Inviting the Mauritius President to the event assumes significance as the island nation is the top source of FDI in India, accounting for nearly 45 per cent of the total foreign investment.
Attracting investment, highlighting resilience of the economy and explaining steps taken to reverse the growth slump will be the major focus of the three-day event. Over 2,000 overseas Indians, including top businessmen, entrepreneurs and economists, from 60 countries are expected to participate in the event.
"The main focus of the 11th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas will be to highlight resilience of Indian economy and to woo the investors to diverse sectors of the economy," Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi told a press conference.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will address the high- profile event on January eight while President Pranab Mukherjee will deliver the valedictory address the next day.
A number of Union Ministers will directly interact with the delegates to address their queries on investment and other issues besides briefing them about the long-awaited reforms measures like increasing foreign investment caps in multi- brand retail and aviation to rebound the growth rate.
India's economic growth rate during 2011-12 slipped to a nine year low of 6.5 per cent. The government has announced a slew of reform measures to revive growth.
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Chief Ministers of various states have also been invited to the event for separate interaction with the delegates so that they can address various issues.
Ravi, whose Ministry organises the event, said government will also use the platform to enhance engagement with young overseas Indians.
The Overseas Indian Affairs Minister unveiled a website 'www.Pbd-india.Com' which contains all information regarding the event.
Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is being held in Kochi following a request from Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, he said. The last Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was held in Jaipur.