The Kerala Business Forum (KBF) recently hosted the first edition of the ‘KBF Business Conclave’, in co-operation with the Indian Embassy in Qatar.
The KBF was established in 2016 to support the Keralite business community in Qatar by creating synergy amongst entrepreneurs of Kerala origin, and act as a platform to support, guide, and educate fellow businessmen in various topics and subjects of interest.
The event was inaugurated by EP Jayarajan, Kerala’s Minister for Industries, who addressed the gathering about the various initiatives the government is taking to promote investment in Kerala. 
The event, carried the theme “Together Towards Tomorrow”, covering several keynote speeches and panellists who discussed policies, procedures, and government initiatives aiding entrepreneurs and advising them of the investment opportunities both in Qatar and Kerala.
Indian ambassador P Kumaran highlighted the strides Kerala as a state has been making in encouraging investments and recent initiatives, such as K-Swift, which is a single window clearance mechanism for fast and transparent clearance for expediting approvals within the time limits. 
KBF general secretary Shaheen Shafi welcomed the gathering, while KBF president KR Jayaraj highlighted how the forum aims to become a bridge between investors and government authorities following the conclave to assist them with their investments.
The first day of the event saw keynote speeches from Doha Bank CEO Dr R Seetharaman; Single Window director Nasser Omeer al-Noaimi, Business Development and Investment Promotion-Ministry of Commerce and Industry director Hamad al-Marri’ and Qatar Financial Centre vice president of Business Development Jahongir Burhonov. The event was also attended by LuLu Group director Mohamed Althaf and Teyseer Motors deputy GM Dr Anand Pasupathy.
KBF joint secretary Fazil Hameed delivered the vote of thanks on the first day of the event and thanked the key sponsors LuLu Group and Teyseer Motors, as well as silver and associate sponsors for their support.
The second day focused on investment opportunities in Kerala and started off with a welcome address by KBF vice president Jenny Anthony, followed by keynote speeches from Nishad, the director of Start Up Mission, Kerala; TS Chandran, deputy director of Kerala Industries Department; and Dr Damodar Avanoor, former president , Kerala Small Industries Association.
CV Rappai, Norka Roots director as well as Group CEO of Video Home/Jumbo Electronics, gave a keynote speech on the various activities under Norka Roots, which was set up to ensure the welfare of non-resident Keralities and to serve as a single kiosk for all related information.
Indian Cultural Centre president A P Manikandan and India Community Benevolent Forum president PN Baburaj also spoke during the evening and appreciated the efforts taken by KBF in hosting the event for the Keralite business community in Qatar. 
The event was concluded by KBF treasurer Sabith Saheer, who appreciated the efforts taken by all the panellists in enriching the audience with detailed information about investment opportunities, and thanked all the key members of KBF who helped in organising the conclave.
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