Dr Jean Regis Ramsamy, from the Reunion Island, expressed the solidarity of his nation with India’s doctrine of “Vasudevam Kutumbakam”. Dr Ramsamy also proposed entrepreneurial collaboration between the two nations and indicated that the Indian diaspora can play an expanded role in this context. He invited members of the industry from Reunion Island to share a summary of an investment proposal in the alternative therapy and wellness space. Ramsamy also sought information about recent developments around the OCI card following a question that was raised by a meeting participant, from his country, on this subject.

Mr Prakash Jankipersad from Holland remarked about the missing youth demographic in the conclave. He echoed Drs Rajindre Tewari’s sentiments about mutually beneficial interests between chambers of commerce in Holland and India.

Mr Logie Naidu, from Durban, also expressed concern that all efforts towards fostering greater ties between India and the diaspora seem to have stalled at the level of “talks”. Mr Naidu added that the cultural connection between the Indian diaspora in South Africa and India remains glued together by popular threads - Bollywood movies and Indian dance shows.