The Global India Business Forum-organised International Business Conclave at Advantage Vidarbha 2026, on 7th and 8th February, transformed Nagpur’s Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) Campus into a vibrant epicentre of global diplomacy, trade dialogue, and investment momentum. What unfolded at the GIBF-organised Conclave was not merely an event — it was a defining moment in Vidarbha’s international positioning.
With ambassadors and business representatives from 23 countries converging under one roof, the conclave signalled a powerful vote of global confidence in the region’s economic potential.
A Strong Endorsement from National Leadership
In his inaugural address, Hon’ble Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, lauded the Global India Business Forum (GIBF) for mobilising such unprecedented diplomatic participation in Vidarbha. He described the presence of ambassadors and high-level representatives from across continents as a reflection of GIBF’s growing international credibility and its alignment with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The event, organised by GIBF in collaboration with the Association for Industrial Development (AID), was also graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis. Echoing similar sentiments, he praised GIBF’s sustained global outreach and its role in strengthening India’s international trade linkages while positioning Vidarbha as an emerging investment hub.
A Truly Global Gathering
The Conclave witnessed participation from Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Consul Generals, and other diplomats representing:
Angola, Burkina Faso, Guyana, Senegal, Guinea, Uruguay, Nigeria, Chad, Gabon, Peru, Bolivia, China, Brazil, Russia, Niger, El Salvador, Suriname, Benin, Kenya, , Mexico, and Togo among the other countries.
Among the distinguished dignitaries present were:
- His Excellency Mr. Clemente Camenha, Ambassador of Angola
- His Excellency Dr. Desire Boniface SOME, Ambassador of Burkina Faso
- His Excellency Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, High Commissioner of Guyana
- His Excellency Mr. Abdoulaye BARRO, Ambassador of Senegal
- His Excellency Mr. CONTE Alassane, Ambassador of Guinea
- His Excellency Mr. Alberto A. Guani, Ambassador of Uruguay
- His Excellency Ubong Akpan Johnny, Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria
- Her Excellency Mrs. Ildjima Badda Mallot, Ambassador of Chad
- His Excellency Mr. Guy Rodrigue DIKAYI, High Commissioner of Gabon
- Ms. Arlette Gabriela Bustamante, Chargé d’Affaires of Bolivia
- His Excellency Mr. Qin Jie, Consul General of China
- His Excellency Mr. José Mauro da Fonseca Costa Couto, Consul General of Brazil
- H.E. Mr. Ivan Fetisov, Consul General of Russia
- Mr. Roy Postigo Medina, Trade Specialist of Peru in India
- Mr. Tanimoun Sahidou, Counsellor, Niger
- Mr. Steven Ramirez Cuellar, Economic Counsellor, El Salvador
- Ms. Sandiyakoemari Mangre, Commercial Attaché, Suriname
- Mr. Freud Ulrich Klissa, Economic Counsellor, Benin
- Mr. Jared Bironga Mayieka, Trade Counsellor, Kenya
- Mr. Ricardo Daniel Delgado Muñoz, Head of Commercial and Tourism Affairs, Mexico
- M. Maza Wiyaou MENDELEI, Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Togo
Their collective presence signalled unprecedented global engagement with Vidarbha.
Beyond Ceremony: Real Economic Outcomes
Shri Gadkari emphasised that the conclave was not symbolic — it was strategic. International engagement, he noted, strengthens export ecosystems, fosters cross-border partnerships, and generates employment — critical pillars of a robust national economy.
Shri Fadnavis urged the diplomatic community to actively promote Vidarbha in their respective countries and facilitate investor connections. While reaffirming Maharashtra’s standing as India’s premier business destination, he highlighted that Vidarbha is currently the fastest-emerging region — calling it the “most opportune moment” for businesses to establish operations.
GIBF’s Global Roadmap
Dr. Jitendra Joshi, Founder and Global President of GIBF, presented the organisation’s global strategy aligned with national development priorities.
