Coimbatore Joins Talent Formula’s Global Expansion Journey
March 26,2025:Talent Formula, a leading provider of accounting outsourcing solutions, is proud to announce the opening of its new office in Coimbatore, India. This strategic expansion marks another milestone in Talent Formula’s global growth journey, reinforcing its commitment to delivering accounting services while tapping into India’s rich talent pool.
The Coimbatore office is an integral part of Talent Formula’s mission to enhance service delivery, support business growth, and access top accounting professionals. With this new location, Talent Formula is well-positioned to strengthen its operational efficiency, ensuring seamless service for its clients across the globe.
A Global Expansion Strategy in Motion
The opening of the Coimbatore office is a significant step in Talent Formula’s broader global growth strategy. The company continues to experience increasing market demand, reflecting the success of its innovative Talent-as-a-Service model. By expanding its footprint, Talent Formula is further solidifying its reputation as a global leader in accounting outsourcing, offering unparalleled expertise to businesses worldwide.
Strength in Numbers: A Growing Workforce
Talent Formula’s growth is reflected in its expanding team, which now comprises over 220 highly skilled professionals. This latest expansion underscores the company’s capacity to manage large-scale client operations while maintaining its commitment to quality service delivery.
With existing offices in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Sydney, Talent Formula’s presence across key locations ensures access to diverse talent pools and enhances its global perspective on accounting best practices. The addition of the Coimbatore office further strengthens this network, reinforcing the company’s ability to cater to a broad client base.
Commitment to Employee Satisfaction and Retention
Talent Formula’s success is driven by its people, and the company remains steadfast in fostering a positive and supportive work environment. Employee satisfaction and retention are key focus areas, reflected in the company’s impressive 94.8% retention rate and a 92% staff satisfaction rating.
This commitment to workplace excellence is embedded in the company’s culture, ensuring that employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute to Talent Formula’s continued success.
Enhancing Service Delivery with Coimbatore Expansion
The new Coimbatore office is designed to enhance service efficiency and effectiveness, enabling Talent Formula to better serve its growing client base. By expanding its operations, the company aims to strengthen its service capabilities, optimize workflow efficiencies, and maintain the highest standards of accounting outsourcing solutions.
“The launch of our Coimbatore office is a significant step forward in Talent Formula’s mission to provide exceptional accounting services,” said Michael O’Sullivan, Founder of Talent Formula. “This expansion allows us to further invest in talent, strengthen our operational infrastructure, and ensure that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our clients with excellence.”
Srinivasan Jayaraman to Spearhead NuSummit’s Next Growth Phase
March 26, 2025: NuSummit, a leading provider of advanced digital transformation and cybersecurity solutions focused on global customers in financial services, today announced the appointment of Srinivasan (Srini) Jayaraman as its Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. In collaboration with the core leadership team, Srini will spearhead NuSummit’s growth strategy to drive global market expansion and reinforce its position as a trusted partner for financial institutions navigating rapid technological evolution.
Srinivasan Jayaraman
With a 25-year career marked by scaling technology consulting and services businesses, Srini brings a results-driven approach to aligning organizational growth with market opportunities. His expertise spans refining go-to-market strategies, accelerating revenue streams, and promoting innovation across industries. Before joining NuSummit, he served as Chief Revenue Officer at Apexon, a Goldman Sachs portfolio company, where he oversaw global revenue strategy and profitability, reshaping offerings for high-growth verticals. Earlier leadership roles at Orion Innovation, Virtusa, Tech Mahindra, and HCL saw Srini drive digital transformation programs and client-centric business models that delivered sustained competitive advantage.
Anantharaman Sreenivasan, Managing Director and Group CEO of NuSummit said, “Srini’s proven ability to drive strategic growth and build high-performing teams will be instrumental in driving momentum in our growth markets. He brings a unique blend of operational excellence, market insights, and progressive vision that will significantly enhance our ability to empower clients.”
Srinivasan Jayaraman underscored the strategic imperative behind his decision to join NuSummit. He added, “Financial institutions are at a critical inflection point—juggling the need for operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and AI-driven innovation while mitigating rising cybersecurity threats. NuSummit’s unique ability to blend deep technical expertise with industry-specific insights positions it as a game-changer in this space. I’m excited to contribute to our next phase of growth by strengthening client partnerships, harnessing AI to enhance security and productivity, and unlocking new opportunities in high-potential markets.”
In his new role, Srini will focus on promoting NuSummit’s integrated portfolio of data, cloud, cybersecurity, and application solutions to customers in the financial services industry. By driving synergies across the organization and building ecosystem partnerships, Srini is expected to craft compelling propositions to our enterprise clients.
Cycle Pure Agarbathi’s Heritage Art Calendar Honors Indian Traditions
March 26,2025:Start the new year on an auspicious note with a unique 18 months calendar, created by Cycle Pure with the Bhagavad Gita as its central theme. The elegantly designed calendar aims to make the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita relevant to the present generations and offer clarity and wisdom for navigating everyday dilemmas.
