The Indian Panorama

Tag: San Salvador

  • Embassy of India in Guatemala celebrates Holi

    Embassy of India in Guatemala celebrates Holi

    Hundreds of Indians and Guatemalans participate enthusiastically

    GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): On March 24th, the Embassy of India in Guatemala vibrantly celebrated the festival of Holi at its chancery premises, uniting members of the Indian community, local dignitaries, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mayors, representatives of the diplomatic community, and friends of India. Approximately 700 participants attended the event. The event, graced by the esteemed presence of Mayor Juan Fernando Lopez of Xela as the chief guest, symbolized the joyous spirit of camaraderie and cultural exchange.

    Holi, known as the festival of colors, holds deep significance in Indian culture, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the advent of spring. Celebrating Holi overseas not only promotes cultural diversity but also forges stronger international connections by showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage to the global audience. Indian Embassy in Guatemala has played a pivotal role in actively promoting the celebration of the Holi festival in the Central American region. Last year, Holi celebrations in San Salvador drew approximately 5000 guests, while around 500 guests participated in the festivities in Guatemala. Guatemalans have enthusiastically embraced the Holi festival, evidenced by its increased turnout at recent events serving as a bridge between Indian and Guatemalan traditions, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) resonates with the spirit of cultural exchange embodied in Holi celebrations abroad. The Embassy of India, under the leadership of Ambassador Dr Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, has initiated various programs to promote Indian culture in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. This includes systematic efforts to showcase Indian cultural events locally. Such initiatives involve supporting international Yoga Day, Diwali Festival, visit of Indian dance troupes, cultural exchanges, and engaging with the Indian diaspora to propagate Indian festivals in their local communities. Through such endeavors, the Indian Embassy aims to deepen cultural ties, elevate Indian traditions in the Central American region, and stimulate tourism during festive seasons.

    Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra underscored the profound significance of cultural exchange and the enduring bonds shared between India and Guatemala.
    Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra underscored the profound significance of cultural exchange and the enduring bonds shared between India and Guatemala.

    During the celebration, Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra underscored the profound significance of cultural exchange and the enduring bonds shared between India and Guatemala. His remarks delved into the essence of Indian culture, emphasizing the festival of Holi as a vibrant symbol of unity and inclusivity that transcends barriers of language and nationality. He emphasized how Holi brings people together, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among attendees from diverse backgrounds. Ambassador Mohapatra also took the opportunity to highlight the notable achievements in bilateral and trade relations between India and Guatemala over the past year. He emphasized the strides taken by both countries in strengthening their partnership and fostering mutual cooperation in various sectors. Expressing his gratitude to the audience for their enthusiastic participation in the celebration, Ambassador Mohapatra assured them of the embassy’s commitment to further enhancing cultural exchanges and fostering deeper connections between India and Guatemala. He concluded by promising to celebrate future festivals, including Holi, on an even grander scale, underscoring the embassy’s dedication to promoting cultural harmony and friendship between the two nations.

    Mayor Juan Fernando Lopez expressed his delight at attending the colorful Holi celebration and insights of his recent visit to India
    Mayor Juan Fernando Lopez expressed his delight at attending the colorful Holi celebration and insights of his recent visit to India

    During his address at the Holi festival, Mayor Juan Fernando Lopez expressed his delight at attending the colorful celebration for the first time. He remarked on the vibrant and unique nature of the event, highlighting how it brought together people from diverse backgrounds in a joyous display of unity and cultural exchange. He emphasized the significance of events like Holi in fostering greater understanding and appreciation of India’s rich cultural heritage among the Guatemalan community. He lauded the festival’s ability to transcend cultural boundaries and unite people through its message of love, harmony, and inclusivity. Furthermore, Mayor Lopez underscored the importance of such cultural exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Guatemala. He expressed his hope that the Holi festival would serve as a catalyst for deeper engagement and cooperation between the two nations, paving the way for greater cultural exchange and mutual understanding in the future. Seizing the opportunity, Mayor Lopez expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Ambassador Mohapatra and the Government of India for their pivotal role in spearheading five significant infrastructure projects in Xela. He enthusiastically recounted his recent visit to India to oversee the progress of these initiatives, emphasizing how impressed he was with India’s development and achievements. He shared his experiences visiting various landmarks in Delhi, Haridwar, Chennai, and Mumbai. He fondly reminisced about the captivating beauty of the Taj Mahal and the rich historical heritage of Jaipur during his visit. He also mentioned attending the Shivratri festival, where he immersed himself in the spiritual essence of India.

    Attendees delighting in Bollywood dance performances during the festival.
    Attendees delighting in Bollywood dance performances during the festival.

    Guests were treated to a memorable experience filled with vibrant dance performances, traditional Indian cuisines served by Little India and Curry & Kebab restaurants, and the joyous tradition of playing with colors. The lively atmosphere was further enhanced by a photobooth sponsored by M/s 24X7 Guatemala, where guests delighted in capturing moments of shared laughter and camaraderie. Adding to the festive spirit, custom-designed Holi t-shirts provided by M/s Pradilsha added a touch of flair and unity to the occasion, symbolizing the colorful tapestry of India’s cultural diversity.

    The event saw enthusiastic participation from Indian community, local dignitaries, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mayors, representatives of the diplomatic community, and friends of India.
    The event saw enthusiastic participation from Indian community, local dignitaries, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mayors, representatives of the diplomatic community, and friends of India.

