Forge Extensive Network, Samy Vellu Tells Indian Diaspora

KUALA LUMPUR: Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu proposed the establishment of extensive and effective networking among the business people of Indian origin around the globe, including Malaysians. In his address at the Global Indian Diaspora Conference in New Delhi today, he called on the business community of the Indian diaspora to “strategically build effective networks and partnerships within us for global advantage.”

Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee opened the three-day gathering of people of Indian origin from around the globe. The text of Samy Vellu’s speech was faxed here yesterday.Other participants in the plenary session on “India and the Diaspora: Forging a Constructive Relationship” included Indian Foreign Minister Yashwand Sinha and former Commonwealth secretary-general Sir Shridath Ramphal.?

Samy Vellu, who is also MIC president, said the Indian diaspora could forge collaborative action in addressing the needs of humanity.?

“There is a large pool of talent to share with the world,” he said, referring to the Indian diasporic communities which comprise about 20 million people scattered in 110 countries.

Describing the conference as “historic and a meeting of minds and hearts,” he said it would create the foundations for effective networking, partnership and collaborative action.

Samy Vellu, who is leading a 44-member delegation comprising politicians, entrepreneurs and professionals to the conference, said fostering partnership between India and the Indian diaspora was a two-way process. – Bernama

(Submitted on 13th January 2003)