WTC Goa to facilitate local exporters through new facilitation centre
PANAJI: Reinforcing Goa’s growing role in international trade and investment, the World Trade Center (WTC) Goa, in association with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), hosted an international seminar titled ‘Dubai: The Business Gateway to Global Trade’ at Caculo Mall, St Inez, Panaji, bringing together entrepreneurs, exporters, industry leaders, and professionals to explore global business opportunities.
The seminar focused on Dubai’s emergence as a preferred destination for international trade, investment, and business expansion, while highlighting the immense opportunities available for Goan enterprises seeking to access global markets. Present were Pallavi Salgaocar, State President, Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) Goa; Cyril D’Souza, Regional Director – Trade Promotion, World Trade Center (WTC) Goa; Siddharth Shah, Head, DMCC India Representative Office (IRO); Abhijitsinh (Ajit) Singh Jadeja, Chief Representative – India, Dubai Chambers, among other dignitaries. Speaking on the concrete support WTC Goa will provide businesses wishing to take the next step, D’Souza said that WTC Goa already shares a partnership with DMCC, and stands ready to facilitate all those who wish to use Dubai as their gateway.
“We have set up the export facilitation centre which will operate from WTC Goa. This will help all exporters as they move forward in their business. For example, the DGFT unfortunately does not have an office here, nor does APEDA. So, individual exporters find it difficult to correspond, liaise, or talk to them. Therefore, their dialogue will be facilitated through WTC Goa, in partnership with Laghu Udyog Bharati and the Global Chamber,” he said.
D’Souza also said that WTC Goa will open up the entire global ecosystem of world trade centres to local businesses, offering access to more than 300 centres across nearly 100 countries.
“This is something we want to bring to their doorstep, so they can participate and make the maximum use of it to take their products right onto the global stage,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the ‘Mission 100/100’ initiative launched at the seminar, he said, “100 MSMEs of Goan origin will come together to achieve a combined turnover of Rs 100 crore by the year 2035. These are steps we have taken not only to handhold MSMEs, but to give them a firm foothold and make it possible for them to tap into this global market by collaborating. We will act as the catalyst,” he said.
Guest of Honour Arman Bankley, Trustee of Vibrant Goa Foundation, highlighted the need for Goan businesses to look beyond domestic markets and build stronger international partnerships to unlock new avenues for trade, investment, and innovation.
A key highlight of the seminar was an in-depth presentation by representatives from DMCC, who outlined Dubai’s position as a leading global business hub. The session provided participants with practical insights into establishing a business presence in Dubai, covering investor-friendly policies, ease of doing business, robust legal frameworks, world-class logistics, seamless connectivity, and a thriving ecosystem supporting enterprises of all sizes.
The experts also explained how Dubai serves as a strategic bridge connecting businesses to markets across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, making it an ideal destination for companies looking to expand their global footprint.
The seminar featured discussions on emerging opportunities across high-growth sectors, including consulting, marketing and business services, gems and jewellery, food and agro products, family offices and wealth management, as well as construction and infrastructure. Participants gained a clearer understanding of sector-specific prospects, market access strategies, and available support networks.
An interactive question-and-answer session enabled entrepreneurs and business owners to engage directly with the experts, seeking clarity on investment procedures, regulations, and market entry strategies while exploring collaboration opportunities with the Dubai business ecosystem.
The event reflected WTC Goa’s ongoing efforts to facilitate international trade, promote cross-border business ties, and connect Goan enterprises with global markets through knowledge-sharing initiatives and strategic partnerships.
The seminar was supported by Laghu Udyog Bharati and Global Chamber Goa, with Mangal Analytics and Research Consulting serving as the Knowledge Partner.
The well-attended event concluded with participants expressing a keen interest in exploring Dubai as a strategic destination for expansion, reaffirming the growing appetite among Goan entrepreneurs to build a stronger presence on the world stage.
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