“It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to Mumbai after one of the finest tenures of my diplomatic career. The warmth of the people, the friendships we have built and the opportunity to work with Mumbai’s highly responsive business community have made this experience truly memorable. Mumbai, as India’s commercial, financial and entertainment capital, offers tremendous opportunities for strengthening economic engagement. Looking ahead, there is a need to build long-term business relationships, particularly in view of the forthcoming India–EU Free Trade Agreement. Belgium remains an important strategic partner for India across various sectors, with our strong relationship in the diamond industry being particularly significant. As you spend time in Mumbai, you do not merely live here; the city grows on you, and I leave with a deep sense of satisfaction about what we have been able to accomplish during my tenure,” said Ambassador Frank Geerkens, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai, while addressing the Diplomatic Corps Gathering organised by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai in his honour.

Mr. José Mauro da Fonseca Costa Couto, Consul General of Brazil in Mumbai, said, “Being diplomats and bureaucrats, moving from one country to another and taking up a new posting is not always an easy task. In such circumstances, even a small gesture of warmth and generosity can make a meaningful difference. Arriving in a new country and a state like Maharashtra, and particularly a city like Mumbai, requires us to get to know people, build relationships, identify common interests in business, investment and technology transfer, and establish connections that can facilitate opportunities. Institutions such as World Trade Center Mumbai play an important role in fostering goodwill, strengthening people-to-people connections and creating a positive foundation for greater cooperation and trade between countries.”

Ms. Sato Hitomi, Consul General of Japan in Mumbai, said, “India and Japan have developed strong goodwill and people-to-people relations over the years. There is growing interest among Indians in visiting Japan and Japanese people visiting India, not only for business but also for tourism and employment opportunities. We hope to encourage greater exchanges between the two countries and explore opportunities that can benefit both India and Japan. Mumbai is not only India’s commercial and economic centre but also an important destination for Japanese investment. Japan has been associated with major infrastructure projects in Mumbai and Maharashtra, including the Atal Setu, Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail, and Metro projects. These engagements demonstrate the scope for further strengthening bilateral ties.”

Shri Praveen Singh Pardeshi, CEO, MITRA (Maharashtra Institution for Transformation), said, “Maharashtra continues to welcome foreign investment and remains committed to extending all necessary support and cooperation for the successful implementation of projects in the state. Maharashtra is among India’s leading destinations for Foreign Direct Investment and, as one of the country’s foremost industrial states, is working towards becoming a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030. The Government is also placing special emphasis on policies and initiatives for women entrepreneurs, MSMEs and exporters to drive economic growth, strengthen entrepreneurship and create greater employment opportunities across Maharashtra.”

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Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI), said, “Mumbai has always welcomed people with warmth and openness. We look forward to building strong associations with our new colleagues from Japan and Brazil, while bidding farewell to our dear friend from Belgium with gratitude for his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations. India’s bilateral trade with Belgium, Japan and Brazil stands at over USD 52 billion, with the potential to double to USD 104 billion over the next five years through stronger trade, investment, business and people-to-people ties. There are significant opportunities for greater cooperation in areas such as innovation, artificial intelligence, technology, healthcare and other emerging sectors.”

The gathering witnessed participation from over 30 Consuls General and members of the diplomatic corps, along with senior government officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and members of the business and industry community.

The evening reflected WTC Mumbai’s continued efforts to strengthen engagement with the diplomatic community and promote closer international cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, business, tourism and people-to-people relations.

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