Dubai: The Gulf Maharashtra Business Forum Global (GMBF) has concluded the seventh edition of its two-day convention, MAHABIZ 2024, under the theme "Connect, Expand and Grow".

The event marked a significant milestone for GMBF, bringing together a wide range of prominent figures, including local and global leaders, ministers and politicians. The programme highlighted the potential of start-ups in the Middle East and explored business opportunities in African nations.

Day One: Start-Ups and Global Insights

The first day featured a panel discussion led by start-up experts Deepak Ahuja, Sonali Goila, Mann Midha and Nilmani Gautam, who examined the opportunities and challenges of the GCC start-up landscape. Their consensus was clear: the Middle East is fertile ground for start-ups.

International delegates from Japan, Ethiopia, Rwanda, the UAE, South Africa and the Congo shared insights on sectors including green energy, crypto and mining, and Dr Nitin Seth, Vice Chairman of G.D. Foods, India, also contributed.

Rajesh Agarwal, chairman of RKG Group, described GMBF as a 16-year-old organisation with more than 500 members, a family-like approach and a problem-solving, solution-oriented ethos.

Day Two: India's Path to Carbon Neutrality

The second day featured an address by Nitin Gadkari, India's Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, who set out India's roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2070. Sheikha Jawaher Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa attended as Chief Guest.

In his virtual address, Gadkari highlighted India's progress in renewable energy and sustainability, including sustainable aviation fuel from biomass, bio-CNG production and bamboo-based bioethanol refining. He stressed the role of technology, innovation and international collaboration in reaching carbon neutrality, and praised India's rapid adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy. Mumbai's importance in attracting domestic and international investment was also underlined.

Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India, emphasised the deep cultural ties between India and the UAE and recent economic milestones, including bilateral trade reaching USD 85 billion in the last fiscal year. He highlighted agreements such as the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and the Intergovernmental Framework Agreement on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, aimed at deepening economic integration.

A Global Gathering

The GMBF Global Committee launched a directory of all delegates' contact details. Dr Sunil Manjarekar, President of GMBF Global, said the convention welcomed delegates from 22 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Japan, Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia, with more than 400 delegates on the first day and 800 on the second. Approximately USD 85 million in business was generated.

Dr Sunil said the success of MAHABIZ 2024 lay in its commitment to fostering connections, facilitating expansion and promoting growth, and thanked the organising team for their tireless work. The event sparked meaningful discussions and collaborations that point to a brighter future for business and economic development.

Source: MAA Gulf