade.

In his welcome remarks at the inaugural session, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai pointed out, “World Trade Expo is an initiative to realise the vision of USD 1 trillion economy of Maharashtra by 2028 and USD 5 trillion vision of Indian economy by 2027. The Expo will also promote technology as a key enabler for growth of trade, employment, and regional growth, including tourism, startups and MSMEs.”

In her valedictory address, Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai pointed out, “Small enterprises rarely get opportunities to network with consular corps of foreign countries and gain first hand information of global market opportunities. The objective of this Expo is to facilitate global market access for Indian MSMEs and women entrepreneurs by facilitating their connection and dialogue with diplomatic missions of foreign countries.”

In Photo: H.E. Mr. Ramesh Bais, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra (3^rd from left) lighting the lamp at the inaugural session of the World Trade Expo 2023. Also seen in the photograph are (from left to right): Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai; Mr. Harjinder Kang, Deputy High Commissioner of British Deputy High Commission; Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai,and Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, WTC Mumbai.