Category: Features

HEAVEN IS NEARBY

Very close to being a heaven on earth, Bulgaria is not only famous for its 378 km Black Sea coast made up of golden, sandy beaches, but also the charming coastal outcrops, such as Nessebar, the “Pearl of the Black Sea” and a Unesco World Heritage site. Of course, the beaches are just the beginning of Bulgaria’s beauty as the country’s remarkably picturesque mountains with tempting hikes, glistening lakes, masterpiece monasteries, stunning cathedrals, delicious dishes, rugged castles and cavernous caves complete the picture

By His Excellency Mr Petko Doykov, Ambassador of Republic of Bulgaria in India

Bulgaria is a small but beautiful country in the South Eastern part of Europe with a long history and many attractive features. Established in 681 A.D. the country has gone a long way to become the modern contemporary state of today. A member of the EU and NATO, Bulgaria comes to the foreigners as a country with a lot of opportunities for cooperation and joint projects, yet with a lot of interesting places to enjoy and discover as well.

RELIABLE & PREDICTABLE PARTNER

In the recent years, Bulgaria has constantly been a reliable and predictable partner of all European countries. Projecting stability has inevitably been on the agenda of the Bulgarian government. During the first half of 2018, Bulgaria held for the first time the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Promoting the European perspective of the neighbouring countries of the Western Balkans as a way of furthering stability and prosperity on the continent was one of the main priorities of the first-ever Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU. The reason for the country’s stability should be sought in the unity of the Bulgarian people. “United We Stand Strong” is our main slogan. It is enshrined in our Constitution and it is clearly visible on the façade of the main building of the Bulgarian parliament in downtown Sofia. Bulgaria is a country of tolerance where representatives of different religions, such as Orthodox Christianity, Islam, etc., have been peacefully coexisting for centuries. The spirit of tolerance is behind our unity and domestic stability. In turn, they constitute an important prerequisite for the country’s economic development and our people’s prosperity. A very important part of the Bulgarian economy is centered on the sectors of manufacturing and services. Traditionally, Bulgaria is also famous for its strong agricultural traditions. Equally important are sectors such as tourism, education, etc. Just to mention here that there are currently more than 50 universities in Bulgaria and their doors are open equally to students from Bulgaria and abroad.

TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES

Blessed with outstanding nature and abundant natural resources, Bulgaria comes third in Europe in number of cultural artefacts and second in number of natural spring resources. Our tiny EU country has everything from rich culture and ancient history, mountainous rivers and sea to four seasons, delicious food and the famous Bulgarian wines. All that is packed in a territory of only 111 square kilometers, and it inspires the travelers to visit Bulgaria again and again. By welcoming more than 8.8 million tourist arrivals in 2017, more than its own population of slightly above 7 million, Bulgaria reached a milestone of 7.6% increase in foreign tourist arrivals in 2017, which is a remarkable growth in the context of the European tourism industry. The number of Indian tourists in Bulgaria reached 12000 in 2017, registering an impressive growth of 22% in comparison to the preceding 2016. Indian travelers also discovered Bulgaria, voting for it as the “Best Emerging Tourism Destination in the World” in the “Travel & Leisure” Awards for 2016.

MY EFFORTS TOWARDS CORDIAL RELATIONS

The main focus of the Embassy’s activities during the past few years was on the exchange of visits. We hosted in India the Bulgarian Minister of Tourism, two Deputy Ministers of economy, a Deputy Minister of science and education, and a number of delegations at a lower level. Many business delegations from my country also visited India. And we had Indian official and business delegations going to Bulgaria as well. Quite recently, from 4 to 6 September 2018 the Honourable President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind paid a historic visit to Bulgaria. The last one at such a level took place 15 years ago. And we worked actively for the encouragement of people-to-people contacts which we deem as a backbone of the traditionally strong and excellent interaction between our two countries. With a view to improving the relations between Bulgaria and India in the field of economy and trade in September 2017, the India-Asia-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce was registered in New Delhi, which is the third bilateral commercial chamber established in the last 2 years. The chamber announced officially its existence on 28 November 2017 with its launching taking place at the premises of the Embassy of Bulgaria in New Delhi thus giving the Indo-Bulgarian business community yet another reason to celebrate. Bulgaria holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2018 created many new opportunities for the bilateral economic relations. In cooperation with FICCI, the Embassy organised a Bulgarian-Indian Business Forum in New Delhi in March 2018 and jointly with the India-AsiaBulgarian Chamber of Commerce we organised and conducted a Road Show in Tamil Nadu in April 2018 in order to better present the possibilities for business and investment in Bulgaria.

STRENGTHENING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

As mentioned above, the two countries have been enjoying excellent relations throughout the whole history of their existence. We recently had a state-level visit to Bulgaria and our ambition is this visit of the Honourable President of India to pave the way for a number of visits at the levels of Parliament, Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, etc. Such visits would additionally boost the cooperation in the areas of mutual interest, with culture, education and people-to-people contacts being an important part of our endeavours to maintain and further increase the bilateral dialogue and interaction. A very promising area is the cultural exchanges. It is worth noting that the second-largest city of Bulgaria, Plovidv, which is the oldest living city in Europe, will be the European capital of culture in 2019. This in itself is representative of how significant Bulgaria’s contribution to the common European cultural heritage is. On the other hand, the International Day of Yoga was celebrated in 2018 in over 30 Bulgarian cities. These are just two examples of how broad are the perspectives and opportunities for cooperating with each other in the field of culture. The last decade recorded four-times growth in the bilateral turnover. Bulgarian exports to India increased by 83% in 2016 with the bilateral trade increasing by 14% in the same year and the trend is up with 7% growth of the bilateral trade in 2017. Yet, there is a huge potential for the further increase of the bilateral trade and investment relations. Bulgaria is among the fastest-growing economies in the European Union with 3.6% growth in 2017. The country is the second-best outsourcing destination on the European continent with the lowest corporate tax rates of 10%, highly educated workforce and free access to the 500 million EU market. Bulgaria’s debt stands the third lowest in the EU 28 (25.4% of GDP) as of 2017, and we have in Bulgaria competitive operational costs and labour level. At the same time, eight of every ten cars in Europe are equipped with some auto parts produced in Bulgaria. The tourism industry of Bulgaria reached the highest growth in tourism arrivals in Europe in 2017 and the results in 2018 are also impressive. To avail ourselves of this potential and to be able to unleash it, the Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi and its Commercial Section will keep working closely with the Indian Chambers like FICCI, ASSOCHAM, PHD, etc. and the three bilateral chambers, namely India-Asia-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, Indian-Bulgarian Business Chamber and Balkan-India Business Association.

POTENTIAL IN INDIA

Today, India is considered as the fastest-growing major economy in the world, and we consider it as one of our strategic economic partners. Over the years, our countries have developed a longstanding amicable relationship, and businesses from Bulgaria and India have established mutually beneficial partnerships. It is our understanding that there is a scope for further expanding the Bulgarian exports to India. One category of goods that holds great potential is the agricultural products, food stuffs and beverages. Another one is the Bulgarian perfumery and cosmetics. Bulgaria is a famous producer and exporter of rose oil and rose oil-based products which have also attracted customers in other Asian markets. Finally, we can seek further opportunities to expand our exports of products on the higher end, such as pharmaceuticals, machines for the food processing industry, etc. Equally important, the interest of the Bulgarian business towards India has led to the implementation of large-scale projects under various programmes of the Indian government, such as Make in India and Clean India. We take pride in the fact that in recent years Bulgarian entrepreneurs have strengthened their position as one of the fastest growing Internet providers in New Delhi and Hyderabad. Bulgarian companies have established production facilities in India and are currently operating a manufacturing plant for veterinary medicines in Pune. In 2017, Bulgarian and Indian companies have launched ambitious investment projects under the Make in India initiative in the fields of bio-toilets production and solar energy. The Embassy and its Commercial Section are ready to extend their support to future Bulgarian projects in India

AMAZING & EXQUISITE

Full of rich culture, history and natural beauty, Argentina is a country of breathtaking nature and wildlife, and perfect for sports enthusiasts and art lovers. One would love it not only for skiing, sledding, fishing, kayaking and snowboarding, but also for the local birds – penguins, seals and orcas, and then also for the Argentine wine, beautiful mountains, falls, national parks, valleys, ride to the countries, islands, shopping, festivals and adventures

By His Excellency Mr. Alejandro Zothner Meyer, Consul General of Argentine Republic in India

Argentina, meaning made of silver or silver-coloured, is a precious country, worldrenowned for the tango, elegant architecture, steak, wine, and soccer, and of course, Diego Armando Maradona. Though it has its own share of economic struggles, Argentina continues to play an important role in the global economy, especially with regards to its agricultural production, based on livestock farming, cereal cultivation (wheat, corn and transgenic soy), citrus fruits, tobacco, tea and grapes.

