As part of our efforts to strengthen links between lawmakers/ businesses from Europe and lawmakers/ businesses in India, we have been co ordinating visits of various Dignitaries to India and European Union/ UK.
Finland's Consulate General's Visit to Kochi, Kerala - June 2024
H.E Erik af Hällström from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Consulate General of Finland in Mumbai visited Kochi, Kerala. Accompanied by Sujit S Nair , Chairman of the Europe India Centre for Business and Industry (EICBI), this visit was part of the EICBI’s delegation program aimed at fostering collaborations between Finland and India in key sectors. The visit was packed with high-level meetings and insightful discussions, setting the stage for potential partnerships that could benefit both nations. More details here https://www.eicbi.org/post/senior-finnish-diplomat-erik-af-hallstrom-visits-kochi
 CG Erik at Cochin Shipyard |  CG Erik at Face Palette Makeup Academy |  CG Erik at Manorama's RoboVerse VR’ event |
|---|---|---|
 CG Erik at Face Palette Makeup Academy |  CG Erik speaking at Manorama's RoboVerse VR’ event |  CG Erik at Face Palette Makeup Academy |
 CG Erik at Kerala startup Mission |  CG Erik at Kerala startup Mission |  CG Erik at Kerala startup Mission |
 CG Erik at Kerala startup Mission |  CG Erik at Infopark |  CG Erik at Infopark |
 CG Erik at Infopark |  CG Erik at Jain University |  CG Erik at Jain University |
 CG Erik at Raha Ayurveda |  CG Erik at Cochin Shipyard |  CG Erik at Cochin Shipyard |
 CG Erik at Cochin Shipyard |  CG Erik at Raha Ayurveda |  CG Erik at Cochin Shipyard |
 CG Erik at Raha Ayurveda |  CG Erik at Raha Ayurveda |  CG Erik at Jain University |
 CG Erik at Cochin Shipyard |  CG Erik at Cochin Shipyard |  CG Erik at Jain University |
Finland's Consulate General's Visit to Trivandrum, Kerala -April 2024
Finland's Consul General for India in Mumbai Mr Eric Af Hallström visited for a series of engagements with stakeholders in Trivandrum, the capital city of the Indian state of Kerala. During the visit, Eric met with Mr. Sanjeev Nair, CEO of Technopark, and his team to gain insights into the IT ecosystem in the state. Technopark, India's first technology park and one of the largest IT parks in the country, is promoted by the Government of Kerala. Following this meeting, the delegation visited Tata Elxsi's facility within the Technopark premises to understand the company's operations at the Trivandrum Center, which employs approximately 3500 people. Subsequently, the Consul General met with a delegation from Overseas Development and Employment Promotion (ODEPC), a Government of Kerala undertaking, comprising ODEPC Chairman Adv. K P Anilkumar and ODEPC CEO Shri. Anoop K A. This was followed by the India Finland Trade Conference, attended by HE Mr. Erik af Hällström - Consul General of Finland in Mumbai, Mr. K R Jyothilal IAS Additional Chief Secretary, Govt of Kerala, and Government of Kerala’s NORKA CEO Ajith Kolassery. Other speakers included EICBI Chairman Sujit S Nair, IETO President Dr. Asif Iqbal, CA. Ranjith Warrier – Secretary, All Kerala Chartered Accountants Association, among others. Prior to the flight back to Mumbai, the CG had the opportunity to experience Ayurveda, India’s traditional medicinal system, at Santhigiri Ayurvedic Vaidyasala.
