The 4th edition of the Global Economic Summit on “Asia: Powering Global Markets” from 11-13 September 2014 was a resounding success. The three-day Summit was inaugurated by General (Retd) Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs and Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India. The eminent speakers addressing the Summit included Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Founder and Chair, Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization, Mr. Jean-Luc Schneider, Deputy Director, Economics Department, The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Mr. Yonov Frederick Agah, Deputy Director-General, World Trade Organization, Mr. Shishir Priyadarshi, Director of the Development Division, World Trade Organization, Mr. Ghazi Abu Nahl, Chairman, World Trade Centers Association and Mr. Bruno Masier, President, World Trade Point Federation (WTPF) among others.

The deliberations at the Summit included debates and discussions on the following themes: emerging prospects and challenges to explore business synergies and collaborations in Asia; the relevance of support infrastructure for the growth of manufacturing sector and investment opportunities; overview of financial markets of emerging economies; Asia and security challenges; how should regulatory and policy frameworks be designed to foster trade and investment in competitive times; significance of FTAs and regional economic cooperation; role of trade promotion organizations and their contribution in creating linkages for trade and Investments; relevance of technology, innovation and knowledge based Industry; orientation on global procurement by UNPD; the emergence of women entrepreneurship in Asia; Asia and millennium development goals.

The session on emergence of women entrepreneurship in Asia was chaired by Ms. Michele Weldon, Strategic Partnerships Coordinator, UN Women Office for India, Bhutan, Maldives & Sri Lanka. The panellists shared their experiences and challenges they face in today’s competitive era and suggested ways and means to overcome them.

Mr. Bruno Masier, President, WTPF, Geneva; Mr. Ghazi Abu Nahl, Chairman, WTCA; Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, WTC Mumbai; General (Retd) Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India; Mr. Kamal Morarka, Chairman, WTC Mumbai; Mr. Yaduvendra Mathur, Chairman and Managing Director, Export-Import Bank of India; Mr. Yonov Frederick Agah, Deputy Director-General, WTO; Mr. Jean-Luc Schneider, Deputy Director, Economics Department, OECD.

The dignitaries at the Summit highlighted the strengths of the Asian continent in its large demography, immense market potential and huge consumption base. The Summit emphasised the need for development and improvement of infrastructure, technology, innovation and skill which will enable Asia to emerge as an unparalled region of the future.

The Summit observed a minute’s silence in remembrance of 9/11. Over 100 exhibitors including SMEs and clusters showcased their products at the Exhibition during the Summit. The summit has witnessed participation from over 500 delegates comprising of 100 overseas delegates from across 40 countries.