LEADING IN SEVERAL SPHERES

It is the world’s largest exporter of soy-derived products, as soy and sugar cane are extensively cultivated for biofuel production. It is also the world’s largest exporter and fourth-largest producer of biodiesel. Rich in energy resources, it is the largest natural gas producer in Latin America, and holds the world’s second-largest shale gas reservoir and the fourth-largest oil and lithium reservoir. Its industries have shown robust growth in recent years, and meat packing, flour grinding & canning, flour-milling, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals & petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy and steel are the country’s main industries. Specializing in areas of high-tech services, it is highly competitive in software development, call centers, nuclear energy and tourism.

TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES

Tourism in Argentina is very rewarding due to its amazing cultural offerings and a vast variety of natural assets. Its capital city, Buenos Aires, is the most visited city in South America, and there are 30 National Parks in Argentina including many World Heritage Sites. The main tourist attractions in Argentina include the following: Iguazú Falls: Iguazú Falls is a UNESCO site that brags of stunning waterfalls with amazing views. The waterfalls share borders with Brazil and Argentina. Iguacu National Park is one of the new 7 wonders of the world. The falls contain somewhere between 150 and 300 separate waterfalls and are almost two miles long. The Iguazú Falls are consisted of about 275 individual waterfalls and cascades giving chance to include a boat safari, which powers up the river to the foot of the falls.

Perito Moreno Glacier:

Perito Moreno Glacier is part of the Los Glaciares National Park. Perito Moreno Glacier is actually part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The Perito Moreno Glacier is a huge tourist’s attraction and views the glacier from a small boat on Lake Argentino, witness huge chunks of ice breaking from the glacier and plummeting into Lake Argentino. The Perito Moreno is 30 km (19 mi) in length. It is also a UNESCO site of Patagonia’s Los Glaciares National Park, which has 3,359-meter-tall Monte Fitz Roy, beautiful mountain straddling the border with Chile.

Ushuaia – The End of the World:

It is the world’s most southern city located on the very edge of the continent of South America, and is well known for its incredible landscapes, has truly unique landscape features of woods, mountains, glaciers and sea, and serves as a popular base for Antarctica cruises, winter sports and wildlife viewing. The bragging massive stretches of plateaus and plains, made even more dramatic by the backdrop of the Andes.

Tierra del Fuego National Park:

Tierra del Fuego National Park attracts numerous visitors and hikers to Argentina’s oldest coastal national park; a massive 156,000-acre area extends all the way from Beagle Channel to the Chilean Border and northwards to Lago Kami. There are lakes, rivers, peaks, and glaciers, and it also includes everything from tall waterfalls, dense forests, and mountains, along with beautiful glacier-fed lakes such as Roca and Fagnano.

Mar del Plata:

Mar del Plata, located in the Atlantic coast 400 kilometers from Buenos Aires has the best beaches in South America, and the beautiful beaches sprawl for more than eight kilometres popular among sea lions. Argentina’s top beach resort town boasts 10 miles of sandy beaches with very dense crowds, particularly in the summer months. Mar del Plata is home to the excellent Juan Manuel Fangio Museum, a car museum dedicated to one of the world’s greatest to the first automobile (an 1886 Daimler). Mar del Plata Aquarium has many marine attractions, including dolphins and seal shows, penguins, tortoises, and flamingos.

Mendoza:

Mendoza is one of Argentina’s most beautiful cities, and the wine capital of Argentina. Argentina´s world famous Malbec wines hail from here. It is also popular for outdoor enthusiasts among hikers and climbers, many aiming for the top of the 6,960-meter-tall Aconcagua Mountain. Mendoza has many other fun cultural attractions, including a number of museums and annual festivals, as well as a bustling Central Market, where locals buy and produce meat & fish. Argentina is a dynamic and incomparably unique country of natural and man-made wonders. It must be visited by nature- and adventure-loving tourists.

AN EXOTIC AND ATTRACTIVE TOURISM DESTINATION

Zimbabwe is an exotic and attractive destination for tourists interested in traveling to Africa and many tourists dream of visiting Zimbabwe once in lifetime. In 2019, about 2.2 million tourists visited Zimbabwe, accounting for 3 percent of all tourists coming to Africa (International Tourism Highlights 2020 Edition, p.2). Zimbabwe has designated the month of September as Tourism Month and this year’s theme is Tourism for Inclusive Growth, celebrating tourism’s ability to drive inclusive development, and the role it plays in generating economic opportunities for millions across the globe

By His Excellency Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, Consul General of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Former Member of Parliament & Advisor to the Prime Minister, Royal Thai Government & Chairman of Nation-Building Institute

Even though COVID-19 has not only affected tourism to Zimbabwe, but to all the world, Zimbabwe has so far vaccinated 2.7 million people, against a target of inoculating two-thirds of its 15 million population by the end of the year, and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has paid for 12 million COVID-19 doses.(3)Zimbabwe has reopened the Victoria Falls land border with Zambia for fully vaccinated tourists to allow the smooth flow of tourists. The development follows the successful rollout of a vaccination program that has seen more than 60 percent of residents in the border town of Victoria Falls being vaccinated.(4) Tourists come to Zimbabwe for varied reasons,but some of the features of Zimbabwe that attract tourists include the following:

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND WONDERFUL SAFARI DESTINATIONS

Zimbabwe is a tourist destination with one of the greatest varieties of wild animals. Within 11 national parks and many special reserves in the country, you can effortlessly find the Big Five – elephants, leopards, rhinos (black and white), buffalos and lions. Elephants are especially plentiful: Zimbabwe is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in the world. Other creatures include wild dogs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wild beasts, crocodiles and hippos. Zimbabwe is also renowned for its birdlife, with more than 600 species recorded countrywide. Zimbabwe is therefore a great place for a safari experience. It’s an exclusive place to travel as there are no masses of people or vehicles gathering around wildlife as in other tourist spots in its neighboring countries. Mana Pools National Park is the best park and one of the finest wildlife areas in Africa, situated at the northern most point of Zimbabwe, straddling the Zambian border with outstanding views of the beautiful riverside wilderness beside the Zambezi River, floodplains, baobab trees and forests. Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s top national parks, located in northwestern and roaming Hwange’s savanna grasslands and woodlands. The park has the biggest diversity of animals of all the world’s national parks and is also home to some 50,000 elephants, cheetahs, leopards, lions, and also one of largest populations of the endangered wild dogs and birds. If you love safaris and want to experience adventure, another highlight you should try is exploring the untamed wilderness through horse riding. Almost every national park, including the surrounds of Victoria Falls, has this activity.

VARIOUS NATURAL WONDERS AND DIVERSE LANDSCAPES

Zimbabwe is a destination with abundant natural wonders and diverse landscapes. You can go to Zimbabwe and find great lakes, natural parks, wonderful waterfalls, and rolling mountains. National parks in Zimbabwe are amongst the finest in Africa. Some of them are truly spectacular, suchas Hwange National Park (the third largest in Africa), Mana Pools (a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site) and Victoria Falls National Park. Zimbabwe has spectacular waterfalls in all shapes and sizes. Victoria Falls is one of greatest waterfalls in the worldand one of the world’s most visited attractions. The best view of the waterfalls is from the Zimbabwe side. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989 and is classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. There are also the Mtarazi Falls, which is Zimbabwe’s highest waterfall, and the Nyangombe Falls, a wider collection of cascading falls that form natural swimming pools. The Eastern Highlands is a mountainous area of astounding natural landscapes with lively forests, misty valleys, rugged peaks, lurching hills, deep gorges, descending waterfalls, and calm rivers and lakes. The Eastern Highlands has a cool damp climate and green landscapes, which diverge into the dry savanna ofother regions of Zimbabwe. Tourists visit the Eastern Highlands for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, golf and horse riding, as well as the admirable birdlife and the memorable scenery.

