Zafar Sareshwala's column on PM Modi's
visit to UAE...the biggest highlight is him visiting the migrant workers'
camp...no PM has done it so far...
Key Highlights:
A PM has visited UAE after 34 years
UAE has surplus investment fund of trillion dollars which they are
keen to invest in infra projects (as they did in Malaysia and transformed
the country)
The Sheikhs who controlled the country and the money were impressed
by the "New Captain" who meant business...India is the closest
investment avenue for them these days and this visit is bound to generated
inflow of FDI
2.6 million Indians residing in the UAE. Nobody takes care of these
Indians. There are Indian Diasporas across the world but these 2.6 million
Indians spread across the Gulf are engaged in labour-intensive industry.
No administration or no PM of a country even addresses them. Normally,
high net worth individuals are given prominence.
But Modi has had a great connect with these people when he visited
their camps. This made these labourers from India very happy and euphoric.
They now believe that their lot can improve because the PM of their
country went to meet them.
Modi visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque..resting place of the
founder of UAE Sheikh Zayed...place was thronged by Muslims, non Muslims
alike...people were chanting "Modi, Modi"...
In the
visitors' book meant for important dignitaries and heads of the State the
PM wrote that 'Peace, harmony are the fundamental and core principles of
Islam.'
The
notion of Modi being anti Muslim is being dispelled slowly and steadily...
Foxconn investing $5Bn in Maharashtra in a manufacturing facility, FDI surged by 40% from what was last year, GM investing another $1Bn, Uber another $1Bn...
Abhi-aaya - apart from the obvious poor attempt at dual use of the first name, it is a metaphor for pretty much what i am - "Abhi Aaya" means "I am coming" :) (now dont get ideas), as part of the service industry gig, i am always saying it to everyone..apt tagline