Vayalar Ravi seeks more investment from Indian diaspora

Zee News
24 September 2009

http://www.zeenews.com/news566125.html

Highlighting the immense business opportunities in India, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi has sought more investment from the Indian diaspora in Europe and said they can play a vital role in enhancing Indo-Europe trade ties.

Addressing the third Mini-Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at The Hague in Netherlands, Ravi said the diaspora community can play a vital role in enhancing trade ties between Europe and India.

He also outlined the competitive business environment and investment climate in different states and said Overseas Indian Facilitation Centres have been set up by his Ministry to facilitate investment by the Indian diaspora.

The event, held at historic World Forum in The Hague saw participation of prominent members of the Indian diaspora in Europe besides dignitaries from both Netherlands and India. He promised to take up the demand for setting up of a Cultural Centre in the Netherlands.

Jan Piet Hein Donner, Dutch Minister for Social Affairs and Employment emphasised how the Netherlands could act as a bridge between India and Europe and said that in response to the persistent demands from the resident Indian community in the Netherlands, a Social Security Agreement would soon be signed between the two countries.

Ruud Lubbers, former Dutch Prime Minister brought out how the international focus has shifted from independence and sovereignty of states to inter-dependence of states and said that India has a significant role to play in a multi-polar world.

Officials said the main aim of the event was to bring together members of the Indian diaspora in Europe at a common platform and discuss their role in enhancing Indo-European cooperation.

The first mini Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was held in New York in September 2007 while the second organised at Singapore in October last year.