Expat business owners go online to discuss concerns
The topics discussed at the conference included payment of rents, salaries and other recurring expenditures
AS small-scale entrepreneurs learn to cope with ‘social distancing’ and ‘stay at home’ precautionary measures, online conferences being conducted by Indian business and sociocultural organisations are bringing relief to a large number of expatriate business owners.
One such conference conducted by Kerala Business Forum (KBF) recently in Doha helped a number of expatriate investors -- who are puzzled by market shutdown -- to sort out their several issues.
Speaking about the conference titled ‘KBF Emergency General Body - Zoom Meeting’, President of the forum KR Jayaraj said, “The main objective was to get the members onto one platform to share their concerns and suggestions. We have formed a financial advisory committee headed by Sabith Saheer, Shanavas Bawa and Sheji Veliyakath to keep regular contact with Indian expatriate entrepreneurs.
“The special team will be available for any financial advice for the members and to get supportive information to the members.” they will be contacting the banks and other institutions
A total of 40 people, including small and medium level investors, participated in the conference from their homes.
“We have also formed a crisis management team to support business community as well as the general public,” Jayaraj added.
Concern over payment of rents for office and shops, salaries and other recurrent expenditures were discussed at the conference.
In his online speech, Sameer Kalandan outlined the initiatives taken by Hamad Medical Corporation to create awareness of Covid-19 and the latest updates from the Primary Health Care Corporation.
Prominent Indian business personalities who shared their views during the online conference included Lulu Qatar Regional Director Mohamed Althaf, Director of Jumbo Electronics CV Rappai, Advisory Committee Chairman of Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) Mohan Thomas, ICBF President PN Baburajna and President of Indian Cultural Center AP Manikantan.