Welcome to Indo-Icelandic Business Association

Welcome to Indo Icelandic Business Association

The Indo Icelandic Business Association was established 12 January 2010 in New Delhi to promote trade, investment, cultural and bilateral relations between India and Iceland. The IIBA operates in accordance with its Memorandum of Society that stipulates the association´s role, governance, rules and procedures. The IIBA assists interested and concerned parties from both countries to establish Business, commercial and cultural relations. Further the IIBA takes up matters of mutual interest including Business opportunities or trade issues with appropriate political or administrative bodies.

New Delhi and Invest India

A seminar on Innovation in business was organized by the Indo Icelandic Business Association (IIBA) at the Imperial Hotel, New Delhi on March 7, 2023, in cooperation with the Embassy of Icland - New Delhi and Invest India. The seminar was presided over by H.E. Martin Eyjolfsson, Permanent Secretary of State- Ministry of External Affairs, Iceland.

The welcome address by the Ambassador, Gudni Bragason was followed by an address by Prasoon Dewan, Chairman, IIBA.

The Keynote address was delivered by H.E. Martin Eyjolfsson.

Invest India made a detailed presentation of existing possibilities between both the countries. Vardha Taneja, Vice President, Invest India , raised thoughtful business proposals / ideas. There was an active offline & online participation by members of IIBA and Public Sector Units that included Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Indian oil corporation Ltd., Oil India Ltd., Ministry of Renewable Energy, leading companies of India and Iceland -GEG Power, OSSUR, Marel, Kerecis and Carbon Recycle International (CRI). The seminar was fruitful in bringing diverse viewpoints collaboratively and effectively across the table.

India to Iceland: Building Bridges for Gender Equality

An intriguing session on Gender Equality was hosted by The Embassy of Iceland in cooperation with the UN Women India & The Indo Icelandic Business Association at We the Peoples Hall- UN House, Lodhi Estate on March 7th, 2023, to celebrate International Women's Day.

The Ambassador of Iceland to India, H.E. Gudni Bragason began the proceedings with a welcome address along with Ms. Susan Ferguson, Country representative, UN Women India; H.E. Martin Eyjolfsson, Permanent Secretary of State, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland presided over the event and Ms. Joyce Poan, Programme Specialist, Chief of Education, UNESCO, New Delhi addressed representatives from different sectors of Education, Media, Social workers, Women's Rights Activists and other dignitaries.

They spoke vividly about the significance of initiating work and cooperation on gender equality, inclusion, framing suitable laws, their smooth implementation and simultaneous work upon changing mindsets of populations worldwide in general. Alumni GEST student Representatives also participated enthusiastically and shared their experiences of the training (on gender equality) pursued by them in Iceland and their application thereafter in various arenas of professional work back in India.

Indo Icelandic Business Association

Indo Icelandic Business Association hosted a reception for all the members and their families on November 11th, 2022 at the Rose Gardens - India Habitat Centre. Welcome address by the chairman, Prasoon Dewan was followed by an address by Ambassador H.E. Gudni Bragason. The reception dinner was attended by more than 125 people, including a special visit by the members of the Pune chapter. The event certainly has added a new dimension to the constitution, purpose and insight of IIBA while extending a cordial welcome and shade to the families of member delegates under its wing. The reception saw a lively and radiant ambience with enthusiastic interactions amidst all guests over live music and a spread of scrumptious dinner. Ambassador Gudni Bragason, DCM Kristin Anna Tryggvadotti, members of the Embassy of Iceland besides other esteemed guests graced the occasion and interacted warmly.

IIBA formalises operations in Pune

With the support of the Advisory Board and the members, the Indo Icelandic Business Association (IIBA) has formalised operations in Pune and strengthened its foot print in the state of Maharashtra.

New members representing arts, music, dance, healthcare, infrastructure, yoga, fashion and design have supported the IIBA with active participation towards meaningful cross culture possibilities between both the sides.

A letter of intent was signed with IIBA members Sudeep Saini and Sai Vaidya to offer local support to the IIBA in Pune.

IIBA in cooperation with the JD Institute of Fashion Technology

The JD Institute of Fashion Technology in cooperation with the Indo Icelandic Business Association (IIBA) hosted the Ambassador of Iceland to India HE Gudni Bragason and DCM Kristin Anna Tryggvadottir at their corporate campus. The students and faculty had a wonderful time interacting with the dignitaries and exploring how Iceland could lead the list as one of the most sustainable countries.

The event was very successful with discussions on further possibilities to be explored between both countries. The meeting was attended by Ambassador Bragason, DCM Kristin Anna Tryggvadottir, CMD of JD Institute Rupal Dalal, Director-Harsh Dalal, Director- Akshara Dalal, IIBA member Prity Dewan and Chairman of the Indo Icelandic Business Association- Prasoon Dewan.

