New Delhi: “I am extremely proud to be in India and delighted with my successful meeting with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Both India and Brazil share a common future and I am confident that together we will achieve all our goals in the years to come with a stronger India-Brazil relationship,” said Mr Jair Bolsonaro, President of Federative Republic of Brazil at the India-Brazil Business Forum (IBBF) organized by ASSOCHAM here today.
Delivering the special address, Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister for Commerce & Industry and Railways, Government of India called the visit of Mr Bolsonaro as one of the most productive and high profile visit ever by a Brazilian President to India. Making a strong pitch for deepening India Brazil ties he said, “Backed by business friendly environment, rule of law and a vibrant society, India and Brazil are at the cusp of a very bright future.”
Talking about the cooperation in the Railway sector he said,” We are very conscious of our responsibility to the environment. We have embarked on a massive electrification drive of the Railway Network and by 2024 we expect the entire Indian railway to 100% run on electricity and by 2030 we plan to make Indian Railways network net zero emission network.”
Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, President, ASSOCHAM advocated strengthening bilateral trade links between the two countries by exploring new trade and commerce avenues. “India being a land of opportunities shall draw foreign investments and plethora of opportunities. Both nations should come together and work towards their common goal of fostering sustainable social growth. To further facilitate cooperation between the two countries on the business front we are looking forward to the opening of our ASSOCHAM office in Brazil.”
Welcoming the guests, Mr. Sagar Kaushik, Senior Executive Committee Member, FICCI said, ‘We feel there is a more complementary relationship than competition between India and Brazil. Together, we form an integral part of the global economy as engines of the economic growth. We urge business leaders from both the countries to utilize this platform to create synergies between the two economies.”
Talking about India – Brazil partnership, Mr CP Gurnani, National Council Member, CII said, “Collaboration in design and engineering will benefit both our countries. India has a very prominent workforce. This visit of Mr Jair Bolsonaro is going to accelerate India- Brazil relations.”
The day long business forum included panel discussions on Brazilian Economy, Bioenergy, Oil and Gas, Defense Industry, Innvoation etc. These sessions were attended by Group of Ministers from Brazil besides several industry stalwarts from both the countries among others.