International trade training school in Goa soon: Shah

HERALD: Is Vibrant Goa a platform only to draw investment in the State, or will it take local business to the next level?

JAGAT SHAH: The only way to retain Goan youth back in Goa is through job creation. Vibrant Goa aims to promote trade, investment and technology transfer between Goan, foreign and Indian companies to achieve the goal of taking businesses in Goa to the next level.

HERALD: How did the idea of Vibrant Goa germinate?

JS: I have seen the success stories of Vibrant Gujarat and when my long time friend, Arman Bankley spoke to me about organising an expo for Goa, I suggested him the Vibrant Gujarat model which he liked very much and spoke to Rajkumar Kamat of BNI and rest is history. Help also came in from the then chief minister Manohar Parrikar and the legacy was carried on and ably supported by the present Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant.    

HERALD: What is the kind of effort put in to ensure the success of the expo?

JS: It has been an amazing journey from October 2018 to October 2019 of having worked tirelessly and closely with dynamic personalities, government, corporates, SME’s, Team Vibrant Goa Foundation, core committee members, Team Global Network, all business bodies, youth, women, self help groups, NGO’s, colleges, vendors, and service providers, to showcase the first Vibrant Goa Global Expo & Summit 2019 to the world. The support which we received from all quarters is phenomenal and is continued. 

HERALD: How much support did you receive from the Goa government?

JS: The biggest asset and confidence booster was the unstinted support of Dr Pramod Sawant, the Chief Minister of Goa and his entire team of ministers and  officials. Without their support it was impossible to take this forward. I am amazed the way they supported the cause in all the forums they addressed. It will lay the foundation for the next generation to understand how business works and should be carried forward. 

HERALD: How is Goa perceived internationally in the business fora?

JS: We visited at least twenty countries and over twenty states in India to promote Vibrant Goa. Everybody knew of Goa but as a tourist destination. We presented about twelve industry sectors thriving in Goa and which was an eye opener for many. The image of Goa is being widened by showcasing the State as being rich in business and skills – Samruddha Goa.   

HERALD: Which sector has shown most interest in Goa as a business destination?

JS: Goa has several sectors which can be displayed on a world map. However, we have seen some emerging enthusiasm in Information Technology, Wellness, Medical Tourism, education, emerging technologies, film and entertainment, fisheries, agriculture etc which promises growth in near future. The potential is immense and it can be taken forward. 

HERALD: You have been a founder of ‘Vibrant’ series. How will it help Goa?

JS: Gujarat Government is the Founder of Vibrant Gujarat. Our company, Global Network organised Vibrant Kutch, Vibrant Saurashtra, Vibrant Ceramics, Vibrant Tamil Nadu and now we are engaged with Vibrant Goa. This will help to bring investment into the State and create exporters out of Goan companies. It will create a wonderful opportunity for Goan companies, sitting at home to take their business and skills worldwide.   

HERALD: What are the plans post the event?

JS: We are establishing our international trade training school in Goa, a first in Goa by the name of Global Network Institute. On this platform we have already conducted 148 batches of courses, all over the world. The first batch in Goa will start from December 2019, about two months after the Vibrant Goa event this October. We shall continue the journey to empower youth, women, SME’s and corporates of Goa to take them to global markets. We will ensure that we will provide the Goan business a platform which will help them catapult their products and skills worldwide.