The invitation was conveyed to President of the Government of Vojvodina Igor Mirović by Mrs. Narinder Chauhan, Ambassador of India to Serbia during the latter’s call within days of Mr. Igor Mirović having assumed charge. During the meeting, a wide range of issues pertaining to bilateral cooperation was discussed.
Ambassador briefed Mr. Mirović of the ongoing economic cooperation including the presence of Indian agro-machinery companies (TAFE, Mahindra & Sonalika) and reiterated India’s desire to enhance ties in all spheres. Ambassador drew attention to the recently launched India-Serbia Business Forum aimed at redressing trade hurdles.
Ambassador invited Mr. Mirović and Vojvodina companies to participate in the annually held India-Central Europe Business Forum in December in India and in other trade fairs held in India. She emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of agriculture, pharma, tourism, science & technology, traditional medicines, etc. Ambassador also urged ICT companies in Vojvodina region to utilize the IT Park in the town of Indjija, the first LEED GOLD certified building, developed by Embassy Group of India.
Ambassador also used this opportunity to apprise Mr. Mirović of the fully-funded ITEC programme of the Government of India and invited officials of the Province to utilize the specialized courses offered under the programme. She also apprised Mirović of the Hindi language Chair established at the University of Novi Sad and additionally offered a Chair on Indian Traditional Medicines.
In addition, Ambassador requested Autonomous Province of Vojvodina to host Festival of India in the forthcoming period. She highlighted that the Government of India had liberalized its visa regime for Serbian nationals by way of extending E-Tourist visa facility to Serbian citizens.
Mr. Mirović was happy to accept the invitation to visit India. He expressed the desire to forge cooperation with the Indian States, including Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat. He sought Indian FDI in the economic development of the Province and expressed the desire to host a big economic delegation from India. In addition, Mirović invited India to be a partner country at the annual Novi Sad Agricultural Fair to be held on May 2017.