Report of Meeting held on 26th April 2004 at Diplomat Hotel

WZCCI - Nurturing the Spark of Success:

The World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce - India, steadily consolidates its endeavors to foster the spirit of entrepreneurial excellence within the community.

It was yet another evening of shared ideas and Zoroastrian solidarity as the WZCC-I's Mumbai Chapter held its recent meeting at a South Mumbai hotel, bringing members together on a common platform to further their entrepreneurial skills.

Little wonder, then, that WZCC India President, Minoo Shroff, exclaimed with pride, "Of all the initiatives the Parsi Punchayet has spearheaded, the WZCC-I is one of the most heartening." Seeing the enthusiastic response and steadily growing network of the WZCC-I, it isn't surprising to witness the buzz its meetings elicit.

The focus of this meeting, however, was the WZCC-I's recent Trade Delegation to Dubai, the very first of its kind, which comprised 21 Indian Zarathushti delegates from varying fields of business and enterprise, who explored extended opportunities in the UAE.

Edil Katrak, who led the delegation, outlined the scope of the endeavour in his fascinating report of the trip. "Each delegate had to make a presentation of his/her business. Trade facilitators were then provided to each delegate, in their line of business, and they wasted no time in seeking out new leads and contacts."

The delegation also met with the Indian Consul General in Dubai, and he provided an insightful perspective on trade and industrial development in the region. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce also interacted with the group. Gratitude was expressed for the dynamic contribution of Meher Bhesania, whose inputs and support made the visit a success.

However, it was not all work and no play! There was a desert safari, a camel ride, a dhow trip, and the tantalisingly titled "interactive belly dancing" (details of which were discreetly withheld!).

Getting back to business, Katrak asserted that this trip "opened up international horizons which would otherwise not have been possible for delegates on their own".

Pervin Homavazir, one of the delegates on the trip, corroborated this. A stained glass specialist, she revealed that while Indians are envied for their craftsmanship, they are shunned for their lack of quality consciousness. These, and many such insights, better acquainted her with the needs and demands of the overseas market.

According to Kersi Limathwalla, Regional Director WZCC-I, and Chapter Chair (Mumbai), "though the WZCC-I is just about a year old, it has made progress not just in Mumbai but even at the all-India level", with four Chapters already established in different cities across India. The Ahmedabad Chapter was just launched last month, and Limathwalla noted that the business acumen of Ahmedabad's Zoroastrians is inspiring. "There are so many entrepreneurs," he noted. An observation attested by the 'Ahmedabad Parsi Yellow Pages - 2004', which he released a couple of days ago.

Dadi Mistry, Regional Director, based in New Delhi, and Adi Engineer, Chairman - Pune Chapter, were also present. Dadi Mistry spoke of the upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations of the Singapore Parsi Anjuman (May 28/29) where a Showcase of Zoroastrian History and Culture will be held. Adi Engineer, meanwhile, extolled the WZCC-I's activity and achievement-oriented agenda. "It is time we moved beyond controversies," he urged.

On behalf of the WZCC-I, Zarine Commissariat, Programme Committee Chair, conducted the evening's proceedings with flair and aplomb. While Secretary, Mumbai Chapter, Yazdi Tantra, offered the vote of thanks. Thereafter, cocktails, dinner, and fellowship followed.