 CG HE Mr. Erik af Hallstro speaking at India Finland Trade Conference |  EICBI Chairman Sujit S Nair speaking at India Finland Trade Conference |  Mr. K R Jyothilal IAS Additional Chief Secretary Govt of Kerala speaking at India Finland Trade Conference |
|---|---|---|
 IETO President Dr Asif Iqbal speaking at India Finland Trade Conference |  Norka CEO Mr Ajith Kolassery speaking at India Finland Trade Conference |  CA. Ranjith Warrier, Secretary All Kerala Chartered Accountants Association speaking at India Finland Trade Conference |
 Kerala Businessman Mr Rajmohan Pillai speaking at India Finland Trade Conference |  India Finland Trade Conference at Trivandrum Kochi |  CG experiences Ayurveda, India’s traditional medicinal system, at Santhigiri Ayurvedic Vaidyasala. |
 CG experiences Ayurveda, India’s traditional medicinal system, at Santhigiri Ayurvedic Vaidyasala. |  CG experiences Ayurveda, India’s traditional medicinal system, at Santhigiri Ayurvedic Vaidyasala. |  India Finland Trade Conference at Trivandrum Kochi |
 India Finland Trade Conference at Trivandrum Kochi |  Visited Tata Elxsi's facility in Trivandrum |  Visited Tata Elxsi's facility in Trivandrum |
 Visit to Technopark, India's first technology park |  Visit to Technopark, India's first technology park |  Meeting with ODEPC Chairman Adv. K P Anilkumar and ODEPC CEO Shri. Anoop K A. |
 Meeting with ODEPC Chairman Adv. K P Anilkumar and ODEPC CEO Shri. Anoop K A. |
Cyprus Ambassador's Visit to Kerala - February 2024
High Commissioner of Cyprus in India, H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides, undertook a visit to Kochi in Kerala, India, from February 5th to 7th. During his stay, H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides actively participated in the India Cyprus Trade Conference held in Kochi, Kerala, India. This collaborative initiative between EICBI and IETO aimed to bolster trade promotion efforts and foster stronger bilateral relations between Cyprus and India.
In addition to attending the trade conference, H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides visited the Face Palette Makeup Academy, a skill development institution in Kochi. The academy focuses on empowering women by offering training in makeup artistry, enabling them to become independent entrepreneurs in Kerala. Furthermore, H.E. Vryonides visited several other prominent educational institutions in Kochi, including St. Teresa's College and Rajagiri College of Management and Applied Sciences. During these visits, he engaged with students and management, highlighting opportunities for educational collaborations between Cyprus and India and discussing the prospects available in Cyprus for Indian students.
 A keynote address by H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides on India-Cyprus relations during the India Cyprus Trade Conference |  A keynote address by H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides on India-Cyprus relations during the India Cyprus Trade Conference |  Ceremonial lighting of the lamp for the beginning of India CyprusTrade Conference |
|---|---|---|
 A keynote address by H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides on India-Cyprus relations during the India Cyprus Trade Conference |  EICBI Chairman Sujit Nair speaking to delegates of India Cyprus Trade Conference |  Session in progress during the India, Cyprus Trade Conference |
 Session in progress during the India, Cyprus Trade Conference |  Interaction of H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides with students of St Teresa's College (Autonomous) - Women's College in Kochi |  Interaction of H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides with students of St Teresa's College (Autonomous) - Women's College in Kochi |
 Interaction of H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides with students of St Teresa's College (Autonomous) - Women's College in Kochi |  H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides visited community radio station at St Teresa's College (Autonomous) - Women's College in Kochi |  Visiting community radio station at St Teresa's College (Autonomous) - Women's College in Kochi |
 EICBI Chairman Sujit S Nair addressing the students of St Teresa's College (Autonomous) - Women's College in Kochi |  EICBI Chairman Sujit S Nair addressing the students of St Teresa's College (Autonomous) - Women's College in Kochi |  H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides visited Face Palette Makeup Academy in Kochi to know more about the women empowerment initiatives by the academy |