Over the past decade, GIBF has:
- Built partnerships with over 150 countries
- Formed structured councils with 100 select nations
- Hosted more than 100 inbound international delegations
- Led outbound delegations to 25–30 countries
- Engaged ambassadors from over 100 nations
- Connected 3,000+ global companies
He reaffirmed GIBF’s mission to integrate India’s SME ecosystem with global markets — accelerating employment and economic growth under the Viksit Bharat 2047 framework.
Launch of The Business Tycoons Special Edition
A special edition of GIBF’s flagship international publication, The Business Tycoons, was formally unveiled by Shri Gadkari and Shri Fadnavis in the presence of Dr. Joshi, GIBF Secretary General Deepali Gadkari, and Mr. Abhishek Joshi, Global Director – Investment and Business Council. The edition featured:
- Business prospects across the participating countries
- Profiles of leading MSME entrepreneurs who were felicitated during the event
- Ambassador profiles
- Sector-focused insights
With a digital subscriber base exceeding five million, the publication has emerged as a credible platform for global business intelligence.
Structured Dialogue and Recognition
The Conclave agenda included curated panel discussions, country-specific meetings, Round Table B2B and B2G interactions — ensuring structured engagement between industry leaders and government representatives.
As part of the ceremonial proceedings, Shri Gadkari and Shri Fadnavis felicitated the attending diplomats, symbolising strengthened bilateral goodwill.
The concluding ceremony on February 8 celebrated excellence in entrepreneurship with the presentation of the “CROWN OF EXCELLENCE” awards.
Awardees Included:
- Bellapulsar Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. – Best Pharma Start-up
- Symbiosis International (Deemed University) – Excellence in Higher Education
- Urja (Kutwal Foods Pvt. Ltd.) – The Taste of Tradition
- Shree Kamakshi Silver – The Silver Legacy
- Sritech Lipid Process Technologies Pvt. Ltd. – Trusted Global Supplier of Oil Processing Plants
- Amit Warehousing Pvt. Ltd. – Outstanding Warehouse Performance
- Xporience Event Technology Experts – Global Event Technology Leadership
- Antara Technologies – Emerging Industry 4.0 Solutions Provider of the Year
- RKPEB & Infra Pvt. Ltd. – Pinnacle of Distinction
- Skintillatingg and Chromocosmo Institute – Leader in Aesthetic Medicine & Skill Development
- Sai Event Management Co. Pune – Excellence in Event Management
- Regrant Energy Solutions – Sustainable Power Champion
- Uday Enterprises – Master Craftsmanship in Painting and Polishing
- Spiraal Electricals Pvt. Ltd. – Outstanding Achievement in Electrical Engineering Services
- Tarmac Motors – Emerging EV Startup of the Year
- Sree Sudheer Ceramics Pvt. Ltd. (VEVON Tiles)
- Khardikar Classes – Excellence in Education and Social Activity
- Abhi Group of Companies – Outstanding Contribution to the Indian Logistics Industry
- Omkar Rajesh Lande, Rajesh Group of Companies – Outstanding Leader in Construction Services
- Sudhir Karnataki (Palmwoods Retreat & La Bali Restaurant) – Pinnacle of Hospitality Excellence
- Advocate Aashuutosh Srivastava – Most Prominent Criminal Lawyer
- Dr. Sridev Shastri – Excellence in Vedic Astrology
- Kings Global Educational Services – Excellence in Medical Education Guidance and Career Counseling
- Percare Industries Pvt. Ltd.
- Zoya Creation
- Madhukar Chaudhari (IAS), Ex Commissioner Co-operative, Maharashtra
- Vijay Bhangare & Mandar Patil – Director, Pudhari Newspaper
A Defining Message for the Future
The International Business Conclave delivered more than diplomatic networking and policy dialogue. It reinforced a powerful message:
Sustainable economic growth is driven by open dialogue, international collaboration, and shared innovation.
With global partnerships deepening and investment intent translating into concrete action, Vidarbha’s emergence on the international business map appears not just promising — but inevitable and GIBF is committed to work towards it.
