WICCI celebrated International Women’s Day by organising India-Bangladesh Conclave

Partha Roy, Kolkata: Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, (WICCI) celebrated International Women ‘s Day by organising India -Bangladesh Conclave & Exhibition on 10th & 11th March 2023 in Kolkata.

WICCI , National Business Chamber for Women boosts and builds women’s entrepreneurship and businesses through greater engagement with government, institutions, global trade and networks.

WICCI ‘s India Bangladesh Business Council President Dr. Sharmista Raha organized the event primarily with an aim to bolster the morale of the team members and to look into trade opportunities with neighbouring Bangladesh.

The exhibition titled ” Maitree r Shongjog ” was inaugurated by Manjula Jain, President, and Indu Gandhi, Vice President of Eastern Region Councils of WICCI, and Annuradha Kapoor, Secretary of ALL, All Ladies League. Ms. Indu Gandhi spoke about how this organization started during the lockdown period of 2020 through online platforms.

The conclave titled “Together We Rise” was graced by Md. Shamshul Arif, First Secretary of Bangladesh High Commission in Kolkata as Chief Guest who spoke about the ongoing commercial exchanges between the two countries, India and Bangladesh and also promised the ladies relevant help in future projects. Keynote speaker and special guest at the occasion was Ms. Ruba Ramanna , Associate Professor of South West University, Dhaka. She presented a paper on Women entrepreneurship in Bangladesh and spoke about the advantages and disadvantages of being an women entrepreneur and the steps taken by the Bangladesh government to support the entrepreneurial ventures by the women in Bangladesh. A MOU was signed between The South West University, Dhaka and India Bangladesh Business Council of WICCI for further cooperation in various fields. The signatories were Ruba Ramanna and Dr. Sharmista Raha. Md. Joynal Abedin , former secretary of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce had attended virtually and made a presentation on “Opportunities in Bangladesh” . Debasmita Moulik, oil and gas analyst & Indian journalist based in Moscow & Kolkata and Academic Advisor Moscow State Linguistic University spoke on opportunities of multilateral cooperation . Dr. K . B. Choudhary Chairman of Henry Mekin Infrastructure development conglomerate and involved in trade development for nearly 50 years between India – Bangladesh and member of several International & national Business Chambers in India & Bangladesh & other nations was also present and spoke on potential opportunities of Business collaboration amongst women entrepreneurs. The session concluded on a high note with all members geared up and planning ahead for the next venture. The exhibition gave opportunities to Women entrepreneurs to show-case their products . Dr. Sharmista Raha mentioned the shining light behind it all, soul sister Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai WICCI Founder& National President. It is because of her that thousands of women all across India and around the globe are united under one umbrella who always promise to stand for each other. “Together we rise and together we thrive” is key mantra of WICCI.