 H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides visited Face Palette Makeup Academy in Kochi to know more about the women empowerment initiatives by the academy |  H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides visited Rajagiri college of Management and Applied sciences in Kochi and interacted with students |  H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides's interaction with students of Rajagiri college of management and applied sciences in Kochi |
 Interaction with students of Rajagiri college of management and applied sciences in Kochi |  Interaction with students of Rajagiri college of management and applied sciences in Kochi |  Interaction with students of Rajagiri college of management and applied sciences in Kochi |
 Interaction with students of Rajagiri college of management and applied sciences in Kochi |  Interaction with students of Rajagiri college of management and applied sciences in Kochi |  Interaction with students of Rajagiri college of management and applied sciences in Kochi |
Romanian Ambassador's Visit to Kerala - October 2023
H.E. Ms. Daniela Mariana Sezonov Tane, Ambassador of Romania to India and her team visited Kochi in Kerala, India from 5th October to 7th October. Ambassador Tane participated in the India Romania Trade Conference which took place in Kochi, Kerala, India. The visit was a collaborative endeavour between EICBI and IETO. Its primary objective was to serve as a catalyst for advancing trade promotion and nurturing stronger relations between Romania and India. The Ambassador paid a visit to the Kerala Startup Mission campus, the central agency of the Government of Kerala dedicated to entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in Kerala, India. During her visit, representatives of the Kerala Startup Mission provided a comprehensive overview of the organization's work and initiatives. Ambassador Tane also had the opportunity to engage with several startups during her visit to the Kerala Startup Mission. She shared valuable insights about Romania and elaborated on the advantages of establishing businesses in Romania. Ambassador Tane also made a visit to Face Palette Makeup Academy, a skill development institution in Kochi. This academy focuses primarily on empowering women by providing training in makeup artistry and subsequently guiding them to become solopreneurs and entrepreneurs in Kerala. During her visit, Ambassador Tane had an engaging conversation with the students and shared her inspiring life journey. This interaction with a prominent female leader offered students a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the qualities and dedication required to become leaders in their chosen fields.
 A keynote address by Romanian Ambassador to India H.E. Ms. Daniela Mariana Sezonov Tane on India-Romania relations during India Romania Trade Conference |  H.E. Ms. Daniela Mariana Sezonov Tane, Ambassador of Romania to India, Rocketry film producer Dr. Varghese Moolan and others jointly launched the report titled "Film Incentives in Romania," showcasing opportunities for collaboration in the film industry. |  Ceremonial lighting of the lamp for the beginning of India Romania Trade Conference |
|---|---|---|
 Ambassador Tane also made a visit to Face Palette Makeup Academy, a skill development institution in Kochi. This academy focuses primarily on empowering women by providing training in makeup artistry and subsequently guiding them to become solopreneurs and entrepreneurs in Kerala. |  Ambassador Tane also made a visit to Face Palette Makeup Academy, a skill development institution in Kochi. This academy focuses primarily on empowering women by providing training in makeup artistry and subsequently guiding them to become solopreneurs and entrepreneurs in Kerala. |  The Ambassador paid a visit to the Kerala Startup Mission campus, the central agency of the Government of Kerala dedicated to entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in Kerala, India. |
 The Ambassador paid a visit to the Kerala Startup Mission campus, the central agency of the Government of Kerala dedicated to entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in Kerala, India. |  The Ambassador paid a visit to the Kerala Startup Mission campus, the central agency of the Government of Kerala dedicated to entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in Kerala, India. |
British MP Lord Waverley's visit to India - September/ October 2022
Lord Waverley (Member of UK Parliament – House of Lords/ Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on UK India Trade & Investment) visited various states in India as part of the outreach programme. During this visit to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Delhi, Orissa Maharashtra and Kerala, he engaged in discussions with politicians, officials, trade body representatives, business leaders and other professionals. Find the snapshot of the visit below.