Lake Kariba is a massive man-made lake situated in the north of the country and sharing a border with Zambia. The lake is best explored by a slow cruise on a houseboat where tourists can spend days relaxing on drifting small boats or canoes, going fishing and spotting wildlife in Matusadona National Park on the lake’s shores. Not mentioned here are the many other places to experience, which tourists should not miss.

PLENTY OF LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND GENUINE CUSTOMER SERVICES

Zimbabwe has endless adventures to offer. In just the town of Victoria Falls alone there’s white-water rafting on the Grade 5 rapids of the mighty Zambezi River, bungee jumping, horseback safaris, gorge swinging, zip lining, abseiling and crocodile cage diving. Zimbabwe is an excellent, more affordable, option to some of its neighbors which offer similar experiences. As guiding is a comparatively wellpaid career in Zimbabwe, it means that there are plenty of high-quality candidates willing to do the job. Moreover, Zimbabwe’s education system is one of the best in southern Africa. Therefore, Zimbabwe is full of well-educated guides who speak excellent English. They also have a reputation of being among the best in the business. Their passion for wildlife is infectious and they delight in showing you what makes Zimbabwe so special. Not just as tour guides, Zimbabwean people are truly a joy to meet. They are warm, friendly, genuinely happy to see you enjoying their country and keen to share their own experiences. There is no better place to experience this than being on safari in Zimbabwe.

UNIQUE HERITAGE, HISTORY AND MUSEUMS

Zimbabwe is full of notable historic attractions. Evidence of ancient civilizations can be found in many places in Zimbabwe. The UNESCO site of Great Zimbabwe, or Great Enclosure, is the best place to start. The giant drystone walls are one of the main attractions of Zimbabwe today and can provide people who interested with an insight into Zimbabwe’s incredible history and remain as a reminder of ancient African civilizations. There is another UNESCO title holder, which is similar to Great Zimbabwe in many ways. It is called the Khami Ruins and is the site of a former Iron Age capital that was constructed without any mortar, and housed residents and a royal family for around 200 years. Another interesting place to go see the best-preserved rock paintings in Africa is the Matobo National Park, in the southwest of Zimbabwe. There is a selection of interesting artefacts dating all the way back to the pre-middle Stone Age, or more than 13,000 years. For museum lovers, Zimbabwe has some excellent collections for you to see. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare shows the country’s heritage. The Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences is home to the oldest wooden artefact discovered in sub-Saharan Africa. The Bulawayo Railway Museum has a collection of locomotives, carriages and provides a potted history of the city’s role at the heart of Zimbabwe’s once burgeoning railway network. Zimbabwe is a great destination for you to visit at least once in your lifetime. Zimbabwe is beautiful. It has a great number of tourist facilities. It is generally a safe country. Even though Zimbabwe may not be your first thought for a tourist destination, the country has developed gradually to become one of the world’s hidden gems among tourist destinations.

Sources:

1. World Tourism Organization. International Tourism Highlights 2020 Edition. https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/
2. https://www.facebook.com/ Ztaupdates/
3. https://www.reuters.com/world/ africa/get-covid-19-vaccineor-please-quit-zimbabwe-tellsgovernment-workers-2021-09-07/
4. http://www.xinhuanet. com/english/africa/2021- 07/31/c_1310099488.htm

THE COUNTRY THAT EMERGED FROM THE SEA TO CHANGE THE WORLD FOREVER!

Panama is located in the very center of the American continent. Thanks to the emergence from the waters of this strip of land who later called Panama three million years ago, the union of the whole American continent was possible making Panama an important pathway for the biodiversity of flora and fauna from the North to the South. From that moment, Panama was destined to be a BRIDGE, a bridge of union for the whole world. That is why we have been crowned by the phrase “The Hub of the Americas”

By Her Excellency Ms. Yasiel A. Burillo R., Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to India

PANAMA, THE HUB OF THE AMERICA

Being a logistics hub for the world requires not only the privilege of being in a perfect geographical position gifted by nature but demands onwards by their leaders a longlasting strong logistic strategy and a practical infrastructure with diverse transportation channels.

The famous Panama Canal cataloged one of the 7 Wonders of Engineering in the World is one of them. This inventive and majestic work has shortened the maritime distances, ships all over the world transit the canal in less than 24 hours. The Panama Canal is a symbol of global trade, through which flows 5% of all the world’s goods. Each year, over a million people visit the canal and can witness this engineering marvel at work and much more. In 2009, Panama leaded one of the most ambitious megaprojects in the world, the expansion of the canal with a new third lock. Since its inauguration on June 26, 2016, the Expanded Canal not only exceeded traffic expectations but also reaffirmed its environmental leadership in the maritime industry, prioritizing water savings and contributing to the reduction of CO2, being a shorter route, and offering greater cargo capacity to its customers.

To achieve cargo transportation excellence, Panama handled the largest volume of cargo containers in Latin America and the Caribbean, and our world-class ports system handled a volume of 7.3M TEUs in 2019. Complementing this Maritime Infrastructure, we count on the first interoceanic train: Panama Railway Company that serves as a dry canal moving containers at land level connecting the Atlantic to the Pacific.

The connection is our strength that is why we also take it at the air level. Panama has more than 34 countries’ destinations and 90 connections throughout America thanks to the extension of terminals on the Tocumen International Airport. With so much movement we must have a free zone for the capacity of our trade, being the Colon Free Zone the second-largest duty-free in the world. But Panama is much more than being a place of Connections, is just because of this that Business and Investment locate Panama on the spot. With a Political, Economic, and having a dollarized economy with almost no inflation since 1904, this has helped Panama achieve solid financial stability, backed by a well-developed and long-established international banking center with over 60+ licensed international banks. Panama counts with a great portfolio of attractive regimens and laws for investment. More than 170 multinational headquarters companies had already trusted in Panama and the World Bank, and the World Economic Forum have forecast a growth in Panama for 2021 of 10% to 12%.

PANAMA: A MUST STOP FOR ANY TOURIST

Besides Commerce and Investments Panama means also fun! Why choose one ocean, when in Panama, you can experience two? Plus, not only will you find over 3,000 kilometers of coastline along both sides of the mainland, but Panama is also famous for beautiful beaches and over 1,400 tropical islands featuring stunning scenes that you may have thought only existed in postcards. Also, we have the second biggest reef in the Oriental Pacific, perfect for whale watching, diving, and snorkeling. But counting with these resources gave us a responsibility on conservation, and already this year we raised the protection of our marine areas to 30% – 2nd Latin American nation to achieve this within the framework of the UN’s 30×30 Initiative. Panama accommodates huge tropical forest national parks ideal for observation, birdwatching, and a lot of adventures. To start, Panama has more bird species and plants than North America; this incredibly rich biodiversity—incorporated with the fact that Panama is the most forested country in Central America at 63% coverage—has made the tropical rainforests of Panama the most researched in the world. The Smithsonian has been studying the tropical biology of the area for over 100 years. And, you can come to see it, too! The most valuable coffee in the world, the awarded and famous “Geisha Coffee” comes from one of these natural fields.

Panama is also a Cosmopolitan Country, a fusion of different cultures. Because of our connection to history and the titanic construction of the Panama Canal, a lot of people have passed through Panama and decided to stay. Panama City is the most cosmopolitan capital in Central America and a must-visit for any traveler in the area. The capital of Panama is 3 cities in one, with a historic district, a rebuilt district, and very modern areas. In the historic district experience the historical, charming and vibrant neighborhood of Casco Antiguo. Casco Antiguo, also known as Casco Viejo, or the ‘old quarter,” is Panama City’s historic district. Considered a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site, the district dates back to 1673, and features vibrant plazas and picturesque brick-paved streets surrounded by colorful buildings. The area is ideal for walking, discovering history and enjoying a variety of fine cuisine. Come for some of the city’s best gastronomy, culture and photo shots, and stay to mingle with the locals in the heart of the nightlife scene. Panama city is a vibrant and dynamic urban center and truly a cosmopolitan city in the middle of the tropics, so expect to see massive skyscrapers surrounded by breathtaking nature. Panama is a peaceful country that welcomes tourists from all over the world. Security is another important competitive advantage that Panama offers over most of the other countries in the region. According to the Global Peace Index of 2020, Panama is the fourth safest country in Latin America. We have the privilege of being a country with a stable climate through all the year and one of the three carbon negative countries in the world (Source: the second biennial update report).

