Hon’ble Minister Mr. Ameer further emphasized that women’s empowerment can unleash untapped growth potential in developing countries. Specifically, he suggested policymakers to encourage women’s participation in male-dominated sectors such as heavy engineering, space, defence and Research & Development. Hon’ble Minister Mr. Ameer felicitated following women dignitaries on this occasion:

Ms. Victoria Lopatina, President, Tuscany-India Association, Ms. Suniti Nanda, Fintech Officer, Government of Maharashtra, Ms. Nalini Gupta, Managing Director, Lotus Destinations (GSA Costa Cruise India), Dr. Shilpa Desai, MD and Founder, C4 Integrated Wellness Pvt. Ltd and Ms. Suniti Gupta, Managing Director, Lateral Praxis.

Veteran dancer Ms. Sohini Roy Choudhury was felicitated for her marvelous dance performance on this occasion.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Mr. Kamal Morarka, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai said, “India is already the fastest growing economy in the world. Promoting women’s participation in entrepreneurship and employment can further enhance this growth rate. India has produced great women leaders in the fields of politics, business, arts and science. MVIRDC World Trade Center will work closely with government and industry to promote the cause of gender equality.”

In his remarks, Mr. Vijay Kalantri, President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI) said, “Women are not only the caretakers of family, but also significant contributors to trade and industry. Women play an important role in nation building and community development. On the occasion of the International Women’s Day 2019, AIAI recognizes the invaluable contribution of women in the field of business, trade, tourism, education and public administration.”

Speaking on this occasion, Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai said, “Ease of doing business has improved considerably for women with the advancement in information technology. E-commerce and social media have enabled women to access foreign markets and develop global network easily. MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai is the verifier of SheTrade App, an initiative of ITC Geneva that aims to connect one million women entrepreneurs globally. MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai promotes women’s empowerment by supporting exhibitions & trade fairs, and conducting various knowledge sessions and networking events round the year.”

Mr. Y.R. Warerkar, Executive Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai proposed vote of thanks for the event.

Photo Caption: (From Left to Right) Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, Mr. Scott Wang, Vice President - Asia Pacific, WTCA, Mr. Vijay Kalantri, President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI), Mr. Scott Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer, World Trade Centers Association, New York, Dr. Shilpa Desai, MD and Founder, C4 Integrated Wellness Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Ibrahim Ameer, Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Government of Maldives, Ms. Suniti Gupta, Managing Director, Lateral Praxis, Ms. Nalini Gupta, Managing Director, Lotus Destinations, GSA Costa Cruise India, Ms. Victoria Lopatina, President, Tuscany-India Association, Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, Ms. Suniti Nanda, Fintech Officer, Government of Maharashtra, Mr. Mehran Eftekhar, Director, World Trade Center Cyprus, Mr. Sharad Upasani, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai