::: Press Release :::

Indian Business Council, Kuwait. 26th November 2004
Greets Mr.Jagdish Tytler, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs

Indian Business Council, Kuwait held luncheon meeting on 26th November 2004 at Kuwait Towers Restaurant to greet Mr.Jagdish Tytler, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs. The Ambassador of India in Kuwait, Mr.Swashpawan Singh also graced this occasion.

Mr.Tytler appreciated the role which overseas Indians could play in Indian’s economic development and explained the important role which his ministry was assigned by the new government of India to involve overseas Indians in this process. He invited all the members to attend Pravasi Bhartiya Divas celebrations which are due to be held at Mumbai during January 7–9, 2005. Mr.Tytler was on a visit to Kuwait as a part of his program to visit 18 countries where a large population of overseas Indians resides.

Earlier Mr.S.K.Wadhawan, Chairman of the council, welcomed the Minister and hoped that his visit would further strengthen the good relations between Kuwait and India. Mr.Wadhawan also appealed to the Minister to persuade the government of India to keep taxation rules for NRE deposits unchanged and request the host government to allot some land for Indian Arts Circle – a cultural club of Indian community in Kuwait.

Mr.Abhay Mehta, General Secretary of the council, explained the objectives and role of Indian Business Council, Kuwait to promote trade and investment between Kuwait, India and other countries. He elaborated on the vast potential of overseas Indians and suggested that government of India should consider setting up a more institutionalized role for overseas Indians to promote trade and new growth initiatives including increasing potential of sourcing from India.

Senior businessmen, including Mr.Sam Alphonso, Mr.Sunny Methews, Mr.Ashok Kalra and Mr.C.K.Bahl shared issues of concern to Indian community and requested the Minister for private airlines to be allowed to fly between Kuwait and India so that this sector fares could be economized. Minister assured that he would take up all the issues at appropriate level in the government in New Delhi.  

Indian Business Council, Kuwait                         31^st July 2004 

Indian Business Council, Kuwait held a General Member’s meeting at Crown Plaza Hotel, Kuwait on 28^th July 2004 to bid farewell to Mr.K.J.S.Sodhi, Counsellor Embassy of India, Kuwait who after a very successful tenure of over four years is leaving Kuwait on his new posting at Kandahar, Afghanistan.

On this occasion, The General Secretary expressed deep appreciation of IBC, Kuwait of the patronage it received from the Indian Embassy and the support of Mr.Sodhi. He also apprised the members of the approach of IBC in respect of recent developments for NRIs due to Budget Proposals for 2004. Both The Chairman and Vice Chairman of IBC spoke on the occasion and complimented Mr.Sodhi on his contribution to the cause of Indians in Kuwait and in particular to the activities of IBC, Kuwait.

Mr.Sodhi was all praise for the work done by IBC and expressed both his thanks and continuous support to the cause of Indians and IBC.

Mr.Wadhawan, the Chairman presented a plaque to Mr.Sodhi in remembrance of his contributions for IBC, Kuwait.

At this occasion, the efforts of Mr.Dhiraj Oberoi, The 1^st Chairman of IBC were acknowledged. His guidance and support has helped IBC, Kuwait prosper at the current swift pace. Mr.Sodhi presented an appreciation plaque to Mr.Dhiraj for his contributions.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks and dinner.

Indian Business Council, Kuwait                          26th April 2004

Indian Business Council held its Annual General Body Meeting on 23rd April 2004 at the Crow Plaza hotel.

The General Secretary of the Council presented the Annual Report, listing various activities and projects initiated and completed during the tenure of the First Executive Committee. It was noted that IBC covered good span of its objectives in promoting trade relations, visit of Delegations both to and from Kuwait, and bringing business houses of the two countries nearer to each other.

The Treasurer presented the interim Accounts for year ended December 31st, 2003. Thereafter, IBC Adviser Mr.M.Mathews conducted the elections for the New Executive Committee. The following members were elected to the new Executive Committee for a two year term:

Mr.Surinder Wadhawan           Chairman
Mr.Tony Jashanmal                  Vice Chairman
Mr.Abhay Mehta                      General Secretary
Mr.Ramesh Kohli                      Joint Secretary
Mr.Ramesh Khanna                  Treasurer

During the meeting, Mr.K.J.S.Sodhi, Counsellor, Indian Embassy, Kuwait appreciated the work done by IBC in promoting Trade relations between India and Kuwait during the period from its inception in October 2001. He also appraised the audience of the upcoming visits of various Business delegations and assured of the full support of the Indian Embassy in supporting the activities of IBC.

The newly elected Chairman and Vice Chairman addressed the members and thanked the members for their overwhelming support and assured them of the continuous efforts of the new Executive Committee to fulfill the Aims and Objectives of IBC. The new committee placed on record its deep appreciation for the tremendous good efforts exerted by the earlier committee to make Indian Business Council, Kuwait an effective body.