‘Bridging Continents: Unleashing the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor: An International Symposium”

Chandigarh, November 20, 2023: An online international symposium on "India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor" organized by UIAMS, Panjab University attracted more than 300 participants, including students, researchers, and faculty members. Inauguration of the session was performed by Prof. Renu Vig, the Vice Chancellor of Panjab University. Lord Diljit Rana, MBE, Baron of Malone, House of Lords, UK opened the Symposium as the Chief Guest. Prof. Monika Aggarwal, Director, UIAMS, welcomed the expert speakers from India and across the globe.

An array of experts participated in the symposium, including Dr. Sreejith Balasubramanian, Director of Middlesex University's Centre for Supply Chain Excellence, Prof. Sanjeev Prashar, Professor, Indian Institute of Management, Raipur, India. Prof. Amrit Sagoo, Head of Department, School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, Nottingham Trent University. Prof. Sumantra Ray, NNEdPro Chair & Executive Director, St John's Innovation Centre Cambridge, England. A special address was delivered by Dr Sandeep Kaura, Advisor, National Skill Development Corporation, Government of India. Each expert shared their valuable insights on how to strengthen economic ties between these regions and discussed investment opportunities that could help in achieving this goal.

The Vice Chancellor in her address mentioned that The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor represents a visionary effort to enhance connectivity and cooperation between India, the Middle East, and Europe. Spanning vast geographic expanses, this corridor envisions a seamless network of trade routes, infrastructure development, and technological integration, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and ideas. Dr.Balasubramanian highlighted the significance and types of economic corridors, and its importance for promoting international trade. The current trade situation in various countries and the impact of the ongoing war on trade along with India’s stand to balance this situation was discussed by Prof. Prashar. Prof. Sagoo stressed on developing a skill-based university curriculum and conducting skill trainings for better employability in different countries for the Indian workforce. Prof. Ray gave important insights on developing a global knowledge economy and food nutrition security in strengthening the economic relations. Dr. Kaura in his special address focussed on the importance of developing skill based international workforce and the initiatives of the Indian Government for Skill Development. The symposium was a great platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge, and it provided a constructive dialogue to further enhance the relationships between India, the Middle East, and Europe.

The symposium provided a platform for the exchange of ideas and the sharing of knowledge and experience. The participants discussed how to strengthen economic relations between India, the Middle East, and Europe. They also discussed potential investment opportunities in the three regions. The session concluded with a Question-and-Answer session moderated by Ms Bhavna and Ms Neha, Research Scholars, UIAMS. Aryan, Shandil and Shivanshu provided their support as student Co-ordinators for the symposium. Providing a platform for constructive dialogue and knowledge exchange, the symposium was a great success.