Modi to facilitate networking for Muslim businessmen

Gujarat CM to inaugurate 3-day conclave on Friday

In a first-of-its kind event, the Gujarat government is working with the Muslim business community here to provide a platform for Muslim entrepreneurs to network with their Hindu counterparts. What is more, Chief Minister Narendra Modi would be inaugurating the three-day business conclave on Friday.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate, seems to be trying to strike a chord with the Muslim community in the state. The theme for the conference has also been aptly chosen — ‘Business in Harmony’. State government investment promotion agency iNDEXTb, which also organises the ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ summit, has partnered with Ummat, a portal run by the Muslim business community in Ahmedabad, which helps businessmen network with each other in Gujarat, to organise the conclave to be held on the Sabarmati riverfront from Friday to Sunday.

In his inaugural speech, Modi is expected to share his vision for growth for all in India, informed the organisers.

Talha Sareshwala, director of Parsoli Motors, a BMW dealer in Ahmedabad said, “Around 30-35 Muslim businessmen from Ahmedabad, including auto dealers, real estate players and other allied industries would be participating in the event. Ummat has conceptualised the event, and the state government supporting the conclave.” He feels the conclave would help to showcase the corporate culture and professionalism of the Muslim business community in the state and help them network with Hindu counterparts.

In all, 80-85 participants, including seven companies from the United Arab Emirates as well as non-Muslim entrepreneurs, would be a part of the conclave. Organisers are expecting around 100,000 people in three days.

The Sareshwalas, who also run Parsoli Corporation Ltd, a financial services company, are said to be close aides of Narendra Modi. Only recently, Zafar Sareshwala of the Parsoli Group, was behind getting Bollywood film star Salman Khan to celebrate Makar Sankranti with Narendra Modi here in January, as a part of his latest film's promotions.

Several industry associations from across Gujarat, including the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Gujarat Institute of Housing and Estate Development would be supporting the event as well.