Fifth Edition of World Trade Expo promotes green energy, partnerships with developing countries

C P Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra, delivered the keynote address on the first day. He highlighted that a significant portion of India’s exports currently go to developed nations in Europe and America, but this Expo offers an important opportunity to explore untapped potential in developing countries. “A special focus should be on promoting trade and investment with Africa, which is emerging as an engine of global growth. India can explore vast opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and tourism,” said the Governor.

The Expo’s theme this year, “Innovation for Sustainability with Special Focus on Green and Renewable Energy,” aligns with India’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. The Governor emphasised that Maharashtra, India’s largest economy and one of the leading industrial states, is playing a vital role in this mission. He cited the state’s achievements in green energy, noting that Maharashtra ranks second in India in total installed electricity capacity, accounting for 10.4% of the national total. “Maharashtra’s commitment to fostering innovation and investment in renewable energy is unwavering,” he said.

Dr Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of WTC Mumbai and President of AIAI, said, “The Expo aims to connect Indian MSMEs, startups, and women entrepreneurs with global counterparts to foster cross-border business collaborations.” He added that India has an untapped export opportunity of USD 70 billion with the participating countries, particularly in Africa and the CIS region.

The two-day Expo featured more than 100 exhibitors, country presentations, and sessions focused on green energy and innovation. One of the highlights was the African Ambassadors’ Roundtable, where discussions centred around promoting trade and investment between India and African countries.

The Expo also drew attention to Maharashtra’s leadership in solar energy and electric vehicle production, which are key components of India’s green energy strategy. The Governor noted that Maharashtra’s solar power capacity currently stands at 5,080 MW and is set to increase to 12,930 MW by 2025 under the state’s Unconventional Energy Generation Policy.