 Meeting with Orissa CM Mr Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneswar |  Meeting with former Karnataka CM and Current leader of the opposition Mr Siddaramaiah at his residence in Bangalore |  At the graduation ceremony of Face Palette International makeup academy in Kochi, Kerala |
|---|---|---|
 Meeting with Indian Super star Mr Kamal Haasan at his residence |  Meeting with BJP Maharashtra Spokesperson Mr Asif Bhamla and a small delegation of business leaders |  Unveiling of the replica of Shiva statue at Kannur in Kerala |
 Meeting with the President of Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture |  At the graduation ceremony of KIIT University, Orissa |  Meeting with Noted Journalist Kumar Rakesh ji |
 At the graduation ceremony of Hindustan University, Tamil Nadu |  At a temple in Bangalore, Karnataka |  Interacting with Kids born into India's lowest socioeconomic class at Shanti Bhavan school in Hosur. |
 At a event in a Medical college in Bangalore |
British MP Bob Blackman visit to Kerala - February 2019
London MP from Harrow East Hon Bob Blackman visited Kerala as part of our efforts to engage elected European officials with stakeholders in India. Mr Bob Blackman is the Vice Chair of Indo British All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and Chairman of All Party Parliamentary Group ( APPG) on Indian Traditional sciences. An APPG is a grouping in the Parliament of the United Kingdom that is composed of members of parliament from all political parties. During this visit to Kerala, he engaged in discussions with politicians, officials, trade body representatives, Tourism representatives and Ayurveda practitioners. Find the snapshot of the visit below
 Interaction with Kerala Lok Ayukta Justice Cyriac joseph |  Interaction with Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan |  A Brief Chat with Malayalam Actor Jayasurya |
|---|---|---|
 Interaction with Former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy |  With Mr Radhakrishna Menon who is the Director of Cochin Shipyard and General Secretary of Kerala BJP. |  Bob Blackman interacting with students of a school in Kochi |
 Bob Blackman interacting with students of a school in Kochi |  NCC cadets welcoming Bob Blackman MP to the school in Kochi |  Students of a Autism school welcoming Hon Bob Blackman MP by Chenda melam, Kerala's dramatic and very infectious percussion ensemble. |
 Hon Bob Blackman interacting with members of Tourism association in Kerala, as a large number of British Tourists come to Kerala |  Hon Bob Blackman with students of Face Palette Makeup academy, whose courses are certified by EICBI |  Hon Bob Blackman presenting certificates to Face Palette students who have passed the exams during the graduation day. |
 Hob Bob Blackman with students of Autism school. |  Hon Bob Blackman interacting with students of Autism school. |  In a dinner interaction with Mr CP John, who is UDF leader and General Secretary of Communist Marxist Party and was part of Kerala Planning Commission during the tenure of the last Congress led government |
 EICBI Chairman Sujit S Nair receiving Hon Bob Blackman at the airport |  Hon Bob Blackman interacting with Autism students |  Hon Bob Blackman unveiling a new initiative by Punarnava called Journey to roots. |
 Hon Bob Blackman interacting with Austism students |  Hon Bob Blackman interacting with employees of Sukhayus Ayurveda centre in Cherai beach |  Hon Bob Blackman interacting with staff of Rajagiri hospitals where Punarnava has an Ayurveda centre |
 Hon Bob Blackman being felicitated by Punarnava CEO, Dr Anvar |  Interaction with Press about the possibility of promoting Ayurveda in UK. |  Interaction with core team of Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which is one of the oldest trade bodies in India. |
British MP Virendra Sharma visit to Karnataka - January 2017
A delegation comprising of British MP Hon Virendra Sharma MP, EICBI Chairman Mr.Sujit Nair.,FRSA, UK Karnataka Business Chamber ( UKKBC ) Chairman Mr.Manjunath Viswakarma visited Karnataka. The visit was extensively covered by various media outlets in Karnataka including The Hindu, The New Indian Express, NDTV, Deccan Chronicle, Deccan Herald, Times of India amongst others. Find a snapshot of the visit below
