Senior business representatives of the Irish and Indian, trade and investment industry gathered on Monday 23rd June, for a welcome lunch hosted by her Excellency Mrs Radhika Lal Lokesh, Ambassador for India to Ireland and the Ireland India Business Association (IIBA). The lunch took place in the Hayfield Manor, Cork and was held in honour of the visiting Indian Government Minister, Gen Dr V.K. Singh, Minister for External Affairs.

Mike McGrath, IIBA Cork Chapter Chairman formally welcomed Minister Gen Dr V.K. Singh and his party to Cork on behalf of the IIBA whilst Nilakanthi Ford, Chairperson of IIBA concluded the luncheon by announcing the expansion of the IIBA to build on the bilateral relationship – there are two IIBA Chapters in Ireland, Dublin and Cork and currently one in Mumbai, India. The IIBA is planning to open Chapters in Delhi, Bangalore and possibly Chennai, India.

Speaking after the luncheon, Nilakanthi Ford said, “We are honoured to have Minister Gen Dr V.K. Singh visiting Ireland, especially around such a significant time of year, when those lives lost in Air India Flight 182 are remembered. This Minister’s visit is noteworthy, as it provides senior Indian Government endorsement to bridge the gap between Ireland and India. It will enable us to build on the opportunities that an active bilateral relationship can provide to both countries.”

Minister Gen Dr V.K. Singh, Indian Minister for External Affairs met delegates and discussed many vital topics of interest to the Irish – Indian business relationship. The Minister spoke about the unique and historical relationship between Ireland and India. This provides a solid foundation for bilateral relations and facilitates doing business with India. The Minister referred to Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Make in India’ campaign, which is designed to encourage Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India. He also addressed other significant opportunities between Ireland and India; Infrastructure development, energy and water solutions, and the difficulties faced by Indians when applying for Visa’s entering into Ireland.

The Ministerial party attended the Air India Memorial Service which took place yesterday in Ahakista, Co. Cork and they also travelled to Sligo to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of W.B. Yeats.

For more information on the Ireland India Business Association please visit www.iiba.ie