The Ambassador of Georgia, Levan Nizharadze, along with the newly appointed Consul General for Mumbai & Maharashtra, Satinder S Ahuja met business leaders from Mumbai on December 18, 2014. The tourism industry was represented by TAAI– tourism council chairman Jay Bhatia.
Besik Sharashenidze, first secretary (political, cultural and consular functions) at the Embassy of Georgia in India, during the morning session gave a detailed perspective on Georgia and its economic progress and the options for investing, collaborating and enhancing the bilateral trade and tourism with India. Georgia has created a fund for co-investment to the tune of US$ seven billion covering energy, logistics, real estate and tourism.
Jay Bhatia suggested immediate interactions with the teams from India and Georgia to enhance the untapped potential of bi-lateral tourism. TAAI delegation shall soon visit Georgia and explore the country surrounded by Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey.
The evening session was a panel discussion and introduction of Satinder S Ahuja the newly appointed Consul General. Ahuja, welcomed the trade leaders from Mumbai and assured that he shall ensure smooth passage for all business and tourism related activities.
The panelist included: TS Bhasin, sr. vice chairman of Engg. Export Promotion Council of India; Gurinder Singh Bawa, chairman, Guru Nanak Khalsa College and owner of Bawa Group of Hotels; Kulwant Singh Kohli, ex sheriff of Bombay and owner of Pritam Group of Hotels in India; Levan Nizharadze, ambassador of Georgia in India; Satinder S Ahuja, consul of Georgia; Lata Subraidu, immediate past district governor, Rotary International, Bandra; Nayan Patel, past president, Indian Merchants Chamber; Jay Bhatia, chairman– tourism council– Travel Agents Association of India
The gathering also consisted of leaders from the Manufacturing, Powers, Pharma, Export, Shipping, Food processing, Hotel and Entertainment industry.