 Virendra Sharma with Karnataka industry RV Deshpande at Indian Diaspora' event prior to Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017 |  Meeting with representatives from film industry |  Hon.Virendra Sharma visited office of ERIN Foundation and witnesses the gifting of several British published books by CEO of IT Company Pradeep PK to SDC. Sataka Paul and Rajamma |
|---|---|---|
 British MP Hon Virendra Sharma being welcomed by Presidency University Chancellor Mr Nissar Ahmed and his team |  Hon Virendra Sharma being honoured by former education minister of Karnataka BA Moideen and Presidency University Chancellor Mr Nissar Ahmed |  UK MP Virendra Sharma along with ministers and bureaucrats from Karnataka during Invest Karnataka session of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017 |
 UK MP Virendra Sharma speaks during Invest Karnataka session of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017 |  Launch of UK Karnataka Business Chamber by Shri.D.H.Shankaramurthy - Chairman of the Legislative Council of Karnataka, Hon.Virendra Sharma, the British MP from Ealing Southall, Sujit Nair the Chief Coordinator of BSSIC as well as Manjunath Vishwakarma (Chairman of the recently formed UKKBC) |  In conversation with Indian MP Mr DK Suresh and Kannada Actor Yash |
 Hon Virendra Sharma, a LSE Alumnus, met with the representatives of LSE Alumni association in Bangalore |  Interaction with Shri.D.H.Shankaramurthy Chairman of the Legislative Council of Karnataka, Members of Legislative council, trade bodies and businessmen |  Interacting with local politicians from Bangalore |
 Received tremendous support from Karnataka police and traffic personal during the visit of the delegation to Bangalore |  British MP Virendra Sharma opens new section of calligraphy museum. It houses a calligrapher's collection of fountain pens, nibs, journals and quills. |  Hon Virendra Sharma being welcomed by BSICC Karnataka Vice Chair Mr KC Janardhan. We received tremendous support from Karnataka police and traffic personal during the visit of the delegation to Bangalore |
 British MP Virendra Sharma opens new section of calligraphy museum. It houses a calligrapher's collection of fountain pens, nibs, journals and quills. |  Delegation interacts with Business leaders from Karnataka who are looking to explore opportunities in UK |  Speaking at PIO Chamber of Commerce & Industry Conclave |
 Inaugurating PIO Chamber of Commerce & Industry Conclave along with Karnataka industry RV Deshpande |  Inaugurating PIO Chamber of Commerce & Industry Conclave along with Karnataka industry RV Deshpande |  At the entrance of Mitralaya School |
 Erin Foundation founder Mr Sai Prakash welcoming Hon Virendra Sharma |  |  In discussion with Christ University Vice Chancellor Dr Fr Thomas C Mathew and Christ University Director Fr Thomas |
 Hon Virendra Sharma in his interaction "Jalandhar to UK Parliament" with 1200 students from Christ University, Bangalore , shared his journey from a village in Jalandhar to a bus conductor to 3 time British MP |  Hon Virendra Sharma in his interaction "Jalandhar to UK Parliament" with 1200 students from Christ University, Bangalore , shared his journey from a village in Jalandhar to a bus conductor to 3 time British MP |  Hon Virendra Sharma in his interaction "Jalandhar to UK Parliament" with 1200 students from Christ University, Bangalore , shared his journey from a village in Jalandhar to a bus conductor to 3 time British MP |
British MP Hon Virendra Sharma's visit to Telangana - November 2016
London MP from Ealing Southall Hon Virendra Sharma visited the newly formed Indian state of Telangana as part of our efforts to engage elected European officials with stakeholders in India. Mr Virendra Sharma is the Chairman of Indo British All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Find a snapshot of the visit below
