Riyadh: The Embassy of India in Riyadh, in collaboration with the Federation of Saudi Chambers, organised a Business interaction and networking session on February 05, 2023, for the Indian IT delegation which is here to participate in the LEAP Tech Conference.
The event had the participation of a 45-member delegation of IT companies from India which are led by NASSCOM, the Electronics and Software Export Promotion Council (ESC), and the Confederation of Indian Industry. These IT companies include startups and SMEs in the information technology sector. They are working in the domains of AI, blockchain, software development, cloud services, and digital solutions.
The event at the Federation was co-chaired by the Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia, Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan, and the Secretary General of the Federation of Saudi Chambers Mr. Hussain A. Alabdulkader. Representatives of the Saudi India Business Council and a number of Saudi companies also participated in the Event. Mr. Shivendra Singh, Vice President, NASSCOM, Mr Sandeep Narula, Chairman, ESC India, and Mr Chacko Cherian, Director, Member of CII FBN India made detailed interventions.
A senior representative from the Saudi Ministry of Investment gave a presentation on various opportunities in the Kingdom in the area of IT. Mr. Ram Prasad, Deputy Chief of Mission and Ms. Ritu Yadav, Head of the Commercial Wing of the Embassy were also present. The delegation is scheduled to have many other engagements with the Saudi stakeholders in the IT sector to explore opportunities for cooperation and business between India and Saudi Arabia.
Prior to the Business interaction, the Ambassador and Secretary General also discussed avenues to enhance bilateral commercial ties.
Later the delegation participated in the LEAP Tech Conference. Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan inaugurated the Indian pavilions set up by NASSCOM and ESC on February 6. The Ambassador also interacted with the participating Indian companies. NASSCOM companies have established booths in the start-up zone of the conference area and will be looking to connect with potential investors and partners. Many other Indian companies like HCL, Tally, and Increff also set up their independent pavilions.
India has emerged as the 3rd fastest growing hub for technology startups and a growing innovation ecosystem. More than 100 startups have reached Unicorn status in India. India is rapidly progressing in the fields of Health-Tech, Ed-Tech, Agri-Tech, Fin-Tech, circular economy, and secured Digital infra. Similarly, in Saudi Arabia, the ICT sector is one of the major enablers of Vision 2030. There is a huge potential for IT Business between India and Saudi Arabia.