– Mohammed Atherulla Shariff
Bengaluru, August 15: The Rifah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) organized a Trade Networking Meet here Tuesday.
In his welcome address, RCCI Bengaluru Secretary Asim Khan highlighted the importance of networking and collaboration, setting the stage for the evening’s activities.
Mr. Viquas Mahmood, RCCI Bengaluru President, briefly introduced Rifah’s mission to empower businesses through strategic networking. He encouraged participants to engage actively and make the most of the opportunities available during the meet.
The session then moved to participants’ introductions, where entrepreneurs from diverse industries presented their businesses, paving the way for potential collaborations.
The significant aspect of the evening was the insightful speeches delivered by visiting delegates from Africa, who shared opportunities for business expansion into the continent.
Mr. Mohammed Anees from Goa shared his experiences from visits to 12 African countries, challenging misconceptions about the continent. He emphasized Africa’s vast natural resources, including crude oil, copper, platinum, diamonds, and lithium, and announced plans to lead an Indian delegation to explore business prospects in 2-3 African countries.
Mr. Omar Al Bashir from Kenya expressed gratitude to Jamaat-e-Islami Hind for their support and outlined opportunities in Kenya, from digital election management systems to industrialization efforts. He stressed the need for technology transfer in areas like water management and renewable energy, inviting Rifah members to invest in Kenya.
Mr. Rabiu Mohammed from Ghana spoke about the dominance of Chinese businesses in Ghana and encouraged Indian entrepreneurs to leverage their technological expertise. He highlighted opportunities in sectors such as drones, mining machinery, and agriculture, urging Rifah members to explore Ghana’s growing markets.
Mr. Ibrahim Mpachu from Zimbabwe discussed Zimbabwe’s rich natural resources and the potential for collaboration in sectors like healthcare and real estate. He emphasized the government’s openness to foreign investment and the favorable conditions for business in Zimbabwe.
Mr. Syed Mumtaz Mansoori, State President, RCCI Karnataka Chapter, invited the audience to seize the global opportunities. He inspired attendees to look beyond their immediate surroundings and seize the opportunities presented by Africa. He debunked common misconceptions about Africa, urging entrepreneurs to see the continent as a land of immense opportunity rather than a place of poverty and danger.
Mr. Mansoori also stressed the importance of innovative marketing strategies, the value of exploring new markets, and the crucial role of entrepreneurs in building infrastructure where it is lacking. He challenged the audience to take bold steps towards expanding their businesses into Africa, quoting the famous saying, “If not now, then when? If not you, then who?”
The event concluded with a networking dinner, where participants continued to discuss potential collaborations and build new business relationships.
Earlier, Mr. Arifulla, State Secretary of RCCI Karnataka, initiated the event by reciting a powerful verse from the Qur’an, emphasizing ethical business practices.
The event attracted over 100 entrepreneurs from various sectors, all eager to explore business opportunities and build valuable connections.
RCCI is a growing chamber of commerce in India serving commercial organizations. It is especially dedicated to uplifting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) owned by minorities, socially oppressed classes, and promoting women empowerment. Through various Business Networking Chapters spanning 17 states, RCCI provides a platform for entrepreneurs to connect, share knowledge, and access valuable resources to achieve business growth and contribute to a thriving economic landscape.