LOI&C Signed with Uttarakhand Industries Association

The Indo Icelandic Business Association (IIBA) has strengthened its footprint in the state of Uttarakhand. The IIBA has signed a Letter of Intent and Cooperation with the esteemed Uttarakhand Industries Association. The objective is to work closely towards business collaboration and culture between India and Iceland. Thankful to the President of the UIA - Pankaj Gupta for the facilitation.

Ambassador of Iceland in India, His Excellency Gudni Bragason, was warmly welcomed to Dehradun

Bragson also called on Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at the Chief Minister's residence along with the Chairman of the Indo Icelandic Business Association - Prasoon Dewan. On this occasion, bilateral trade and cultural promotion, education tourism, fisheries, geothermal energy in the form of green energy and other possibilities were discussed between the two sides. Bragson, appreciated the work being done by the state government in the direction of tourism, education, self-employment, self-reliant India.
A reception was held in his honour at Hotel Madhuban on his visit to Dehradun. The reception was organised by the Chairman of the Indo Icelandic Business Association (IIBA), Prasoon Dewan. Bragason's Doon visit organised in collaboration with IIBA was intended to explore the possibilities of bilateral trade and culture between India and Iceland.

Speaking on the occasion, Bragason said that he was happy to be in Uttarakhand and the beautiful city of Dehradun, and he added that Iceland was looking forward to discuss mutual opportunities in the field of education, culture, tourism, renewable energy, environment, hi tech, software, gaming, films, healthcare, food processing, fishery, gender equality, women empowerment including Uttarakhand.

He added that he had joined his present posting as Ambassador of Iceland to India in July this year and was looking forward to having a fruitful tenure in India. He also praised the efforts of IIBA in organising the programme and for promoting trade and relations between the two countries.
It may be recalled that The Indo Icelandic Business Association (IIBA) aims at supporting collaboration, knowledge transfer and provides updated information about political, economical, cultural or legislative issues relevant to business and commerce while functioning in close cooperation with the Embassy of Iceland in India.
On the occasion IIBA's Advisory Board member Siddharth Swaminathan and members Dalip Dua, Pooja Marwah and Ritesh Sapra were present. The reception was attended by The Deputy Head of the Icelandic Mission Sigthor Hilmisson and Trade Councellor at the Embassy Rahul Chongtham who also holds the position of the secretary of the IIBA.
Philanthropist Dr S Farooq, owner of Garhwal Post & Actor Satish Sharma, BJP's Deepti Rawat Bhardwaj, Saurabh Thapliyal, Veteran Journalist & Actor Dr Anjali Nauriyal, Wing-Commander (Retd) Anupama Joshi, Rakesh Oberoi, Anil Goyal, Pankaj Gupta, Anoop Nautiyal, were also present amongst others.
Ambassador of Iceland with his team and the Chairman of the IIBA visited The Doon School, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology after a very fruitful meeting with the minister of Renewable Energy Mr Harak Singh Rawat and concluded the two day trip to Uttarakhand while visiting the holy city Rishikesh.

Date: November 13th, 2021

IIBA welcomes His Excellency Mr. Gudni Bragason - Ambassador of Iceland to India on his current tenure.

The Indo Icelandic Business Association ( IIBA) organised a member's luncheon meeting at the Imperial Hotel on September 24th, 2021 to welcome the incoming Ambassador of Iceland His Excellency Gudni Bragason on his current tenure to India.

The Chairman of the IIBA - Prasoon Dewan introduced all the members to the incoming Ambassador and thanked the members for their continuous support in progressing the IIBA into a healthy and active association. All the members interacted with Ambassador on a one to one basis and shared their ideas on strengthening the ties between both countries. The Chairman then requested Ambassador to address the meeting.

Ambassador Guðni Bragason addressed the meeting and thanked the IIBA members for their engagement in trade relations between the countries. The Ambassador emphasized the good international cooperation of Iceland and India in various fields, and spoke of the importance of security cooperation, human rights and sustainable development. The new head of the Trade Promotion Department of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Svanhvít Aðalsteinsdóttir, participated in the meeting on-line from Reykjavík, as well as Mr Einar Hansen Tómasson, Head of Energy and Green Solutions at the Business Iceland agency, who presented a new Icelandic emphasis on green solutions in business, trade and production.