From the most researched tropical rainforest in the world; to breathtaking beaches; to a modern, skyscraperfilled Business District and a huge logistic hub. Therefore, the founders of this nation had the great vision and proclaimed on the national shield the motto of our country: For the benefit of the World

THE KINGDOM IN THE SKY

Lesotho, known as “The Kingdom in the Sky” for its natural beauty, is centrally located in the heart of Southern Africa and has good access to the growing and industrial areas in the region

By Her Excellency Ms. Lineo Irene Molise-Mabusela, High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the Republic of India

Lesotho is one of the three remaining Kingdoms in Africa and is also one of the world’s tiny countries with a land area of 30,355 sq km. It is located at a very high altitude ranging from 1400m to 3500m above the sea level with a pleasant temperate climate all the year round. It is an enclave of the Republic of South Africa and both countries are interlinked with good roads, railways and airways. Lesotho is a very homogeneous country with a total population of about 2 million. For administration purposes the country is divided into 10 districts with Maseru as a capital city. Lesotho is the only country in Africa with the regular winter snowfall. The snowcapped Maloti and Drakensberg Mountain ranges gives the country an outstanding scenic beauty during the winter season. As the visitors traverse the towering mountains they will be left with little doubt as to why the country is called the ‘Kingdom in the Sky” or the “Switzerland of Africa.” The Lesotho adventure is a unique kaleidoscopic experience of engaging mountains, friendly people and a cultural heritage that bespeaks of courage and wisdom. Sparkling waters run deep in gorges bejeweled by vibrant waterfalls and soaring mountains are crowned with clear blue skies. Under thick snow or scorching sun, Lesotho is a beautiful and challenging environment. Whether it is Heights or depths, distances or temperatures – they are all in the extreme in Lesotho to challenge the free spirited adventurer with an urge to go where not many have ventured. The rugged mountain terrain is criss-crossed by rivers and provides ample opportunities for canoeing; spectacular ski runs; horse riding; pony trekking; mountain climbing; fly fishing, hiking and; offroad racing. It is not surprising that this is the home of the annual world- mountains are crowned with clear blue skies. Under thick snow or scorching sun, Lesotho is a beautiful and challenging environment. Whether it is Heights or depths, distances or temperatures – they are all in the extreme in Lesotho to challenge the free spirited adventurer with an urge to go where not many have ventured. The rugged mountain terrain is criss-crossed by rivers and provides ample opportunities for canoeing; spectacular ski runs; horse riding; pony trekking; mountain climbing; fly fishing, hiking and; offroad racing. It is not surprising that this is the home of the annual world- to the wonderful sandstone formations of the region, where nature has formed cliff overhangs which provided the ideal shelter for early man. It was on the walls that San have left us the valuable legacy of their paintings. Hospitality Just as much of the beauty of Lesotho is secret and understated, so is the hospitality. Apart from two large internationalstandard hotels in Maseru, there are plenty of accommodation possibilities. Some idyllic retreats are found in exceptionally remote spots, where the quality of welcome and comfort is first class. Country lodges are tastefully built with local materials such as sandstone or basalt adorned with thatch roofing to fit in with the environment. The Basotho people are warm and hospitable. As a rule and when approached courteously Basotho are happy to share glimpses of their traditional life with the visitor which often is to first approach a village headman or chief before engaging villagers. The pristine condition in which most Basotho keep the insides of their huts is legend. And the inside of these traditional homes are adorned with fascinating decorations of intricate patterns. Many household implements or domestic necessities are the product of fine craftsmanship whish has been acquired through the generations.

LESOTHO’S MUST TO DO ATTRACTIONS

Afriski Mountain Resort:

Africa’s highest Ski resort (3222m asl) attracts around 10,000 visitors during winter months every year. After all day skiing and snowboarding activities sample a palatable Lesotho cuisine at the Sky Restaurant and enjoy the taste of Maloti beer at highest Pub in Africa located at Sani Pass.

Katse Dam:

Enjoy a cruise with high speed boats and take a tour at the highest man made dam in Africa with the dam wall of about 185m high, 710m across and stretches 60km upstream. The Katse Alpine Botanical Gardens which displays the country’s most diverse mountain flora and plant heritage in a natural setting is a must see attraction.

Maletsunyane Waterfalls:

196m single drop – the highest in the region offers rock climbing activities and exciting abseiling at 204m abseil at Maletsunyane Falls which holds the Guinness World Record of being the longest commercially operated single drop abseil.

Pony trekking:

Basotho pony – sure-footed and gentle horse bred in Lesotho deliver passengers to areas of scenic beauty such as Thaba Putsoa Mountains and stunning Ketane waterfalls. Hiking is also a very popular for those enthusiast and Backpackrs who loves to explore the mountain tracks.

Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village & Heritage Site:

A national heritage site and birth of the Basotho nation complements one of Lesotho’s famous historic place Thaba-Bosiu. A self contained cultural village serve as a one-stop cultural experience centre for those who wish to know more about Basotho traditional lifestyle.

Nature Parks & Reserves:

Sehlabathebe National Park now forms part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park and is a future World Heritage Site. Tsehlanyane National Park hosts an indigenous forest and is linked to Bokong Nature Reserve by hiking trails. Spellbinding views are the norm for all parks.

Thabana-Ntlenyane (3482m):

The highest mountain in Southern Africa is famous for mountain biking and hiking.

Lesotho Sky Mountain Bike Stage Race:

This international event in staged in September every year brings together top athletes from all over the globe to explores some of the spectacular trails as they climb the rugged mountainous terrain in Lesotho. The Government of Lesotho is committed to tourism development through facilitation of private sector investment by local and foreign companies. To maximize investment in tourism, the Government of Lesotho has created institutional structures to minimize bureaucratic hurdles and improve business environment in general. At the moment Lesotho is also facing many pressing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, climate change, diseases that put a lot of strain on the socio-economic development of Lesotho. However, Lesotho has confidence on the Government of India for cooperation and contribution of the Indian investors in order to improve the livelihood of our people and collectively contribute to the development of our respective countries, in the following areas of development:

Mining –

The diamond mining industry has experienced strong growth over the last decade and contributes significantly towards the country’s income and all Lesotho’s Mining companies are planning substantial expansion of their operations.

Water projects:

Lesotho highly needs to invest in water projects in construction of dams for supply portable water, water treatment plant and recycling facilities, and waste water treatment plants.

Manufacturing –

The Government aims to improve the manufacturing sector by aggressively promoting investment climate in establishment of a knitted fabric mill, accessories and packaging materials, leather and footwear products, assembly of consumer electrical and electronic appliances.

Agriculture –

In the past, Lesotho’s economy was largely founded on Agriculture which is no longer performing up to the desired standard. The Government of Lesotho’s aim is to highly improve this sector by shifting focus from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture by increasing productivity in grains yields, livestock, food processing and water bottling.

Tourism –

Lesotho has an outstanding beauty and a unique cultural identity, factors which could drive growth in tourism. However, the potential has not yet been fully exploited.

Energy –

Investment is needed in solar, wind and hydropower energy to meet the current gap in energy supply and as well as to export to the neighboring countries.

Infrastructure development –

Opportunities exist in developing commercial and industrial properties as well as roads, schools, airports and sports facility centers.

ICT Development –

Lesotho requests assistance in the development of high speed broadband and basic ICT services in the country and to widen ICT literacy. I would like to invite you to come to Invest, Live and Prosper in the Kingdom of Lesotho. Khotso! Pula ! Nala! PEACE! RAIN! PROSPERITY!  

