"AN INCREDIBLE CHANCE TO SHOWCASE INDIA"

Amitabh Kant, India's Sherpa to the G20, talks about the progress made in talks during India's presidency and the major achievements

- SURABHI

THE G20 SHERPA is a personal emissary of the leader of a country and has a key role in discussions and negotiations. The Sherpa’s role gets even more magnified for the country that holds the presidency. It is not surprising then that Amitabh Kant, India’s Sherpa to the G20, has been at the forefront of discussions and meetings. In an email interaction with Business Today, Kant sheds light on the key issues on India’s agenda, the status of the negotiations till now at the global platform, and the country’s major achievements at the forum. Edited excerpts:

India’s presidency of the G20 has helped cement its status as an emerging superpower. How do you see this transforming into economic benefits for India?

This is an incredible chance to showcase India as an attractive investment and tourism destination. The ongoing transformation of city infrastructure will facilitate both ease of doing business and enhance quality of life in the near future. 

On a global scale, the tourism industry is valued at $5 trillion, with India currently holding a modest 1.5 per cent share. Similarly, the global MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) market is valued at $650 billion, with India currently having a relatively small portion. The G20 presidency presents a valuable opportunity to capture a larger share of these markets. For example, in Kerala, the state government built a fabulous meeting venue in Kumarakom before the Second G20 Sherpas Meeting. It is a great investment in building MICE infrastructure, which can be utilised in the future as well.

Additionally, the promotion of local handicraft and handloom industries through G20 meetings is further boosting incomes of local artisans and craftsmen and showcasing their work to a global audience.