    Overall, the Holi celebration at the Embassy of India in Guatemala served as a testament to the power of cultural exchange in fostering international understanding and unity. Through vibrant festivities and heartfelt camaraderie, attendees experienced the beauty of India’s cultural traditions and the warmth of its hospitality, leaving them with cherished memories of a joyous celebration.

    (Based on a press release issued by Ramesh Khulbey)

  • VISIT OF 20-MEMBER BUSINESS DELEGATION FROM FIEO TO GUATEMALA AND EL SALVADOR

    VISIT OF 20-MEMBER BUSINESS DELEGATION FROM FIEO TO GUATEMALA AND EL SALVADOR

    Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra presented souvenir to H.E. Ms Maria Luisa Hayem, Hon’ble Minister of Economy of El Salvador at San Salvador

    GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): India’s proactive engagement with the untapped Central American market underscores its aspirations to emerge as a leader among global South nations. This outreach has proven highly attractive to numerous Indian companies, catalyzing a significant increase in bilateral trade. Notably, this surge in trade has unlocked vast opportunities not only for large conglomerates but also for small and medium enterprises. As part of this strategic direction, Guatemala and El Salvador recently hosted a successful visit by a delegation of 20 Indian companies from Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) led by Mr. Khalid Khan. This delegation engaged in a series of productive Business-to-Business meetings with local companies in Guatemala City and San Salvador from February 12 to 16, 2024.

    Ambassador Dr Manoj Kumar Mohapatra highlighted the huge potential of Central American market and reiterated Indian Government’s commitment to increase bilateral trade

    FIEO is an apex body of the Government recognized Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards and Export Development Authorities in India.  It was set up in 1965 by Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India to focus the efforts of all stakeholders engaged in promotion of trade from the country. FIEO exchanges business delegations, establishes MoUs with counterpart organizations overseas, and arranges exhibitions, catalogue shows abroad. It provides the crucial interface between International Trading community of India with the Central and State Governments, Financial Institutions, Ports, Railways, Surface Transport and all engaged in Export Trade Facilitation.  It directly and indirectly serves the interests of over 200,000 exporters from every Industry and Services sector in India.

    Guatemala has emerged as India’s largest trading partner in the Central American region, with bilateral trade reaching US$573.21 million in the 2021-22 period. This trend has continued to strengthen, with bilateral trade increasing to US$693 million in the 2022-23 period, indicating a notable upward trajectory. Similarly, India has been steadily expanding its trade presence in El Salvador, with trade reaching US$126 million in the financial year 2022-23. The top products exported from India to the Central American region include pharmaceuticals, textiles (especially cotton yarn and fibers), engineering products, automobiles (two and three-wheelers), motor vehicles/cars, auto components and parts, iron and steel, industrial machinery and parts, and electrical machinery and equipment. On the other hand, India primarily imports wood, wood charcoal, coffee, and aluminum scrap from these regions.

    FIEO launched its campaign in Guatemala in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala, with approximately 90 Guatemalan companies participating in the Business-to-Business meetings. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Mr. Jorge Briz Abularach, President of the Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Julio Eduardo Orozco, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala. Mr. Rohit Tejpal, Deputy Director of FIEO, delivered a presentation outlining the organization’s approach and future prospects. The delegation received an overwhelming response from local companies, demonstrating their keen interest in partnering with visiting countries. During the event, FIEO signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chamber of Commerce to strengthen collaboration in investment, trade, quality standards, technology transfer, and economic cooperation. Delegation members also had the opportunity to interact with Guatemala’s apex export councils such as PRONACOM, AGEXPORT, Invest Guatemala, and the Chamber of Industry to gain insights into trade regulations and discuss ways to enhance bilateral trade relations.

    Business Meetings Guatemala were conducted the premises of Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala,

    The journey of the business delegates from FIEO continued as they proceeded to El Salvador to explore the vast potential of this rapidly growing economy. Upon arrival, the delegates were warmly welcomed by the Honorable Minister of Economy of El Salvador, Ms. Maria Luisa Hayem, along with Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra and Mr. Salvador Gome Goche, President of Invest in El Salvador. Ambassador Ariel Galindo, former Ambassador of El Salvador in India, played a pivotal role in encouraging local companies to participate in the business meetings. Despite being an unexplored destination for the visiting delegation, the enthusiastic response from local companies bolstered their excitement and prompted them to further explore the local market the following day. The delegates ventured into areas such as Santa Tecla and other prominent locations to gain insights into the local market dynamics and opportunities for collaboration.

    The B2B Meetings in these two countries facilitated exploration of potential trade opportunities, allowing businesses from both countries to identify areas of mutual interest and collaboration. The delegation gained insights of Guatemalan and El Salvador markets, helping them understand regulatory environments, consumer behavior, and market trends, which is crucial for successful market entry. These meetings can not only serve as a forum to promote investment opportunities, encouraging businesses to invest in each other’s countries and contribute to economic growth but also provide a platform for networking, enabling companies to connect with potential partners, suppliers, and distributors, thereby expanding their business networks. Embassy of India in Guatemala looks forward to many more such visits in future to enhance the trade relations between Indian and these Central American Countries.

    FEIO and Chamber of Commerce Guatemala signed an MoU to enhance mutual cooperation