LAND OF CULTURALLY-RICH DIVERSE ETHNICITIES

By Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan for the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

One of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations, Kazakhstan owes it to not only its history and nomadic culture but also its geography. Sharing its borders with 5 nations, it is a cultural melting pot of 131 ethnicities. Home to stunning nature, including the famed Altai Mountains and Kazakh steppe, as well as the Golden Man, the country’s own Tutankhamun, it offers the ultimate adventure

The Republic of Kazakhstan is a unitary state with the presidential system of government. Under the Constitution, Kazakhstan is a democratic, secular, legal and social state which recognizes the man, his life, rights and freedoms as the supreme values of the country. Located at the heart of Eurasia, appeared on the geopolitical map in December 16, 1991 when it gained independence. The name Kazakh, of Turkic origin, is thought to mean “free man” – which is appropriate in a land historically populated by freedomloving nomads. Nur-Sultan is the capital city of the country. Kazakh language is the official language of Kazakhstan. The Russian language has the status of the language of interethnic communication. The unit of currency used in Kazakhstan is tenge. It is the world’s ninth biggest country by size, and it’s more than twice the size of the other Central Asian states combined. The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the head of state, the highest political official, who determines the main directions of the domestic and foreign policy of the country and represents Kazakhstan on the international arena. The President is a symbol and guarantor of the national unity and the state power, inviolability of the Constitution, as well as the rights and freedoms of an individual and citizen. Kazakhstan has varied landscape stretches from the mountainous, heavily populated regions of the east to the sparsely populated, energy-rich lowlands in the west, and the industrialized north, with its Siberian climate and terrain, through the arid, empty steppes of the centre, to the fertile south. Ethnically the former Soviet republic is as diverse, with the Kazakhs making up nearly two-thirds of the population, ethnic Russians just under a quarter, and smaller minorities that include Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Chechens, and others. While many of its neighbors tend to be more influenced by Islamic countries, Kazakhstan has been largely shaped by Russian culture, literature and language.

THE RICH, DEVELOPMENTAL AND EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF KAZAKH PEOPLE AND CONSTANT INTERACTION OF NOMADIC LIFESTYLE HAVE LED TO A UNIQUE AND AUTHENTIC CULTURE OF KAZAKHSTAN

The Government implements executive powers, heads the system of executive bodies and exercises supervision of their activity. The Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan performs legislative functions and consists of two Chambers acting on a permanent basis: the Senate and the Majilis. The Senate is composed of deputies, two of whom represent each region of the country, as well as the cities of the national significance and the capital of Kazakhstan. Fifteen deputies of the Senate are appointed by the President with due regard to equal representation of national and cultural and other significant interests of the society. The Majilis consists of 107 deputies, nine of whom are elected by the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. The term of the powers of Senate deputies is six years; term of the powers of the Majilis deputies is five years. At the moment, there are three parties in the Mazhilis, including “Nur Otan” People’s Democratic Party, “Ak zhol” Democratic Party of Kazakhstan and Communist People’s Party of Kazakhstan. The country is divided into 14 administrative zones and has 3 cities of national significance.

A CULTURALLY RICH NATION

 Being one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations, Kazakhstan owes this part to its geography and Soviet ethno-policies and the settlement of European migrants throughout the 20th century. The rich, developmental and evolutionary history of Kazakh people and constant interaction of nomadic lifestyle with settled people in South Kazakhstani ancient cities have led to a unique and authentic culture of Kazakhstan. With nearly 130 different ethnic groups and 17 different religious confessions, the ethnic Kazakhs accounted for 63% of the population, the Russians 23.7%, with the remainder being spread among Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Germans, Tatars, Uyghurs, Byelorussians, Azeris, Turks, Koreans, Dungans, Poles, Greeks, and other ethnic groups. Its predominant features through which Kazakhstan is recognized are:

Culture of horsemanship

 The domestication of horses was first achieved on the territory of modern Kazakhstan. This marked the beginning of a new culture of horsemanship among the ancient nomads of Kazakhstan. Horsemanship culture changed Kazakh clothing, boots, and armor, and the nomads even invented the high saddles and stirrups.

Ancient Metallurgy

The nation rich in various mineral ores became one of the first centers of the establishment of metallurgy. The centers of mining production and smelting of bronze, copper, lead, iron, silver, and gold, and the manufacturing of sheet iron arose in ancient antiquity on the lands of Central, Northern, and Eastern Kazakhstan.

The Golden Man

The Golden Man, also referred to as the Golden Warrior, or as ‘Kazakhstan’s Tutankhamun’, was discovered in Issyk in 1969. It became the personification of the courage of the defenders of the land on which the ancestors of today’s Kazakhs lived. It depicts the highest-level artistic creations that still amaze the imagination. The skillful golden guise of a warrior indicates the confident mastery of the ancient masters of gold processing techniques.

Provenance of Turkic World

The majestic mountains of Altai not only decorate the land of Kazakhstan but were also the cradle of the Turkic peoples. It was here, in the middle of the 1st millennium, where the Turkic world was born. Today, it is the original centre of biodiversity of montane plant and animal species in northern Asia, a number of which are rare and endemic.

The Great Silk Road

The geographical uniqueness of Kazakhstan contributed to the emergence of transit corridors between different countries and civilizations. These land routes were transformed into the Great Silk Road system – a transcontinental network of trade and cultural ties between East and West, North and South of Greater Eurasia.

The Birthplace of Apples and Tulips

 Kazakhstan is the keeper of the progenitor of all the Earth’s apple trees: the Sievers apple tree. It was this tree that gave the world one of the most common fruits of this time. Today there are more than 3 thousand varieties of cultivated tulips in the world, and most of them are “descendants” of the local flowers. Thirty-five types of tulips are native to Kazakhstan.

TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES

An array of majestic canyons, seamless deserts, arid plains, colossal glaciers, and ancient structures account for popular Kazakhstan tourist places making it a year-round destination. It is one of the must-visit countries on the bucket list of numerous travelers. Kazakhstan is wide to an extent that it encompasses 5 climate zones and has 2 time zones. It is the geographical diversity of the country that accounts for ultimate travel experiences. Due to this, it offers travel and tourism which include authentic cultural tourism, nature-based activities, including ecotourism, bird watching, etc. in national parks and protected areas, skiing or trekking in mountains, water sports, sunbathing and swimming in lakes and rivers.

NUR SULTAn (earlier ASTANA)

 The wonderful city of Kazakhstan stands as the living example of the modernized nation and presents popular Kazakhstan tourist attractions. With plenty of corporate business centers and multi-story buildings around, the architecture of this city will mesmerize. From the top of the 105-meter tall Bayterek Tower, one can catch the magnificent panoramic view of the city. Museum of Miniatures and Seaquarium is the ideal place of attraction for all nature enthusiasts where over 2000 species of sea animals from different parts of the world can be spotted.

Almaty

As the biggest cultural hub of Kazakhstan, Almaty is known for its gorgeous setting and picture-postcard outdoor. It was the capital city of Kazakhstan till 1997. The snow-capped mountains guard the city displaying the city’s grandeur and making for the best backdrop ever. The Central State Museum here holds special importance because of the rich cultural heritage it houses.

Aktau

The four-decade-old city overlooks the great Caspian Sea and is among the most serene visiting places in Kazakhstan. Aktau means “white mountain” in Kazakh which may be due to its cliffs that overlook the Caspian. Cultural centers, concert halls, cinemas, and libraries from ancient times are spread all over the city. It is also known for its block address system. Almost no streets in Aktau have names; instead, addresses generally consist of three numbers: the district number, the building number, and the apartment number.

Taraz

Taraz is situated in the southern part of Kazakhstan. Formerly known as Auliye-Ata and Zhambyl, it lies at the junction of the Talas River and the Turk-Sib Railway. The city’s BabajiKhatun Mausoleum is known for its distinct sixteen-ribbed conical dome.

Lake Balkhash

 The 15th largest lake in the world is located 600 miles to the east of Aral Sea and is a major source of hydroelectric projects in the country. It was once was a prominent place of breeding for marine life that included as many as 20 species of fish. Qaratal, Aqsū, Ayagoz, and Lepsi rivers feed the eastern part of the lake.

Baikonur

 Baikonur is the world’s oldest and largest space launch facility. Baikonur Cosmodrome was one a secret missile testing site that happened to be a strategically important place for Russians. The desolate desert steppe of Kazakhstan was once the launchpad for Vostok 1 spacecraft in which Yuri Gagarin first set for the moon.

Tamgaly-Tas

 Tamgaly-Tas literally means ‘written rocks’ as the rocks here are inscribed with beautiful images of Tibetan scriptures and Buddha. It is an openair sanctuary where religious rituals in Kazakhstan were held. 5,000 petroglyphs from the Bronze Age are still displaying the grandeur of the city.

