India@FDI Magazine

Ajay Pande
Managing Director and Group CEO,
GIFT City
Do you see growing ties between GIFT and DIFC and
ADGM over the coming years? If so, what are the
reasons?
Yes, we see growing ties between GIFT and DIFC and ADGM in
the fields of real estate, entertainment, retail, hotel, financial
services and infrastructure funding.
India’s first international financial services centre
(IFSC) at GIFT has been in discussion with DIFC and ADGM
for possible collaboration. During our recent visit to the
UAE in February we entered into a formal Memorandum of
Cooperation (MoC).
The cooperation provides for joint promotion of
the financial centres and providing easy access to
institutions based in DIFC and ADGM to set up base in GIFT
IFSC, and vice-versa.
Is there good potential for growth in India-UAE trade
ties over the coming years, especially with the rapid
expansion in exports and imports between the two
countries?
Yes, the expansion in trade ties is the direct indication of
growth between the two counties. The Government of India
has taken various policy initiatives in particular for facilitation
of FDI in and outside India.
Considering both the countries are located in close
proximity it offers a great opportunity for growing ties. Gujarat
offers opportunity for becoming a contract manufacturing
hub for Dubai-based companies.
Could you tell us about your recent visit to the UAE,
where you met officials from the DIFC and ADGM and
explored areas for potential cooperation?
GIFT International Financial Services Centre has been in
discussion with various financial centres across the globe.
We had been in discussion with DIFC and ADGM for possible
collaboration.
Road to faster growth
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