The Global Women’s Trade Pre-Summit B2B Meetings, hosted by World Trade Centre Mumbai in collaboration with the All-India Association of Industries (AIAI), provided a vital platform for international trade connections. Over 60 delegates from 12 countries participated, fostering discussions, knowledge sharing, and the exploration of new business partnerships.
Leaders Spotlight Women in Global Trade
The Pre-Summit featured Dr. Daphne Pillai, Chairperson of the India Chapter of the International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry (IWFCI) and Management Board Member at Pillai Group of Institutions, as the Guest of Honour. She highlighted women’s leadership in global trade and emphasized that partnerships can drive growth, innovation, and collaboration across sectors and countries.
Meanwhile, Ms. Diana Abruzzi, Founder and International Chairperson of IWFCI, served as Chief Guest. She shared her vision for empowering women in international business. She said,
“An idea can be more powerful than an army. Today, IWFCI has 14 international chapters, offering women a platform to lead, innovate, and think boldly. As the world evolves, women must upskill, adopt technology, and seize opportunities. IWFCI supports this by opening trade routes and creating chapters worldwide.”
Furthermore, she encouraged Mumbai’s women entrepreneurs:
“This is your moment. Step forward, showcase your capabilities, build business, and make your impact felt.”
Indian Women Driving Trade and Commerce
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman and President of WTC Mumbai and AIAI, stressed the importance of international engagement for Indian enterprises. He observed that women excel across multiple domains, yet their participation in trade-related services remains low, at fewer than 5% formally engaged. Therefore, he highlighted the need for women-focused financial tools and institutions to encourage growth in trade and commerce.
Similarly, Ms. Priya Pansare, Director of Trade and Investment Promotion at WTC Mumbai, emphasized ongoing initiatives to strengthen global trade linkages. She noted,
“Trade is more than commerce. It fosters culture, entrepreneurship, and unites diverse segments of society.”
B2B Speed Networking Fosters Collaboration
Finally, the Pre-Summit concluded with dynamic B2B Speed Networking, allowing participants to connect directly with international delegates across multiple sectors. As a result, the session reinforced the importance of global networking and collaboration in expanding business horizons. It also created sustainable trade opportunities for women-led enterprises.