Amazing Land of Myriad Insights

Japan is such an amazing country for tourism that travelling there once is never enough! Mixing action and adventure, people prefer rides on rollercoasters boasting serious speed, climb Mt. Fuji in the summer months, and enjoy themselves to the fullest skiing and snowboarding in the winters. There are cycling routes that give fantastic views, including a ride across a 70 km bridge connecting Hiroshima with the island of Shikoku. Other options include flying down to the subtropical islands of Okinawa where one may enjoy kayaking or exploring mangroves in Yanbaru National Park Japan

By His Excellency Dr. Akima Umezawa, Consul-General in Dubai, Japan

Tourism is considered a pillar of growth strategy in Japan. Japan is ranked as the 4th competitive country in the travel and tourism sector among 141 countries in the world. This is the highest in Asia! Japan has scored remarkably higher points in almost all aspects, such as health and hygiene, safety and security, and cultural resources and business travel. Japan is especially proud of its traditional cultures, foods and four season’s nature. Last year, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had announced that the government would boost efforts to achieve its target of 40 million visitors to Japan by 2020, as it seeks economic growth through tourism. The number of tourists visiting Japan has drastically increased in the last decade, and it has also updated its historically highest record every year, such as 28.8 million in 2017 and 31.2 million in 2018. Prime Minister Abe has also pointed out that “The target of 40 million visitors to Japan in 2020 is now within our reach. We will swiftly work toward it,” in a Cabinet meeting on tourism strategy at his office. During the meeting, the Japan Tourism Agency reported that the number of visitors and their spending in 2017 had increased 3.5-fold and quadrupled, respectively, compared with those in 2012. The agency added that the total number of foreign visitors staying in regional areas quadrupled in the same time period.

Japan is hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2019, as well as Olympics and Paralympics in 2020 in Tokyo. Thus, it views tourism as a pillar of its growth strategy. It has eased visa requirements for many friendly countries, especially for India and the UAE in the last couple of years. It has also increased the number of low-cost carriers and other flights to boost inbound tourism. Tourism-related facilities and services have expanded dramatically especially for tourists from foreign countries.

The Recent Future Now, Japan has grand ambitions to bring more than 60 million visitors to the country by 2030. In the meantime, the country isn’t just dreaming a huge target, it’s encouraging enormous concrete actions too. Thanks to concerted country-wide endeavors by governments, local municipalities and private sectors to transform the Japanese tourism economy, the country seems on track to achieve this vision, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

Japan will soon host several international events, including the Rugby World Cup (2019), the G20 Global Summit in Osaka (2019), the Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo (2020), and the Kansai World Masters Games (2021), among others. The Rugby World Cup 2019 is a tournament like no other. Asia’s first Rugby World Cup has captured the imagination of Japanese and fans around. It kicks off by a match between Japan and Russia on 20 September. Qualified 20 national teams compete through having the 48 enthusiastic matches in 12 cities from North to South. Final match held on November 2 decides the World number one in Yokohama.

Tokyo also is gearing up to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. Tokyo 2020 will see over 15,000 athletes from 207 nations participate in what will be the most innovative, inclusive and inspiring Olympics yet. The world’s best athletes will arrive in Japan for the games starting on July 24, 2020 with a spectacular opening ceremony, and would run until August 9. Shortly afterward, the Paralympic Games will begin on August 25 and end on September 6. There are 33 Olympic sports and 22 Paralympic sports which will be held across 43 cities all around Japan.

Furthermore, in 2020, the world’s first Nintendo-themed park opens in the Universal Studio Japan. “Super Nintendo World” features Nintendo’s legendary worlds and characters, presenting the exciting world of Nintendo, such as an all-new “Mario Kart” attraction. In 2022, Tokyo DisneySea opens the newest theme port, “Fantasy Springs”. It consists of three areas inspired by Disney films that are loved by guests of all ages – Frozen, Tangled and Peter Pan. The four attractions, three restaurants, and one new hotel will also be opened in Fantasy Springs.

Enjoy My Japan

In the past, foreign travelers focused on Japan’s “Golden Route,” of Tokyo, Hakone/Mount Fuji, Kyoto/Osaka. Today’s clients are now demanding one-of-a-kind experiences such as seasonal festivals or time-sensitive attractions like the annual cherry blossom season. Here in the UAE, it’s a peak travel season to Japan in cherry blossom months, i.e. late March to early April.

Furthermore, Japan has solidified itself as a top tourism destination, with a wide appeal for both corporate and leisure clients. New digital marketing and public relations initiatives – including the 2018 Enjoy My Japan global campaign – have been put in place. Now, summer in Japan is full of fireworks, festivals and fun in the sun. Although, across much of Japan the summer is characterized by hot and humid weather, many locals opt for cooler climates near the ocean or up in the mountains when taking refuge from the heat.

Art & Architecture

Japan’s art, design and architecture are enjoyable for all tastes, as it blends both the ancient and the modern styles. The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa holds everything that is modern, while The National Museum of Art Osaka in Osaka or the Tokyo National Museum would offer a perspective on older things. If one is visiting specially for a deeper understanding of the Edo period (1603–1867), pop-artist Katsushika Hokusai and his ukiyo-e wood block prints, one must go to the Hokusaikan Museum in Nagano Prefecture.

Even buildings in major cities offer architectural inspiration, and therefore simply roaming around in the streets of Japan gives one a feeling as if they are browsing a design museum. One would discover structural surprises at every turn while going to the cavernous Tokyo Station or the Mikimoto 2 or Prada buildings in upmarket Tokyo districts. However, if one wishes to visit actual design museums, then one would find Tokyo’s 21_21 Design Sight or the Archi-Depot Museum acutely interesting.

Exciting Culture

Japanese rousing culture may be experienced everywhere in the country, as it is reflected not only through the country’s ancient shrines and temples, but also in the trendy streets of Harajuku, at a friendly izakaya, or at a lively festival. One may even stay at a temple for a taste of temple life, or take a walk through one of the country’s ancient trails, or even get creative with a traditional craft at a local studio. Longlasting memories may be created while visiting traditional Japanese theater, avant-garde art installations and local festivals ranging from the regal to the raucous.

Festivals

Matsuri in Japanese, meaning festivals, are an innate part of Japan’s culture. Some are small and peaceful, and others are large and fiery. During summers, Japanese like to light up the skies with spectacular, colorful displays through hanabi in Japanese, meaning fireworks. Some festivals such as the Gion Festival in Kyoto or the Aomori Nebuta Festival in Aomori would reveal the traditional aspect of Japan.

During winters, festivals include anime characters, historical and political figures, and famous architectural wonders, which are carved into snow and ice, and lanterns are lighted throughout the paths that are also lined with igloos. The Sapporo Snow Festival and the Nozawa Fire Festival are popular in winters. During spring, festivals include flowers, as spring is also the season of cherry blossom and other flowers. During immensely fulfilling spring festivals such as the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival and the Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival, one must enjoy the food, drink and friendly atmosphere under trees, in parks, around castles, and along rivers.

During fall or autumn, momiji in Japanese, meaning the red maple leaves, dominate the outdoor festivals. Fall festivals are generally held around temples and shrines, such as the Fujiwara Autumn Festival in Hiraizumi, and the Kawagoe Festival, and showcase different areas’ history with historical parades, noh (skill) performances and seasonal food. During autumn, international events such as the Tokyo International Film Festival, Tokyo Motor Show and Tokyo Comic Con are held.

World Heritage Sites

Japan boasts of several world heritage sites such as Himeiji Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial, and the historic villages of Shirakawa-go & Gokayama, and several more. All of them offer you deeply interesting examples of Japanese history. Aizuwakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture is known as the land of the samurai, and Tsuruga Castle also showcases samurai culture. For ninja fans, one must visit the village of Iga Ueno in Mie Prefecture, or the Koka region in Shiga Prefecture. The southern islands of Okinawa are famous for the stone walls of the long-lost Ryukyu Kingdom, where one may discover extraordinary artistic, musical and culinary traditions. Coastal regions of Tokyo help visitors enjoy stunning beaches and saw-toothed coastline. Those who like trekking may go deep into the mountains. A trek to the top of Tokyo’s highest mountain – Mt. Takao – takes a day from the capital, while those who have several days to spare may walk the pilgrimage routes that wind through the Kii Mountain Range in western Japan. Other attractions include bubbling, geothermal waters at Japan’s many hot-spring resorts. A soak in the warm waters is a dip into traditional Japanese culture, and offers relaxation for body and soul. One may visit the mountains of central Japan, or down south to the island of Kyushu and relax in rocky baths overlooking the ocean or in high-class mountain retreats. Japan’s deep-rooted tradition of craftsmanship has led to worldfamous Japanese products that are of the highest quality in the world. Japan offers you all kinds of soulful experiences: lovingly brewed sake and prized porcelain that would remind you of the centuries-old crafting style, modern gadgets and fashion. Japan is for all, young and old, traditional and modern!

