PANAJI
Goa is known for its tourism, iron ore, and pharmaceuticals exports but very few people are aware of small entrepreneurs who manufacture ophthalmic lens, handicrafts, automobile parts etc, and sell in foreign markets informed MLA Glen Souza Ticlo, who is also the chairman of Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) on Friday.
Ticlo was speaking during a seminar, 'Beyond Borders', held at Rosary College Navelim which was organised by the World Trade Centre (WTC) to celebrate World Trade Day on Friday.
He also said that a large number of Goan small entrepreneurs from sectors such as engineering goods, concrete products, furnishing and fashion footwear are making inroads in the export market and added, "Made in Goa and sold abroad," is the only mantra for success.
The seminar was attended by deputy director general of foreign trade Goa Ramesh Holeyachi, principal Rosary College Dr Simao R Diniz, director Lift Controls Pvt Ltd Mahendra M Khandeparkar, director projects WTC- Mumbai Rupa Naik and functional manager Directorate of Industries Prashant Kamat.
Khandeparkar, said that, hopefully with the implementation of GST, India would become a more competitive manufacturing destination.
Holeyachi, deliberated on the importance of exports as a growth engine of the country and said that India should use the democratic dividend of youth between the age group of 19 - 39 years which is an asset for being more productive and competitive in international trade to earn foreign exchange.
Kamat pointed out that foreign trade is a lucrative field but needs some care and nurturing particularly in maintaining a high standard of quality.
"The government is seriously dealing with development of infrastructure in the state," he added.
Professor Anson, Rosary College, proposed the vote of thanks and Cyril Desousa, assistant director, trade promotion WTC-Goa, moderated the event. Around 80 participants from industry, banking and education sectors were present.
On the occasion of the World Trade Day, Kineco Kaman Composites, Buoyancy Consultancy & Engineering were felicitated for their outstanding performance in exports.