In line with this year’s WEF theme, “Cooperation in a Fragmented World,” India has reiterated its position as a resilient economy with strong leadership providing stable policy to global investors at the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos. India’s focus areas at WEF this year are investment opportunities, its infrastructural landscape and its inclusive & sustainable growth story.
Taking forward the strategy and presence of India during WEF Annual Meeting in May 2022, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has taken the initiative to further strengthen India’s presence through three lounges with a focus on investment opportunity, sustainability and inclusive approach to complement economic growth.
In addition, the presence of State lounges for Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, along with business lounges for HCL, Wipro, Infosys and TCS, have added strength to India’s presence on the Davos promenade. The entire Indian contingent of the central government, state government, businesses and officials have put together a common front to present India as a global state.
- India Lounge at Promenade 68
The India lounge is the focal point of all business engagements taking place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023. There is a digital showcase of key manufacturing sectors, startups, India’s G20 presidency, and India’s focus on infrastructure. Complementing this, the lounge has curated authentic Indian One District One Product (ODOP) souvenirs along with Indian food showcasing India’s heritage and culture.
The lounge was jointly inaugurated by Union Minister of Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, Smriti Irani, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Chemicals & Fertilizers, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of Power, New & Renewable Energy, R K Singh.
- India Inclusivity Lounge at Promenade 63
The Inclusivity Lounge at Promenade 63 at WEF redefines the Davos narrative with the vision of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, for inclusivity. In 2023, India at Davos has a special lounge that represents the voice of the smaller enterprises, individual artisans, women self-help groups, specially-abled, etc. The lounge showcases hand-made products that represent years of rich Indian heritage and cultural history and generations of craftsmanship. The lounge was inaugurated by Smriti Irani, Union Minister of Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs.
- India Sustainability Lounge at Promenade 49
Through this lounge, India showcases new and emerging technologies that are set to address the climate change issues faced around the world. It also shows leadership in combating climate change and meeting the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs), as is reflected in many of its developmental schemes. India would be showcasing these technologies through five broad themes which are mentioned below:
- Energy Sector
- Natural Resource Management
- Sustainable infrastructure and Mobility
- Food and Nutritional Security
- Circular Economy
This initiative has brought together policymakers, innovators, start-ups, and thought leaders to spread the word about the narrative and efforts in this space. Along with this, the lounge is enabling collaboration and cooperation with businesses and industry bodies from across the world to be part of India’s journey to Net Zero.
There was a footfall of almost 500 people across all three India lounges on arrival day. There was tremendous positive sentiment and great interest towards India.
