In the Image (L to R): Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries; H.E. Maria Manuela de Macedo Franco, Consul General of Portugal in Goa; Luísa Sobral, Portuguese singer and song writer; Capt. Somesh Batra, Honorary Consul of Portugal and Vice Chairman, WTC Mumbai; Ms. Priya Pansare, Director, Trade & Investment Promotion, World Trade Center Mumbai.
Luísa Sobral, Portuguese artist, performing at the event.
In a significant initiative to promote cultural diplomacy alongside trade engagement, World Trade Center Mumbai hosted a special live musical evening featuring internationally acclaimed Portuguese singer-songwriter Luísa Sobral. The evening highlighted WTC Mumbai’s continued efforts to integrate culture with commerce, recognizing the growing importance of creative industries in strengthening international relations and economic collaboration.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Maria Manuela de Macedo Franco, Consul General of Portugal in Goa, said, “Mumbai’s vibrant cultural landscape reflects its unique ability to bring diverse traditions together. India and Portugal share growing cultural and economic ties, and there remains immense scope to further strengthen this relationship across multiple sectors. Such initiatives play a vital role in deepening bilateral engagement, fostering people-to-people connections, and creating new opportunities for collaboration in both cultural and economic spheres.”
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries, said, “India’s music industry is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by digital platforms and evolving consumer preferences. Online streaming ecosystems have enabled artists to access global audiences, with international streams of Indian artists increasing by over 2,000% between 2019 and 2023.”
“The industry, currently valued at around ₹6,000 crore, is projected to grow to nearly ₹7,800 crore by 2026, reflects strong momentum. We believe that culture is a powerful enabler of economic engagement. When nurtured effectively, cultural exchange not only strengthens people-to-people ties but also opens new avenues for trade, collaboration, and creative industries across borders.” added Dr. Kalantri
Capt. Somesh Batra, Honorary Consul of Portugal and Vice Chairman, WTC Mumbai, said, “India and Portugal share a long-standing and evolving relationship, spanning decades of diplomatic engagement and centuries of historical connection. Today, this relationship is entering a new phase where cultural exchange is becoming an important pillar alongside trade. Initiatives like these cultural engagements help build stronger bridges, ultimately contributing to enhanced trade and economic cooperation. Music transcends boundaries, it connects people, fosters understanding, and creates opportunities across sectors including education, tourism, and the creative economy.”
The evening's highlight was a live performance by Luísa Sobral, whose soulful compositions offered the audience a rich glimpse into Portugal’s musical heritage, creating an immersive cultural experience.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Ms. Priya Pansare, Director, Trade & Investment Promotion, World Trade Center Mumbai, underscored the rising importance of performing arts and cultural industries in the global economy and emphasized that culture-driven initiatives are increasingly contributing to economic growth, tourism, and international engagement, and reaffirmed WTC Mumbai’s commitment to promoting such meaningful exchanges.
The event concluded on a high note, reinforcing WTC Mumbai’s role as a dynamic platform that not only facilitates trade and investment but also strengthens global partnerships through cultural dialogue and collaboration.
