Dr. Viinay Sarikonda’s recent appointment as India’s Trade Commissioner for Brazil and the Latin American Caribbean Countries during the G20 events in New Delhi has garnered significant attention and praise, including from India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. This appointment signifies a crucial step towards strengthening historical ties and fostering bilateral relations between India and the Latin American Caribbean region.
Dr. Viinay Sarikonda has been a steadfast advocate for women’s empowerment throughout his career. Recognizing the critical role that women play in economic and social development, he has championed initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and providing women with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
Dr. Sarikonda’s mission is clear to elevate trade and business connectivity to new heights between India and the Latin American Caribbean Countries. He envisions achieving this by facilitating international trade agreements and export trade programs, with a primary focus on several key industries. Pharmaceuticals, technologies, farming, poultry, food processing, meat processing, and agricultural collaborations are among the sectors that will receive special attention under his leadership.
Furthermore, Dr. Sarikonda aims to identify opportunities for bolstering India’s infrastructure. This includes initiatives focused on the establishment of educational institutions and hospitals. His commitment to promoting tourism, medical tourism, and film productions between India and the Latin American Caribbean Countries will further enhance cultural and economic ties.
One of Dr. Sarikonda’s central roles is to play an essential part in imports and exports to 33 Latin American Caribbean Countries. This responsibility aligns with the goals of the Latin American Caribbean Federation of India (LACFI), which is dedicated to building bilateral trade relations and supporting Indian companies looking to invest in various projects in the Latin American region.
Indian Pharma, in particular, holds significant promise for growth in commerce and trade. Dr. Sarikonda’s leadership is expected to boost opportunities for Indian businessmen in areas such as mining, solar energy, tourism, hospitality, and education collaborations with Latin American partners.
The Latin American Caribbean Trade Office, working in collaboration with the Ministries of trade and commerce of various Latin American countries, their governments, and trade promotion departments, will be instrumental in promoting investment and growth. This office, operating under the embassies of various Latin American Caribbean embassies in New Delhi, will serve as a hub for trade-related activities.
Dr. Sarikonda’s vision extends to opening 24 offices in 24 states across India to promote small-scale industries for export. These small-scale industries will benefit from government schemes supported by the Central Government of India. This approach aligns with the government’s broader agenda of boosting economic growth and trade at the grassroots level.
Additionally, Dr. Sarikonda’s strategic decision to establish a head office in Park Place Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE, demonstrates a commitment to providing comprehensive global trade support for importers and exporters. This office will serve as a key facilitator for international trade activities, connecting Indian businesses with global markets.
In an effort to strengthen mechanisms for trade opportunities between India and the Latin American region, a delegation from the Latin American Caribbean Federation of India is set to embark on a journey to Mexico and other parts of South America from October 2nd to October 10th, 2023. This delegation will work towards solidifying the foundations created by Dr. Sarikonda and further enabling mutually beneficial trade relations.
