Dawn of a New Era

Media Release for Immediate Publication

Monday 26 September 2016

Dawn of a New Era – Historic and first New Zealand India Business Women Conclave Concludes

In the Photo from left to right: Vinita Bimbhet (President, FICCI FLO), Giri Gupta (Chairman, India Trade Alliance), Sunil Kaushal (General Secretary, India Trade Alliance)

The first NZ India Business Women Conclave concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between India Trade Alliance and FICCI FLO and an understanding to build on the business networks formed during the historic and first ever NZ India Business Women Conclave on Friday 23 September 2016 at The Langham in Auckland.

More than 150 women leaders gathered from across New Zealand including 42 strong all women CEO delegation from India led by the FICCI FLO President Vinita Bimbhet.

“India Trade Alliance through this historic dialogue between women of both countries aimed to encourage on building women’s confidence and instilling a strong sense of competency and readiness in for the challenges and rewards of doing business in India,” said Giri Gupta, Chairman of India Trade Alliance. “We hope that by broadening the global dialogue on gender and diversity-related issues, we will strengthen the leadership capacity of women and close the gender gap. For NZ businesses to work closer with Indian counterparts, we need collaborative working relationship with our counterparts in India to lay a platform for Kiwi firms to be able to engage at business level”.

Vinita Bimbhet, President Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industr y Ladies Organisation (FICCI FLO) said, "I have been to many countries and to visit this part of the world and see the energy, innovation and enthusiasm of likeminded women shows the world why the Kiwi women lead the world in many sectors". Sharing about New Zealand’s lead on deregulating the market, Vinita said, “Over the last 30 years the New Zealand economy has gone from being one of the most regulated in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to one of the least regulated, most free-market based economies. Fertile soil and excellent growing conditions coupled with sophisticated farming methods and advanced agricultural technology provide the ideal environment for pastoral, forestry and horticulture activities”.

The theme of “Leadership, Innovation, Entrepreneurship” was discussed by a panel of eight women and included Dame Wendy Pye (Wendy Pye Publishing), Dr. Michelle Dickinson (OMG Tech), Jo Pennycuick (ReDesign Group) and Melanie Auld (Zespri) from New Zealand and representing India were business women Jayanti Dalmia (Dalmia Group), Kiran Gore (AquaAgri Greentech), Ranjana Agarwal (Vaish & Associates) and Namita Gautam (Sheela Foam). Ziena Jalil, Partner at SenateSHJ was the moderator. The panel discussed will address the needs and challenges of women in business in both countries, consider different perspectives and made lasting business connections.

“Gender parity is not only good news for business but also makes economic sense”, says Sunil Kaushal – General Secretary of India Trade Alliance. Thanking the guests, he went on to say, “The goal for us at ITA is impact. We strive through our exceptional and insightful speakers, experienced facilitators and detailed planning to create a lasting impact for each individual – current, emerging or future leader”.

“The energy and expertise of each of these keynote speakers and panelist has definitely helped our delegates to develop deeper insight in to the NZ India Market and develop on the best practices shared” says Rashmi Sarita, Executive Director FICCI FLO.

The event brought together 150 attendees, 10 professional speakers and panelist and offers interactive session designed specifically for the audience based on hearing and exchanging best practices from both sides of the world. The event partners were Zespri and Southern Institute of Technology and supported by Asia New Zealand Foundation, National Council of Women NZ, Global Women, I Am Woman, EMA, Export NZ, NZ Tech and Governance NZ.

(Ends)

About ITA: India Trade Alliance (ITA) is an invitation-only organisation working with stakeholders to establish, build and promote trade, investment, sporting and cultural links between New Zealand and India.

ITA has administrative centres in the Indian cities of Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Auckland in New Zealand.

For more information, please visit www.ita.nz

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