DUBAI: With an aim to connect the Goan diaspora, the Goa Forward Party (GFP) launched its office in the UAE.

GFP is a one-year old regional party, who is an strategic alliance partner of BJP led government in Goa.

The office was inaugurated at the J3 Mall in Jumeirah, Dubai on Saturday amidst the presence of number of party loyalists.

GFP president and Goa’s Town and country planning minister Vijai Sardesai flew from India to inaugurate the office.

Talking exclusively to the Gulf Today, Sardesai said: “The main objective behind opening the office in the UAE is to provide a platform to the Goans to engage with the government about their issues or concerns and explore opportunities for investment in Goa-India.

“The office-bearers of the Goa Forward of UAE forum would act as a support and facilitators for the expat and families of Goan community and help them engage with the government of the day. Given the stated objective of the Goa government to connect the diaspora, so as to involve the Goans in the policy making process.

“Welcome investments into Goa-India in sectors such as IT, hospitality and non-polluted industries into the picturesque tourist place of Goa,” he added.

There are around two lakh Goans settled in the UAE. He also thanks the overseas representatives of Goa Forward for coming together in UAE to use the platform and engage with the government

Admitting of eyeing a share of expat vote bank too, Sardesai said soon the party will have offices across the GCC.

“The government should consider the aspirations of these people, while framing the policies, who are of Goan origin and living abroad. These people want to connect with Goa, so we will have to provide them the opportunities,” he said.

GFP was launched in Goa in 2016 and contested the assembly elections a year later of four seats. They managed to win three seats and later turned the official king-maker, whose post-poll alliance with BJP not only gave them an upper hand but also enabled them to form the government in March 2017.

On being asked about joining the Saffron brigade, the Fatorda MLA said Goemkarponn and progress for all was his agenda behind teaming up with the BJP.

“GFP and the BJP had compromised to ensure that Goa gained. “We have done a positive compromise,” he added.

Support for GST

Extending support to goods and services tax (GST) bill, Sardesai said: “It could be a game changer but can’t assume there will be no difficulties on the way.”

“We should not assume that there will be no difficulties. Initially some problems will be there but at the end the results would definately help the Indian economy to prosper.”

Commenting on ‘beef ban’ controversy gripping the country, the GFP head slammed VHP, who wanted the law to be implemented in Goa also.

“Eating habits are the fundamental rights of the citizen. We will not allow our ally to get in implemented in the state.

“We have a unique culture and during the referendum vote of 1967, we made it very clear that Goaness is the backbone of the state and we won’t compromise on that. We are not concerned about what is happening in the rest of India.”