Oman has achieved remarkable progress: Eduardo Faleiro Convention lauds contribution of Goans around the globe
By Kaushalendra S Singh MUSCAT - Eduardo Faleiro, former Indian external affairs minister and, Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Government of Goa, hailed Oman's progress as 'remarkable' in a short span. "In the last 15 years the country has made extensive progress in all walks of life and the progress is noticeable everywhere. Now I see better infrastructure, wide roads and more greenery in the country." Eduardo Faleiro is in Muscat to attend two-day Fourth Global Goan Convention that opened at the Indian Embassy on Thursday. The Government of Goa has been holding global Goan conventions since 2006. The first one was held in Goa, followed by one in Portugal (2007) and Canada (2008). "Last time I came to Muscat about 15 years ago in the capacity of Indian minister for chemicals and fertilisers when talks for setting up of Indo-Oman joint venture fertiliser company, OMIFCO (Oman India Fertiliser Company) was going on. "I came to know that the company is doing well. India and Oman are having very good bilateral and trade ties and we see it growing and strengthening day by day," said Eduardo. Commenting on Indo-Oman relations Eduardo said: "Oman has always been very important to India. In many areas we are partners in progress and this is obvious by the presence of large number of Indian expatriates in the country. "I feel proud when I hear from Omanis that Indians are honest and hardworking. Both the countries are focused on development and the results of their efforts are obvious in front of everyone." When asked about the redressal of various problems faced by NRIs, Eduardo said, "We raise the problems faced by the NRIs at the right forum and many of them have been resolved due to the fact that now we have a Ministry of Overseas Affairs to address such issues. Many more have come to our notice and I as Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Government of Goa try to resolve the issues faced by NRGs (non-resident Goans) as early as possible." Earlier, during the inaugural session, Dr Mario de Souza, Founder General-Secretary of the Goan Community of Oman, introduced the theme of the convention. He spoke on the contribution that Goans have made to Gulf and to Goa and highlighted some of the areas of concern to Gulf Goans both in the Gulf and in Goa. He thanked the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, the Commissioner for NRI Affairs and the Indian missions in the Gulf for having taken note of and resolving many of the problems afflicting the Goan expatriate community in the Gulf. Simon D'Silva, the president of the Qatar Goan Welfare Society termed the convention as a celebration of liberation and said: "We dare not to forget today that we are the heirs of that liberation. A new generation, disciplined by hard work, proud of ancient heritage and committed today at home and around the world. He highlighted Goan's strength of human resources and said that government should formulate a policy to tap the talent." Dr Satish Nambiar, President of Indian Social Club, Muscat appreciated the efforts of Goan community by bringing them to Oman for this convention. Angelo Fernandes, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Goa and Chairman of Economic Development Corporation, also addressed the gathering and promised to provide all assistance to the Goan expatriates. Anil Wadhwa, Indian Ambassador to Sultanate, while informing the gathering about various responsibilities taken by the embassy, said the Goan community in Oman is one of the least problematic and diligent in their work. http://www.omanobserver.com/