Land of Renaissance & Exploration

Holding a special place in the global sphere as the birthplace of the Roman Empire, Italy is home to spellbinding masterpieces of art and architecture, and boasts of the highest number of UNESCO world heritage cultural sites in the world. Its astounding tourism attractions include serene lakes, lofty mountains, and a dramatic coastline, and a lifetime of experience in literature, language and philosophy

By Her Excellency Ms. Stefania Costanza, Consul General for Italian Republic, Mumbai

Amajor advanced capitalist mixed economy, which is the eighth-largest in the world and the third-largest in the Eurozone, Italy is a founding member of the G7 and the OECD, one of the world’s most industrialized nations, and is also one of the leaders of the world economy, and trade & exports.

Tourism Opportunities

 Country of great cities of Rome, Venice and Florence, Italy – Bel Paese (Beautiful Country) – has richly contributed to the world in the fields of fashion, literature, opera, art, architecture, design, films and so on. Some of its main tourism destinations include the following:

Colosseum: It is a colossal Amphitheater, the largest ever built by the Roman Empire and has inspired almost all sports facilities since then, continuing to date. It has been host to innumerable public spectacles and shows – even mock sea battles, and holds two stories of tunnels, rooms, cells, and passages for gladiators, workers, wild animals, and storage below the ground floor. It is a perfect reminder of rich Roman past and the ancient history of Italy.

Venice Canals: Venice can be understood through a gondola ride through its network of canals, which are the city’s main streets to travel through its various islands. Lined by old buildings retaining their exotic charm for the past several hundreds of years, the canals are a great way to visit and enjoy the grand palaces that face the canals. A Vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal would offer an experience of a lifetime to visitors.

Pompeii: Though Mt. Vesuvius destroyed this city in AD 79 as it erupted ferociously, its lava encased and conserved – as it cooled – several of city’s priceless art treasures: frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures. Later excavations re-sired remains of houses, markets, baths, temples, theaters, streets – scarred by the tracks of chariots – and even humans, and reintroduced the world to the more than 2,000 years old magnificent Roman engineering.

Leaning Tower of Pisa: A worldrenowned gem of Italy, its construction began in the 12th Century, and restoration work was done in the 1990s. Visitors are allowed to climb up the stairs of the tower, which gives an extremely impressive view of the city. It is also known as La Torre Pendente, and stands on the Piazza dei Miracoli, where visitors would also find the beautiful Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, all of which are exemplary & brilliant works of medieval stone carving.

Vatican City: Home to some of the world’s most priceless art collections, it boasts of the great Basilica of St. Peter, the tomb of St. Peter and the Pieta – one of Michelangelo’s most touching works! From the St. Peter’s Square outside, the Pope addresses followers. Other attractions include the Sistine Chapel famous for its wall and ceiling paintings by Michelangelo, and the Vatican Museum holds several of Italy’s other most famous artists.

St. Mark’s Basilica: This is one of the most important tourist sites in Venice with its famous square, Piazza San Marco. A work of brilliant art, the Basilica has been constructed with a mix of architectural styles in which the Byzantine Empire’s influence is clearly seen and displays Venice’s long trade connections to the East. Inside, visitors would be mesmerized by the stunning mosaics and the high altar covered in gold and jewels. The Doge’s Palace, next to Basilica also holds in its heart various priceless masterpieces of Italian art.

Milan Duomo: This is the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente, called Il Duomo by the locals in Milan. It is not only one of the world’s largest churches, but is also one of the best examples of the flamboyant Gothic style of architecture in the world. It holds the tomb of Gian Giacomo Medici, a 12th-century bronze candelabrum, and the gold reliquary of San Carlo Borromeo. It also has an elevator to go to a portion of the roof, where visitors may walk at great height among the carved stone pinnacles.

Mount Etna: The world-famous live volcanic Mount Etna on the island of Sicily is one of the highest peaks in Italy, surrounded by a national park called the Parco dell’Etna. Visitors are allowed to walk along the craters and fissures, and may witness the lava or steam. As the volcanic soil supports cultivation of grapes, visitors may taste an array of fantastic local wine.

Land of Mysteries & Excitements

Made up of thousands of volcanic islands, Indonesia – a Southeast Asian nation – has shown excellent progress in tourism. Home to hundreds of ethnic groups, it is world-famous for its stunning beaches, live volcanoes, Komodo dragons and elephants, orangutans and tigers roaming in jungles. As the island of Java represents Indonesia’s vibrant, sprawling culture, Jakarta and Yogyakarta are known for fun and traditions.

By His Excellency Ridwan Hassan, Consul General in Dubai, Republic of Indonesia

Holding a distinguished vision, the current administration is focused on sovereignty in political, economy and cultural area. “Indonesia Progresses” has been the basic theme of all positions. Narrowing down to our priority on international relations, Indonesia focuses on maintaining sovereignty, protecting all of Indonesian citizens abroad, boosting economic diplomacy, and increasing Indonesia’s role in regional and global arenas

My Efforts towards Cordial Relations

Indonesian Consulate in Dubai focuses on improving economic cooperation between the two countries. The Consulate has been actively supporting the participation of business entities on various trade exhibitions in Dubai, in order to promote Indonesia’s innovation and diversification in trading products and businesses. Also, the Consulate is keen on facilitating various business forums to match any business opportunities between Indonesia and Dubai. Indonesian Consulate, collaborating with Indonesia Trade and Promotion Center (ITPC) Dubai, facilitates potential buyers from Dubai and Northern Emirates to attend “Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI)”, an annual exhibition on trade, tourism and investment sectors that have been creating many profitable business deals.

Tourism Opportunities Tourism industry is the 4th largest sector that supports Indonesian economy to grow, among goods and services export sector. For the record, tourism in Indonesia is ranked as the ninth-fastest growing sector in the world, the third-fastest growing in Asia and the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia. Indonesia has targeted to attract about 20 million visitors by 2019. Some of its main tourism destinations include the following:

Medan: This is the largest city in Sumatra Island, and due to its ethnically diverse population, it is known for scrumptious delectable culinary spots, rich with many flavours. Some examples include Bolu Meranti, Bika Ambon Zulayka, the Durian fruit or cake, and the sweet passion fruit Markisa. Here, one may also visit the Maimoon Palace that gives a glimpse of the royal heritage. Other attractions include Lake Toba, the Samosir Island, Berastagi.

Raja Ampat: For those who are looking for a pristine paradise full of Mother Nature and warm friendly people, Raja Ampat is full of exceptional, beautiful, enchanting, magnificent, and fascinating wonders. This island-regency in West Papua Province holds spectacular wonders above and beyond its waters, on the land and amidst the thick jungles. Raja Ampat literally means ‘The Four Kings’. It is an archipelago comprising more than 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool.

The sheer number and diversity of marine life at Raja Ampat and its huge pristine coral reef systems are a fascinating experience for scuba divers and snorkelers, as pigmy seahorses, Manta Rays, wobbegongs, schools of Tuna fish, giant trevallies, snappers, batfish, and barracudas swim around you.

Bali: Known as the Land of the Gods, Bali is famous for its natural beauty enhanced by looming volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields that offer visitors peace and serenity. Bali is also considered a surfers’ paradise. It is full of dramatic dances, colorful ceremonies, arts, crafts, intricately carved temples, luxurious beach resorts and exciting nightlife. As Bali is located 8 degrees south of the equator, its climate is typical tropical, warm and humid all year round with only two main distinctive seasons: Dry Season and Rainy Season. So visitors may find the several peaks over 3,000 meters above sea levels around Bali’s central mountains cooler and worth exploring.

