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Meeting with H E Driss Jettou,
Prime Minister, Morocco
December 7, 2004, New Delhi
Vote of Thanks by Mr Onkar Kanwar,
President-Elect, FICCI
Excellency Prime Minister Driss Jettou
Ambassador Mr. Mohammad El Himani, Mr. Prabhu Dayal,
Indian Ambassador to Morocco,
Mr. Sanjay Kirloskar,
Distinguished Guests and Friends
On behalf of Indian Industry, I would like to take
this opportunity to thank you Mr. Prime Minister for
your thoughtful comments to us today. Our thanks also
to Minister Ahmed for his insights.
It is an honour to be able to host you, along with
the accompanying delegation of high level officials
and businessmen.
Mr. Prime Minister, you would best understand the needs
of business. You have studied it. You have been a part
of industry as the head of Morocco's leading industry
association. And Sir you have led the country as the
Minister of Trade, Industry and Finance since 1993.
While our two governments have laid the ground for
fruitful trade ties over a long period of time, businesses
- especially those in India - have not been able to
take full advantage of these positive trends. Despite
that, India enjoys an enviable position in Morocco.
I understand India is the third largest Export market
for Moroccan goods. That speaks highly of the quality
standards of Moroccan goods.
We, as Indian businessmen, would similarly need to
look more closely at Morocco as a market for our goods
and services. Especially since Morocco also provides
us with the locational advantage to penetrate other
North African markets. The presence of so many captains
of Indian industry gives me confidence in this area.
Excellency, we are confident that your visit will further
cement our existing strong bonds and raise our partnership
to new heights. At our end, we assure you that Indian
Industry will work with our counterpart in Morocco to
bring our two business communities closer.
For their support, may I on behalf of Indian industry
express our sincere thanks to our sponsors:
- The Kirloskar Group
- B.H.E.L. and
- SCI
A special thank you for members of the Indian and Moroccan
media for their presence.
With these words I would like to carry this Vote of
Thanks with a round of applause.
Thank you.
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