Some of the best-known entrepreneurs and professionals conforming to the Hindu religion will converge in Bangkok for a two-day conference that will challenge them to discuss, analyse and critically examine a number of issues confronting the global business community.
Organised by the World Hindu Economic Forum, the meeting, scheduled to be held at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel in the Thai Capital on August 10 and 11, 2013, will have the benefit of a galaxy of eminent personalities and speakers.
Among them are Dr Olarn Chaipravat (Special Advisor to Prime Minister & President, Thailand Trade), Anil Wadhwa (India’s Ambassador to Thailand), Susheel Kumar Saraff (Founder & Chairman, Saraff Group of Companies and Chairman, Organising Committee), Dr Gautam Sen (Former Professor, London School of Economics), Dr R Vaidyanathan (Professor of Finance & Control, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore), Dr Suman Sahai (President, Gene Campaign, Delhi) and J Jegathesan (Founder Chairman, J J International Consultants, Malaysia).
Futuristic approach
Mr Saraff said that the theme of the Conference, ‘Strengthening Economy, Shaping Future,’ is not only timely but also appropriate, given the rising importance of the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) as a political and economic force.
“Key note speakers and participants at the various sessions will share their knowledge, experience and expertise on business opportunities and creation of wealth, in line with the Forum’s avowed vision, ‘To Make Society Prosperous.’
“The word ‘Hindu’ encompasses Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and many others who follow the Hindu Dharma,” he said.
He said that the developing economies of the ASEAN bloc were moving towards greater economic cooperation and forge stronger linkages with India and developed countries of the West.
New synergy
“The Hindu world, with a population of more than 1 billion, and its deep cultural and trade links with 600 million people in ASEAN, represents enormous and mutually beneficial markets. The Forum will provide the much-needed platform for Hindu professionals to connect with prominent, inspirational personalities from all over the world to learn about and benefit from immediate and long-term goals in shaping the future,” Mr Saraff said.
New benchmark
As reported in these columns earlier, the World Hindu Economic Forum has created a benchmark for promoting healthy business practices, which it says should be shared with corporates and companies owned and managed by people of other ethnicities.
The first Conference, held in Hong Kong last year, set the pace for networking and increased cooperation between Hindu businesses all over the world.
Mr Saraff said that speakers and panellists will discuss wide-ranging topics, including ‘Opportunities and Challenges from Free Trade, Regional Economic Communities and new Geographical Areas,’ ‘Enormous Opportunities in Alternative Energy,’ ‘Agriculture, SMEs, Quality and Patents,’ ‘Affordable Capital for Business and Industry’ and ‘Inspiring Youth and Strengthening Economy.’
Further information can be obtained from Sanjay Kumar on 0066-81-8906227 or 0066-2-2369492.
The picture here (from our digital library) shows Anil Kumar Bachoo, Vice Prime Minister of Mauritius lighting the lamp to mark the inauguration of the first World Hindu Economic Forum held in Hong Kong on June 30, 2012, watched among others by Subramanian Swamy, former Minister of the Indian government (extreme right).
