The Consulate General of India in Shanghai, in association with the Council of the World's Investment Summit organized an "India-China Business & Investment Forum" in Shanghai on 22nd April. The Seminar was organized on the sidelines of The World's Investment Summit, Shanghai. Close to 80 participants drawn from various business sectors, representatives of Chinese chambers of commerce and industry and potential investors in and around Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang attended the Investment Forum. A delegation from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) led by Mr. Sunil Porwal, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra participated in the Seminar.

At the World Investment Summit in the morning Mr. Sunil Porwal and the Consul General Mr. Naveen Srivastava addressed the theme sessions. The World's Investment Summit was attended by senior officials from China International Economic Cooperation Society, senior business executives of a large number of multi-national companies and representatives of the diplomatic community in Shanghai. Consul General presented an overview of India-China bilateral economic relations, prospects for further strengthening these relations and the opportunities for investment available in India for Chinese companies. Mr. Porwal highlighted the potential specific investment projects available in the State of Maharashtra and invited Chinese companies to consider investing in India which has several advantages to offer including a conducive policy framework, competitive and skilled labor and a large and growing market.

Mr. Wang Hongtao, Vice-President of China International Economic Cooperation Society addressed the participants of the Investment Forum and referred to the vibrant business & economic cooperation between the two countries. He emphasized on the opportunities to further strengthen it, including through investment by Chinese companies in India.

Mr. Bhushan Gagrani, CEO of MIDC, in his detailed presentation, amplified on the specific opportunities available in the State of Maharashtra. He encouraged Chinese investors to take advantage of the business incentives being offered by the State of Maharashtra and assured support & cooperation of the MIDC.

In addition an information booth was also set up by the Consulate at the Summit to provide detailed information and literature about opportunities in India to the Chinese and other investors.