Technology summit promotes closer ties with India

The Consulate General of India, New York, in association with The Government of Bermuda and the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) hosted the Bermuda Financial Services Technology Summit on May 20, 2014 to promote closer economic, trade, cultural and social ties between Bermuda and India.

The event featured a number of speakers, namely Amb. Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay, Consul General of India, New York; Ms. Cheryl Packwood, Bermuda’s Overseas Representative, Washington, D.C. office;  Mr. Ashok Kumar Garg,  Chief Executive, U.S. Operations, Bank of Baroda, India; Mr. Praveen Kumar, Vice President, Business Development, State Bank of India; Mr. Ross Webber, Permanent Secretary, The Government of Bermuda’s Ministry of Education & Economic Development; Ms. Meenakshi Vashist, Assistant Director, India Tourism, New York; and Mr. Bill Hanbury, Chief Executive Officer, Bermuda Tourism Authority.

Approximately 70 prominent leaders and top-level executives from within the New York and Bermuda business communities attended the private event. Topics discussed included Financial Services and Technology in India, Financial Services and Technology in Bermuda, Tourism in India, and Tourism in Bermuda. Closing remarks were delivered by Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay, Consul General of India, New York.

Commenting on the event as well as the engagement efforts behind it, Ms. Packwood said, “Bermuda enjoys a strong relationship with India, and looks forward to continued engagement efforts aimed at bolstering ties between the two lands. Following the signing of our Tax Information Exchange Agreement in 2010, efforts to foster strong relationships with India have brought about wonderful opportunities such as these to bring our communities closer together. Bermuda was well-received by the Consulate General of India, and looks forward to further collaboration moving forward.”

Mr. Webber echoed the sentiment of Ms. Packwood, stating, “Tonight marked an important step in the partnership between India and Bermuda as we continue to build stronger ties economically as well as in trade, culture, and society. Development from a business perspective between our two nations is critical in driving forward with the next phase of bilateral progress.”

The BDA worked in partnership with the Consulate General of India and the Government of Bermuda and provided sponsorship and logistical support for the event.