The event started with all the members enjoying the sparkling wines sponsored by Ammirato foods. Thanks to Mr Chris Pohl & family for sponsoring the wine, pasta, food items and the olive oils. Everyone had a great time networking and enjoying the great spread of pastas and grills. The kids had a wonderful time playing games, painting and getting their face painted. The event was a huge success with around 70 people and also got a coverage in Deccan Chronicle a daily newspaper in Bangalore.

EBG Bangalore Chapter conducted a one day inaugural workshop on “Successful Co-operation with Indians & Europeans – Intercultural Insights” for Indian & expatriate managers in Bangalore on 28th May 2011. This workshop addressed culture-general as well as culture-specific dimensions to both Indian & European participants. It equipped them with the right tools and knowledge to successfully negotiate business and interpersonal relationships with their respective counterparts in Europe and India. The workshop was well received by middle to senior management level participants from various industries. They reaped the benefits from the real life case studies & experiences of a well known intercultural & German language trainer Ms. Supriya Gopi. She is an internationally certified expert and has more than 17 years of experience working across India and Europe.

The outcomes of this workshop were

• Sensitivity to differences between one’s own and target culture

• Increased tolerance for unfamiliar lifestyles and value systems, work ethics

• Understanding the importance of adapting as against transforming

• Fine-tuning behavior patterns to achieve successful business relationships

The participants had quite interesting group activities and were involved in various games to learn about the European culture. During the lunch & tea-coffee breaks they had excellent networking and experience sharing opportunities with other participants.

The European Business & Technology Center (EBTC) regional office was formally launched in Bangalore on 17th February 2011. The office was inaugurated by Her Excellency H.E. Danièle Smadja the Ambassador & Head of the Delegation of the European Union to India and Mr. Alessandro Barberis, President - EUROCHAMBRES, in presence of several other eminent delegates from EBTC, EUROCHAMBRES, EBG and diplomatic mission in Bangalore. The Official Launch was kick-started by a warm welcome address by Mr. Poul V. Jensen, Director - EBTC, followed by opening remarks from Ms. Anandi Iyer, Chairperson, EBG India - Bangalore Chapter and a special address by Mr. Barberis. As the chief guest of the event, Mr. K. Jairaj, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. of Karnataka delivered the keynote address. The event also witnessed, MoU signing between EBTC and Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC). On this occasion EBG conducted a seminar on ‘EU Funding Opportunities’ at ITC Royal Gardenia, Mysore Hall which was well received by key personalities from the industries, institutions and media. Later on during the technical session, Dr. Raj Kumar Khatri Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director of Industries & Commerce, supported EBG’s initiative and assured of guidance on behalf of the Govt. of Karnataka. Dr. Philippe De Taxis Du Poët, the Minister Counsellor and Head of Science and Technology at the European Union Office in New Delhi presented the EU Funding programmes through its flagship instrument the FP7. It was followed by success stories from Prof. Utpal Tatu from the Indian Institute of Science and Dr. Goutam Das, CEO, GoutamDas Consulting (ex COO Biocon-Syngene), an industry player. These presentations shed light on some excellent insights on how to identify the right calls, find partners, complete documentation and try to get success in achieving funding. The seminar was very well complimented by all and was concluded with a question-answer session. The participants had a great opportunity to interact one to one with the delegates during a networking lunch later.

WORKSHOP : “BANKING & INVESTMENT OPPOTUNITIES” FOR EXPATRIATES WORKING IN INDIA, 7th APRIL 2011

European Business Group, Bangalore Chapter in association with Citibank and Ernst & Young organized a seminar on “Banking & Investment Opportunities” for expatriates working in India. This exclusive cocktail dinner event was held on 7th April 2011 at ‘The Park’ hotel in Bangalore. The workshop was well received by expatriates working with various industries, institutions and the diplomatic representations in Bangalore. The session was started with a welcome address & a brief introduction of delegates by Ms. Anandi Iyer - Chairperson EBG, Bangalore chapter. After that Mr. Saurabh Jain - Vice President, Cluster Head – South, Citibank N A gave a valuable presentation on Citibank’s offerings for the expatriate community in India. The key topics covered during his presentation were Investment Avenues, Investment Advisory, and Credit Card Offerings, International Account and Individual Forward contracts & Foreign Currency management. Mr. Amarpal Chadha - Associate Director, Global Tax Advisory Services, E&Y India also presented key aspects about Taxation Laws in India for Expats, and the new regulations with regard to Social Security and establishment of Liaison/Branch offices. Later on during the Q&A session the panelists shed more light on New RBI Regulations and Taxation. As an outcome of the Event, it is being planed to set up a helpdesk for Expats within the EBG in cooperation with E&Y as well as Citibank to address the entry and exit issues for Expats. Individual, one-on-one sessions with the participants and other members of EBG are also being drawn up. The event was ended with intense interactions among participants over cocktails & dinner in a nice ambience, where the expatriates had more opportunities to discuss about their investment & taxation related concerns with the speakers from Citibank and E&Y.