Ahmedabad: Water & Shark, in collaboration with the Europe India Centre for Business and Industry, hosted a high-level business and diplomatic dialogue on “The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union: Strengthening EU-India Strategic and Economic Partnerships” at DoubleTree by Hilton Ahmedabad.
The event brought Gujarat’s business ecosystem into focus within the broader context of India’s deepening engagement with Europe. It convened diplomatic representatives, entrepreneurs, professional services leaders, and policy stakeholders to examine how the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union can serve as a strategic entry point for enhanced India–EU economic collaboration.
Gujarat’s importance in this evolving landscape is notable. With a strong export orientation, a dynamic entrepreneurial base, and a history of global trade engagement, the state is well-positioned to explore opportunities in European markets. However, as Europe becomes increasingly structured and compliance-driven, businesses must strengthen their understanding of regulatory frameworks, taxation systems, governance norms, and sector-specific entry strategies.
The dialogue emphasized that Europe should be viewed not only as an export destination but as a sophisticated market shaped by policy, standards, and institutional frameworks. For Gujarat-based exporters, family-run enterprises, and growth-stage companies, entering Europe requires strategic planning, informed structuring, and long-term positioning.
Speaking at the event, Harsh Patel, CEO, Water & Shark, said: “For Gujarat’s businesses, Europe represents both opportunity and complexity. Success will depend on understanding not just market demand, but also the regulatory, tax, and institutional frameworks that shape market entry.”
He added:“This is a moment for businesses to move from ambition to preparation. Expansion into Europe requires clarity on structure, compliance, governance, and long-term commercial positioning.”
Water & Shark contributed a strong advisory perspective, focusing on enabling Indian businesses to prepare for European expansion through effective structuring, tax planning, compliance readiness, cross-border investment strategies, and sustainable business positioning.
The collaboration with EICBI added depth to the dialogue by connecting Gujarat’s business priorities with broader Europe–India institutional engagement. The initiative positioned the event as a platform that bridges enterprise with diplomacy and translates high-level EU developments into actionable insights for Indian stakeholders.
Sujit Nair, Senior Partner at Water & Shark and Chairman of EICBI, stated: “Gujarat has long demonstrated a strong global business instinct. The next phase requires deeper engagement with Europe’s policy and institutional ecosystem.”
He further noted: “This dialogue connects European diplomatic developments with practical business questions—where to enter, how to structure, and how to build sustainable partnerships.”
The discussion also reflected broader national priorities, as India’s relationship with Europe continues to evolve across trade diversification, technology collaboration, resilient supply chains, and investment partnerships. Strengthening regional ecosystems such as Gujarat remains critical to advancing India’s global economic engagement.
By bringing this conversation to Ahmedabad, Water & Shark and EICBI created a meaningful bridge between diplomatic momentum and business readiness. The dialogue reinforced that Gujarat’s enterprises can play a significant role in the India–EU corridor by adopting informed strategies, robust structures, and a long-term outlook