 Hon Virendra Sharma interacting with Mr K T Rama Rao, Minister for Industries & Commerce, and Information Technology of Telangana |  Hon Virendra Sharma meet His holiness Jeeyar Swamy at his ashram and visited their blind school |  Hon Virendra Sharma interacting with members from Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry |
|---|---|---|
 Interaction with Telangana Electricity body chief Devulapalli Prabhakar Rao |  Hon Virendra Sharma spoke at a Seminar organised by Hyderbad Management Association on Brexit and UK India Relations. |  Meeting organized by Telangana Legislative Assembly's Speaker Mr S. Madhusudhana Chary at his Chamber |
 Dinner hosted by Mahmood Ali Saab, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minster |  Breakfast Meeting organised by Telangana Legislative Council Chairman Mr Swamy Goud at his Chamber |  Meeting with industry leaders from Hyderabad |
 Interaction with T. Padma Rao Goud, Minister of Excise |  Hon Virendra Sharma MP visiting the blind school |  In discussion with The Hon'ble Chief-Secretary of Telangana state Mr Rajeev Sharma. |
 Paying respect to former Indian PM P V Narasimha Rao ji at PV Ghat in Hyderabad |  Tree plantation and visit to Confederation of Indian Industries |  Meetings with Telangana Ministers, MPs and Top Bureaucrats |
 Meetings with Telangana Ministers, MPs and Top Bureaucrats |  Meetings with Telangana Ministers, MPs and Top Bureaucrats |
EU delegation visit to Karnataka - November 2016
We hosted a European Union delegation comprising of 27 companies from UK, Greece, Italy and Lithuania for half a day at Rajajinagar Industrial area and co ordinated a visit to one of the units of Vindhya E-Infomedia Pvt Ltd, which is based in Rajajinagar Industrial area. The delegation was led by London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The European delegation was part of a European Commission project – EAGLES, which is designed to enhance co-operation between trade promotion organisations and boost trade for stronger economic growth. Find a snapshot of the visit below
 Group photos of E-Vindhya team with the EU delegation |  Members of the delegation interacting with employees of Vindhya E-Infomedia Pvt Ltd |  Members of the delegation interacting with employees of Vindhya E-Infomedia Pvt Ltd |
|---|---|---|
 Members of the delegation interacting with employees of Vindhya E-Infomedia Pvt Ltd |  Members of the delegation interacting with employees of Vindhya E-Infomedia Pvt Ltd |  Members of the delegation interacting with employees of Vindhya E-Infomedia Pvt Ltd |
 Members of the delegation interacting with employees of Vindhya E-Infomedia Pvt Ltd |
British MP Hon Virendra Sharma's visit to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry - October 2016
London MP from Ealing Southall Hon Virendra Sharma visited Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as part of our efforts to engage elected European officials with stakeholders in India. Mr Virendra Sharma is the Chairman of Indo British All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Find a snapshot of the visit below
 Hon Virendra Sharma draping the ceremonial ponnada during his meeting with Puducherry CM |  The delegation discussed various business opportunities in Puducherry with CM Narayanaswamy, Tourism and Civil aviation minister Mr Malladi Krishna Rao, Industries and Commerce Minister Mr Shahjahan, Puducherry MP Mr RadhaKrishnan, Chief Secretary Mr Manoj Panda IAS and others. |  The Delegation interacted with Tourism and Civil aviation Minister Mr Malladi Krishna Rao. |
|---|---|---|
 Hon Virendra Sharma draping the ceremonial ponnada during his meeting with Speaker Mr V Vaithilingam |  The delegation led by Virendra Sharma MP met Dr Kiran Bedi, Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry |  Hon Virendra Sharma MP at the inauguration ceremony of World Tamil Economic Forum alongside His excellency Moses Veerasammy Nagamootoo, Prime Minister of Guyana and His Excellency Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory, Hon Vice President of Mauritius |
 Hon Virendra Sharma MP interacting with Women entrepreneurs at Indo - UK Women Entrepreneur's meet and greet session |  Hon Virendra Sharma MP met Tamil Nadu's Industry secretary Mr Vikram Kapur to explore opportunities for UK companies in Tamil Nadu |