The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) hosted an interaction with a delegation from the Portugal–India Business Hub, led by its Executive President, Altino Álvares, at the GCCI Conference Room on October 28, 2026. The meeting focused on exploring business, trade and economic opportunities between Goa and Portugal.
Welcoming the delegation, GCCI Director Pallavi Arondekar expressed pleasure at hosting the Portuguese representatives and highlighted the longstanding historical and cultural connections between Goa and Portugal.
GCCI Vice-President Yatin Kakodkar observed that the shared history of Goa and Portugal offered an opportunity to build a contemporary economic relationship. He emphasised the importance of a two-way exchange of expertise, technology, products and services that could create value for businesses in both regions.
Altino Álvares said the Portugal–India Business Hub was keen to build on the historical and cultural connections between Portugal and Goa to identify new business opportunities. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the emotional connect between the two regions as a foundation for closer commercial ties.
He also noted that the delegation included not only businesses interested in buyer-seller interactions but also professionals such as lawyers and consultants who could facilitate connections between companies in Portugal and India.
During the interaction, participants highlighted the growing interest among European businesses in India and discussed Portugal’s potential as a gateway for Indian and Goan enterprises seeking access to European markets.
The discussions also explored opportunities beyond conventional trade exchanges, particularly in emerging and knowledge-driven sectors such as biotechnology and engineering. Participants identified India’s skilled workforce as an important advantage in developing mutually beneficial partnerships and stressed the need to build sustainable, long-term business relationships.
The programme included introductions by participants, followed by an open discussion on areas of common interest and potential collaboration between businesses from Goa and Portugal.
Consul General of Portugal in Goa, Manuela Franco, was present at the interaction. GCCI representatives included Vice-President Dr. Sangam Kurade, Past President Ralph de Sousa, Honorary Secretary Rohan Bhandare, Rene Mendes of the GCCI Tourism Committee, Rajesh Seth of Jai Bhuvan Builders, Parikshit Pai Fondekar of Kamakshi Group, Sandesh Kundaikar, member of the GCCI Managing Committee, and Vasu Nair of NRB Group.
Also present were Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of World Trade Centre–Mumbai; Ar. Orty Soares, President of the Indo-Portuguese Friendship Society, Goa; and Dr. Paulo Gomes, Director of Fundação Oriente in India.
GCCI Director General Sanjay Amonkar proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered and coordinated by GCCI Director Pallavi H. Arondekar.
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
