MEA, TN govt hold diplomatic outreach event in Chennai

: The Ministry of External

Affairs has been taking up country's economic diplomacy to local stakeholders in order to take part in the business opportunities available overseas, a senior MEA official said here on Friday.

External Affairs Ministry (Economic Relations) Secretary T S Tirumurti said, "in line with the Centre's commitment in cooperated federalism and the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi's) vision of Team India, the Ministry effectively served as a single point contact for outreach efforts of all states and union territories particularly in attracting foreign investments."

Tirumurti was speaking at the Diplomatic Outreach Event organised by the MEA and government of Tamil Nadu on the topic-"Economic and investment opportunities in the State."

He said the Ministry has been pro-actively encouraging and supporting the States in their international outreach.

 

"The idea is to take India's economic diplomacy to the local stakeholders and provide them the platform to participate in investment and trade opportunities available in countries abroad," he said.

Tamil Nadu has been a cradle of ancient Indian civilisation and was one of the most vibrant of Indian states in socio and economic development, he said adding as one of India's most progressive states.

It has also excelled in manufacturing and services among others, he added.

Tirumurti said the setting up of the Ministry's Branch Secretariat in 2007 in Chennai was a major step towards effective interaction between the Ministry of External Affairs and the state government.

The Branch Secretariat along with the regional office of Indian Council for Cultural Relations has aided the state in promoting tourism and cultural exchanges with various parts of the world.

The event which is being attended by over 50 diplomats was inaugurated by Chief Minister K Palaniswami and senior government officials.

The event On the opening day, diplomats and the State government would discuss strengthening trade relations between Tamil Nadu and various countries.

On the second day tomorrow, the participants including High Commissioners, Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community would make a visit to UNESCO heritage site Mamallapuram.