The meeting was attended by the following members of the IIBA - Ranjit kumar, Sameer Londhe, Vijay Bhatia, Rahul Chongtham, Ravi Singh, Deepika Sachdev, Dr. Manish Chugh, Dalip Dua, Naresh Pande, Akshara Dalal, Siddharth Swaminathan, Shivkant Arora, Winnerjit Singh, Sunil Kumar, Lovneet Thakur, Sukhvinder Kang, Savi Grover, Anita Malik, Rajbir Singh, Dr. Mandeep Singh, Bhuvan Madan, Vishaveer Singh, Ankur Bhargava, Anumeha Soni and Prasoon Dewan

IIBA Co-hosts Reception in Honour of Former President of Iceland
Mr. Olafur Ragnar Grimsson

The IIBA co-hosted a reception in honour of five term former President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and the First Lady during his state visit to India on March 3rd, 2020 at the Ball Room, Roseatte House - New Delhi. The reception was planned in cooperation with the Embassy Of Iceland in India. Ambassador Gudmundur Arni Stefansson opened the event followed by the chairman of the IIBA - Mr Prasoon Dewan who steered the event by inviting former President to speak on the concerned topics. Other imminent guest speakers also shared their expert opinion. The reception was attended by HE T. Armstrong Changsan - Ambassador of India in Iceland, honourable Parliamentarians, senior bureaucrats, industry leaders and esteemed members of the IIBA.

IIBA Delegation Accompanies Hon. President of India -
His Excellency Shri Ram Nath Kovind to Iceland

Following a very successful business delegation to Iceland in June, another delegation of the IIBA members accompanied the Hon. President of India His Excellency Shri Ram Nath Kovind to Iceland from September 9 - 11th, 2019. Besides several MOU's between the respective governments, four letter of Intent and Cooperation were signed by the IIBA and its members in the field of films and television, education, arts and culture. An exclusive LOI & C was signed between the India Iceland Trade Council (IITC) & the IIBA to extend support and cooperation in the field of business and culture.

The delegation was widely supported by HE Gudmundur Arni Stefansson - Ambassador of Iceland in India and HE T. Armstrong Changsan - Ambassador of India in Iceland. The delegation of the IIBA was led by Mr. Prasoon Dewan - Chairman and attended by the following members Mr Dalip Dua, Mr. Saurabh Sharma, Lt Cdr Vijay Saxena, Mrs Anita Malik, Mr. Vijay Bhatia, Mr. Virendra Agarwal, Ms Saloni.
Members of ASSOCHAM, FICCI, IMC also accompanied the Presidential Delegation.

Indo - Icelandic Business Association (IIBA) leads the first ever business delegation to Iceland from India

The first ever official business delegation to Iceland from India, organised by the IIBA under the Chairmanship of Mr Prasoon Dewan with support from Embassy of Iceland and the Indian Embassy in Reykjavik from 5-10 June 2019, concluded successfully. His Excellency Gudmundur Árni Stefansson - Ambassador of Iceland in India, accompanied the business delegation. The delegation was received by the ministry of foreign affairs and HE Gudlaugur Thor Thordarsson - Foreign Minister of Iceland. The Indian Embassy in Iceland organised B2B seminar under the Ambassadorship of HE T Armstrong Changsen and extended full support to the delegation. The two sides explored opportunities in the fields of ferrosilicon, food, textiles, pharmaceutical, technology and tourism. The proposal for a direct flight between Delhi and Reykjavik will further enhance business possibilities between both countries and most certainly boost tourism.

Message from Mr. H.E Gudmundur Árni Stefánsson
Former Ambassador of Iceland in India

The Embassy of Iceland has been working very closely with Indo Icelandic Business Association (IIBA) over the years in enhancing business and cultural ties between Iceland and India.

IIBA is the voice of the business community as well as individuals who are striving to further strengthen relations between the two nations and I am honoured to be associated with this vibrant group of intellectuals and business leaders.

Iceland presents opportunities in varied fields including marine sector, renewable energy, cleantech, food processing, biotech, IoT and medical devices. I would also like to highlight that electricity production in Iceland is 100% renewable energy (70% hydro & 30% geothermal) which is available at very competitive rates presenting an excellent opportunity for Indian investors to invest in power intensive sectors such as Data Centers, carbon fibre and ferrosilicon manufacturing, etc. Lastly but not least, Iceland is the land of pure and unspoiled nature and it has become one of the favourite destinations for Indian tourists and film industry.

Recently a group of IIBA members visited Iceland and I´m sure that the visit, the meetings with the business society and officials in Iceland will open new doors in near future.

There are lot of opportunities around the corner and I´m confident that we will see growth in business and communications between the two countries, India and Iceland in coming years. In that development, the IIBA will play a major role.

I wish the Association, and it´s members, success in all it endeavours and look forward to our continued cooperation in furthering our objectives.

Exclusive Interview with Former Ambassador Thorir Ibsen

Shahrukh Khan on the making of Gerua song in Iceland

Message from H.E. Mr. Thorir Ibsen
Former Ambassador of Iceland in India

The Embassy of Iceland has enjoyed a longstanding and productive working relation with the Indo-Icelandic Business Association. Our mutual objective is to promote stronger business and cultural relations between Iceland and India and to foster a network of businesses and contacts engaged in Indo-Icelandic relations. I take this opportunity to congratulate the IIBA on the occasion of the launch of this new webpage which will certainly help further strengthen the Indo-Icelandic relations.

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