The Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024, organised by the Vibrant Goa Foundation in association with the Government of Goa, commenced today with a grand opening, marking the beginning of an event set to unlock global business opportunities for the state. The summit, held at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Goa, will bring together leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to explore new pathways for Goa’s economic growth and innovation.
Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant graced the inaugural ceremony in the presence of Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho, former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu; Rajkumar Kamat (Chairman of Vibrant Goa Foundation), Vinay Verma (Chairman of the Amazing Goa Global Business Summit), Manoj Patil (Vice Chairman of Vibrant Goa Foundation), Arman Bankley (President of Vibrant Goa Foundation), and Rasik Naik (Founder Trustee).
The much-anticipated Goa MSME Adhiveshan 2.0 focused on “Finance and Innovation” for MSMEs, addressing the vital role of small and medium enterprises in the state’s economic ecosystem.
The Expo Arena also opened its doors with the inauguration of the Amazing Goa Business Expo, which was bustling with visitors, showcasing products, services, and innovations from local businesses, providing a unique opportunity for networking and business exchange.
One of the major programs forming a part of the Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024 is the B2B discussion between Goan MSMEs and international delegates. This initiative will help individual business owners explore business tie-ups in their respective sectors with delegates from different countries. This has been made possible thanks to the Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet scheme of the Central Government under the RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) program of the Ministry of MSME. Through this, more than 400 individual B2B meetings are expected to take place, offering substantial opportunities for Goan MSMEs.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the strategic importance of Goa as a hub for business and tourism, in a virtual address stating: “The Amazing Goa Global Business Summit serves as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, not only for Goa but for the entire nation. It provides a unique platform for entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and industry leaders to collaborate, innovate, and tap into global opportunities. Our focus on export-led growth and investment partnerships will open new avenues for businesses, while also promoting India as a hub for international trade. I look forward to witnessing how this summit fosters strategic alliances and accelerates our collective journey toward a more prosperous and self-reliant India. The aspects that make the state attractive to work with are where the rule of law prevails with a young, talented, and skilled population. A large population of 1.4 billion aspirational individuals seek a better quality of life, which creates demand for goods and services, with strong leadership from figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and a decisive government.”
Dr. Pramod Sawant shared his vision, saying: “The main purpose of the Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024 is to serve as a powerful platform to showcase the potential of Goa and to foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and investment. Guided by Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and the Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap for a developed India, the summit seeks to align with the nation’s self-reliance goals, contributing significantly to a prosperous, sustainable future for Goa. It seeks to position Goa as a vibrant investment destination, moving beyond tourism to become a hub for emerging industries. We envisioned Goa as a pioneer in harnessing solar, wind and bioenergy. Our government is focused on the policies that incentivize clean energy projects, Inviting the investors to partner in our journey to the green energy stage.”
Rajkumar Kamat, Chairman of Vibrant Goa Foundation, said: “Our vision for the Amazing Goa Global Business Summit is deeply rooted in empowering Goan enterprises and MSMEs by giving them direct access to global business networks, innovative technologies, and insights from leading industry experts. This platform is not just about exchanging business cards; it’s about creating meaningful collaborations that can transform local businesses into international success stories. Ultimately, the summit will serve as a critical catalyst, paving the way for a thriving and inclusive economy that benefits our entire community, from local artisans and self-help groups to cutting-edge startups.”
Vinay Verma, Chairman of the Amazing Goa Global Business Summit, stated “The Amazing Goa Global Business Summit is all about creating real opportunities for businesses here in Goa to connect, grow, and thrive on a larger scale. We’re committed to supporting our local MSMEs and entrepreneurs by giving them a platform to showcase their innovations and learn from industry leaders. This event is more than just networking—it’s about equipping Goan businesses with the insights and partnerships they need to reach new heights, not only in India but globally. We’re excited to see the positive impact this summit will bring to our community.”
In the afternoon, a series of sector-focused sessions were hosted where industry leaders discussed the latest challenges and technologies in the Health and Wellness sector, providing valuable insights for attendees. This was followed by a session on emerging fields like IT, AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity, exploring the challenges and opportunities these technologies present. A special session titled Navigating the Legal Maze provided attendees with practical guidance on legal considerations relevant to businesses.
Simultaneously, sessions were held addressing the evolving entrepreneurial landscape like the 21st Century Challenges of Startups and Entrepreneurship, which was particularly insightful for budding entrepreneurs and investors. Another session focused on Integrating Technology with Traditional Education to foster new-economy skills, emphasizing the importance of tech-based skills in education.
The Amazing Goa Global Business Summit aims to create a comprehensive platform that empowers Goan businesses and entrepreneurs. By offering exhibitions that showcase innovation, facilitating strategic B2B meetings, and providing insights through keynote speakers and workshops, the event is designed to drive meaningful engagement. The summit also seeks to celebrate Goa’s rich culture through special programs, while opening avenues for export opportunities to strengthen the local economy and connect Goan enterprises to global markets.
With two more days to go, Goa will witness High-level networking as Day 2 features the Future Tech Summit and Ventura for student entrepreneurship, exploring entrepreneurship strategies and trade opportunities. Additionally, sessions will be held on global business prospects across continents and finance insights for MSMEs and will cover topics like tech ecosystems for women, investment strategies, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and CSIR innovations. Day 3 will highlight a country focus session on Australia, followed by the grand closing ceremony, wrapping up the summit with reflections and acknowledgments.
The first day of the Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024 showcased Goa’s potential as a thriving hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and business expansion. With a mix of insightful sessions and interactive networking opportunities, the event successfully provided a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, laying a strong foundation for the days to come.
