Team Herald
PANJIM: Stating that the upcoming BRICS summit will place Goa on a high pedestal in the international forum, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Wednesday expressed confidence that the summit will help the State benefit substantially especially in terms of increased tourism dividend.
The Chief Minister held a meeting with top government officials from all departments and reviewed preparations for the event scheduled on October 15 and 16. “Goa has a wonderful opportunity of hosting BRICS where we can use this to our advantage and showcase the best that Goa is known for to the entire world,” he said.
“Goa was selected because of its scenic beauty and prevailing harmony among the people. We decided to convert the challenge of hosting a summit of such importance into an opportunity because it will take Goa to greater heights. It’s a great experience and challenge for us. BRICS is a milestone in the growth of Goa,” he said.
Officials were informed that the entire government machinery has been geared up to host the 11 heads of nations, which constitutes around 40 percent of the world’s population.
While thanking and acknowledging the support extended by the locals Parsekar said, “Some locals did have apprehensions in their minds which we are addressing”.
The local bodies and MLAs have been cooperating with us, and so also are the locals which reflects their helpful nature.”
