No. PR – 144
November 16th, 2021
New Delhi
PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry in association with Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry inaugurated the India-Bhutan Buyers Sellers Meet in the Virtual Mode from 16th to 18th November 2021.
In order to further strengthen this relation and promote a vivid range of business opportunities and trade windows that both the countries will benefit from, the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry in association with Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry organized the ‘India-Bhutan Buyers Sellers Meet’ in the Virtual Mode from 16th to 18th November 2021. On 16th November 2021, the inaugural session was organised and was attended by dignitaries and business houses from India and Bhutan.
In his Presidential address, Mr. Pradeep Multani, President, PHDCCI mentioned that, India is Bhutan’s largest export market, the biggest source of its imports and one of the top foreign investors in the country. Bhutan has been pivotal to two of India’s major foreign policies – the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and the ‘Act-East Policy’. Bhutan cherishes till today with slogan as “Bharat for Bhutan and Bhutan for Bharat”. He said as emerging economies, India and Bhutan have a lot in common which provides for a synergy for developing economic cooperation between the two regions. Efforts should be channelised towards identifying and building upon the complementarities between the economies.
Mr. Tandin Wangchuk , President, Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) highlighted that, India and Bhutan have had a long-standing cordial relationship based on goodwill and friendship, shared historical links and interests and close understanding and cooperation. This long term friendship between both the countries has been further strengthened by bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
During the her address by Ms. Ann Haokip, First Secretary (Commerce), Embassy of India, Bhutan she informed that, India is Bhutan’s largest and the most important trade partner and accounts for 50% Bhutan’s trade. This is facilitated by the geographical proximity of both the countries and absence of any customs duty of Indian products. The recent developments such as the opening of new trade routes and inclusion of new agri-products from Bhutanese exporters are sure to enhance the bilateral trade windows.
Ms. Ugen Chozom, Charge d’ Affaires, Royal Bhutanese Embassy, New Delhi in her special address mentioned that, even during the first and second wave of the corona virus pandemic the trade between India and Bhutan was not drastically impacted. With India’s recovery and vision to reach the 5 trillion economies it will also be beneficial for India’s neighboring countries such as Bhutan. The developing fin-tech and digital transaction methods like BHIM UPI has facilitated in making trade transaction safer and easy for specially for India – Bhutan trader.
Mr. Parnav Poddar, Co- Chair, International Affairs Committee for South Asia and Mr. Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary General, PHDCCI expressed their views on strengthening India and Bhutan trade relations.
As the event came to a conclusion Mr. Naveen Sardana, Chair, International Affairs Committee for South Asia presented his formal Vote of Thanks expressed his sincere gratitude to all the dignitaries present and mentioned that its the opportune time for the Indian businessmen to engage and work in a deeper cooperation.
The Session was moderated by Mr. Naveen Seth, ASG, PHDCCI and witnessed the participation of more than 220 Industry stalwarts from India and Bhutan. The session was followed by B2B meeting between both the nations. The three day Buyer Seller Meet cum Expo will bring together around 50 leading business houses from India and Bhutan.
PHDCCI’s webinar was supported by Annual Sponsors such as, Multani Pharmaceuticals Limited; P G Industry; Uflex Ltd; DLF Limited; Continental Carriers Pvt Ltd; Belair Travel & Cargo Pvt Ltd; Radico Khaitan Limited, Paramount Communications; Superior Industries Limited; JK Tyre & Industries Ltd; Comtech Interio; R E Rogers; Apeejay Stya Group; EaseMyTrip; Blossom Kochhar Beauty Products Pvt Ltd; MV Cotspin Ltd; Synergy Environics Ltd; Ajit Industries Pvt Ltd; P S BEDI & Co.; Indian Farmer & Fertilizers Corporation Ltd; Jindal Steel; Hindware Sanitary; Modern Automobiles.
Warm Regards
Media Division