Then, Bali’s white beaches and a variety of water sports are a favourite destination for family holidays, where visitors would definitely like banana boats, parasailing or jet skiing, swimming or sunbathing by the sea. Mountain climbers would like Gunung Agung and Mount Batur. One may also enjoy the dramatic Kecak dance – telling the story of Ramayana wherein prince Rama’s wife, Sita, is abducted by the ogre Rahwana – in the open air on a cliff, by Uluwatu temple. The sun slowly lowering in the sea over the horizon beyond this beautiful temple is an unforgettable experience for the visitors. After a day’s tiring explorations, one must relax and rejuvenate for the next day at world-famous Balinese spas found all over Bali. Balinese spa products are not only to be enjoyed during the stay, but can also be brought home as souvenirs.

Banyuwangi: Literally meaning Aromatic Water, it is the eastern-most city of Java Island, is full of lush green, and is also the most densely populated island. Its southern beaches are brushed by the Indian Ocean, and it owns the impressive Mt Raung (3,282 meters) and Mt Merapi (2,800 meters) above sea level. Here, one may watch wild animals roam freely in the Alas Purwo Reserve, trek through the savannah of Baluran, or revel on the Pulau Merah or G-Land beach or Sukamade Beach. Visitors who hike up Banyuwangi, also find it amazing that blue flames spring out from the yellow sulphurous rocks that are cut and gathered manually by traditional miners.

Bintan: Known for its high-end resorts, world-class golf courses, and magnificent coastal beauty, it is considered a heavenly getaway for leisure and adventure seekers. It is also world-famous for organizing marathons, triathlons, extreme sports and golf challenges. Some of the famous locations at Bintan include the stunning Bintan Lagoon Resort, Penyengat Island, Trikora Beach and Senggarang and Sebung Village. Bintan Lagoon Resort covers 23,000 hectares of sandy white coast facing the South China Sea. There are currently ten independent beach resorts, four designer golf courses, as well as a range of recreational facilities and attractions located within the fully. integrated Bintan Resorts. Penyengat Island holds historical monuments and relics of the past, an interesting blend of Javanese and Dutch architecture, and the Sultan of Riau Grand Mosque. Trikora Beach is interesting for its breathtaking long stretch clear crystal water beaches, and picturesque and stunning surroundings. Senggarang and Sebung Village is a small fishing village filled with rows of fishermen’s stilt houses and ancient Chinese temples, and is famous for seafood served in Kelong-style restaurants.

Jakarta: It is the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, home to people with diverse ethnic backgrounds, and is a conglomeration of villages known as kampung. Here, one would find the iconic landmarks such as Monas, The Merdeka Palace, The National Museum, Istiqlal Mosque, The Jakarta Cathedral and Monumen Selamat Datang or the welcome monument widely renowned as Bunderan HI. Visitors would also enjoy the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol or Ancol Dreamland containing Dufan Theme park, Seaworld, Atlantis Water Adventure Park, Ecopark, Art market, etc.

Yogyakarta: Together with its twin city Surakarta (Solo), Yogyakarta is the cradle of civilization on Java. It is famous for the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in the 8th and 9th century and the Mataram kingdom of the 16th and 17th century. Visitors would certainly enjoy the living museum of The Kraton or The Keraton (Sultan’s Palace), the famous Alun Alun, or even silversmiths working at amazing jewellery at Kotagede. Parangtritis, Indrayanti, Pok Tunggal, Siung, Krakal, and Jogan beaches are located here. Puncak Becici, Pinus Pengger, and Jurang Tembelan are also counted among the exciting backto-nature destinations in Yogyak

Bandung: It is known worldwide for the historic Bandung Conference, also known as the first Asian–African Conference in 1955, in which 29 newly independent countries from the two continents representing over half of the world’s population met, including the legendary leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Prime Minister Zhou En Lai of China and Indonesia’s President Soekarno. Bandung is also famous first as a University City, most prominently known for its Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), from where Indonesia’s first President Soekarno graduated, and then also as a Creative City, where millennials and students are encouraged to express their exuberant creativity in art, music and innovative digital creations Makassar: The largest city in eastern Indonesia, it is Indonesia’s busy air hub, connecting Sumatra, Java, Bali and Kalimantan in the west with Sulawesi, the Moluccas and Papua in the east. Visitors interested in Makassar’s history must visit Fort Rotterdam, which is a well-preserved bastion from the Gowa Sultanate, dated back to the 17th century. It also owns the Losari Beach and an iconic dessert called Es Pisang Ijo, which is a banana wrapped in thin green dough, shaved ice, some syrup and sweetened condensed milk.

A Unique Land of God’s Fancies

A land loved by all who live and travel to the country, owing to various extremes yet holding a fine balance between sundry aspects of geography, climate, food, music and literature, Iceland also holds a promise of utmost excitement and adventure, as anyone setting foot in Iceland would surely fall for Glacier Hiking, Ice Climbing, Snorkeling, White Water Rafting, Mountain Hiking, Cave Tours, Soaking in Geothermal Pools and Whale Watching.

By His Excellency Mr. Gudmundur Arni Stefansson, Ambassador of Iceland in India

I celand is world-famous for several reasons. And, its picturesque landscape with drastic cliffs, black beaches and spectacular waterfalls isn’t the only one or the most important of them. It is the safest country in the world and the only safety measures and precautions one needs to take while in Iceland are due to its rough nature and unpredictable weather.

Progressive & Peaceful Nation

Iceland is an island in the North Atlantic. It is home to a progressive and peaceful nation that has formed a modern society where freedom and equality are held in high regard. Iceland continuously ranks at the top for measurements of quality of life, gender equality, and democracy. Iceland is a country of extreme geological contrasts. Widely known as ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’, it is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe, and some of the world’s most active volcanoes. Iceland is also the land of light and darkness. Long summer days with nearly 24 hours of sunshine are offset by short winter days with only a few hours of daylight. Uniqueness of Iceland lies in its unspolit nature and the fact that it has a small population of 3,50,000 people. Iceland is full of exciting activities and breathtaking landscapes. You can witness geysers, waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, valleys and endless stretches of black sandy beaches. For activities, you can go hiking, biking, snowmobiling, kayaking or you may just soak up the warmth of a natural hot spring. The options are endless! Some experiences can only be enjoyed in the summertime others only in wintertime and some all year long. Seeing the Northern lights is on the bucket list of many people and Iceland is an excellent location to witness that as it is surely a unique experience.

Promoting Relations between Iceland & India

We are actively promoting tourism in India through various activities including shooting of Indian films in Iceland. To cater to the needs of the growing tourists from India, the Embassy has started issuing visas in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore through VFS Global directly. We also plan to extend visa application services to other cities soon. India and Iceland are top fishing nations exporting large amount of fish and seafood across the globe. The two nations have renewed the MoU on sustainable fisheries cooperation in September 2019 during the State visit of President Ramnath Kovind to Iceland. To encourage people-to-people contact through arts and culture, a new MoU on Culture was signed during the visit of President Ramnath Kovind to Iceland in September 2019. A visa agreement was signed between Iceland and India in September 2019 which will allow officials from both sides to travel without a visa. We focus the work of the Embassy on a few key areas. Promoting tourism to Iceland has been very successful. We have had a yearly 50% increase in the number of tourists travelling to Iceland. The Indian film industry has also showed much interest in Iceland. The biggest success is Gerua the feature song of the Bollywood movie Dilwale, which received some 200 million views on Youtube. Iceland is primarily a food exporting country. It exports fish and lamb. India is not a classic market for Iceland. India has turned to be a more high-tech connection for Iceland rather than a traditional export market. Thus, other focus areas include business opportunities in targeted high-tech areas such as renewable energy, in particular geothermal energy and hydropower, biotechnology, information technology, and environmental technologies. Iceland’s start-up industry is also fast growing and provides an attractive market especially in cutting-edge sectors like digital technology and biotechnology.

Tremendous Potential

I believe that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the recent visit of your President Shri Ram Nath Kovind clearly indicates that there is interest and potentitial for both countries to collaborate for partenership in Geothermal energy. I also believe that India and Iceland have tremendous potential to grow politically, culturally and socially in the next decade – India being the world’s largest democratic country and Iceland the oldest one!