A first of its kind, the calendar features 18 striking portraits of Lord Krishna, hand drawn and rendered using 13 traditional Indian art forms including Tanjore art, Mysuru art, Madhubani, Phad, Pattachitra and Rajasthani miniature art among others. The traditional art forms have been brought to life using the most modern printing techniques. The calendar “glows in the dark” enabling devotees to keep the lord in sight, day and night.
“The timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita are as relevant to Gen Z, Gen Alpha and everyone else alive today, as they were to Arjuna on the battlefield over 5000 years ago, and will remain so, for generations to come. Yet, in the haste and hum of our hectic lives, finding time to explore the nuances of the profound teachings is indeed challenging. Which is why we’ve distilled the essence of 18 chapters in 18 simple sentences to offer practical guidance for our daily lives. The 18 portraits of Lord Krishna are a source of eternal beauty, devotion and inspiration. We hope that the soul of the ‘song of the lord’ will add a calming rhythm to the rush of our lives.” says, Arjun Ranga, MD, Cycle Pure Agarbathi.
The Cycle Bhagavad Gita calendar is not just a calendar for two years. It’s a calendar to live by. It is a source of daily divine inspiration for the discerning devotee. Available exclusively on https://cycle.in/.
Bangalore Welcomes ASUS’ First ‘Beyond Incredible’ Community Event
March 26th, 2025: ASUS, a Taiwanese tech giant, successfully hosted its inaugural ‘Beyond Incredible with ASUS’ community meet in Bangalore, bringing together the community, prominent content creators, influencers, and media from the region. This first-of-its-kind initiative by ASUS is aimed at strengthening relationships with the community, offering a platform to engage, collaborate, and explore ASUS’ latest innovations firsthand.
Over the years, ASUS has built a strong presence in India, thanks to a robust and dynamic community base of users who not only use ASUS products but actively engage with the brand. Recognizing the importance of these connections, ‘Beyond Incredible with ASUS’ was conceptualized as a dedicated space for the ASUS community to come together and experience ASUS technology firsthand.
The event brought together 50+ attendees, comprising the ASUS community, tech influencers and regional media who all play a vital role in the larger ASUS ecosystem. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with ASUS’ latest innovations, including the Vivobook 14 Flip, Gaming V16, and the recently launched Snapdragon-powered Zenbook A14 and Vivobook 16. Additionally, interactive sessions explored how technology continues to empower creative pursuits.
Adding value to the meet, the event featured workshops and sessions led by renowned influencers such as Biplab Mohapatra and Jakeer Hussain who shared actionable insights into content creation, tech adoption, and digital storytelling. Furthermore, participants gained hands-on experience through interactive games and activities which ensured a highly engaging and enriching experience.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Arnold Su, VP, Consumer and Gaming PC, System Business Group, ASUS India, said, “The ASUS community is more than just a group of consumers—it’s a vibrant network of people who have grown, motivated, and inspired us over the years. The ‘Beyond Incredible with ASUS’ initiative is our way of acknowledging and valuing these meaningful relationships that have been forged throughout our journey. This initiative is about sparking conversations to understand community aspirations and building a platform where our users feel heard, valued, and connected.”
The ‘Beyond Incredible with ASUS’ meet marks the beginning of a sustained initiative. ASUS plans to build on this momentum, hosting similar meets in different cities. Each meeting will offer tailored experiences, discussions, and workshops, encouraging members of the ASUS community to experience the latest innovations firsthand and be an integral part of the brand’s ongoing journey.
By making community engagement an ongoing priority, ASUS is laying the foundation for a deeper, more collaborative relationship with its community in India.
Driving Sustainability: REconnect Summit-25 Explores Solar Breakthroughs
March 26, 2025 – The REconnect Summit-25, organized by Energetica India, convened industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss strategies for accelerating solar adoption in India. The summit served as a platform to address critical challenges and opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Discussions emphasized the need for supportive government policies and financial mechanisms to facilitate the widespread adoption of solar energy. The importance of developing domestic manufacturing capabilities and integrating advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar solutions was highlighted. Experts underscored the role of battery storage systems in ensuring grid stability and supporting India’s net-zero goals. The summit provided valuable insights into the current landscape of India’s solar energy sector and fostered collaboration among stakeholders to drive the nation towards a sustainable energy future.
Akshat Jain, CEO of KLK Ventures, was a key speaker at the event, addressing the topic “Upscaling Commercial & Industrial (C&I) and Residential Solar”. He highlighted the need for a robust solar ecosystem to meet India’s growing energy demands while ensuring sustainability. He emphasized that for large-scale solar adoption to become a reality, financial viability, technological advancements, and regulatory support must go hand in hand. He discussed how innovative financing models, government subsidies, and long-term return on investment make solar energy more accessible for businesses and homeowners. He also highlighted the role of cutting-edge solar modules, smart energy storage solutions, and digital monitoring systems in optimizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, he stressed the importance of favorable policies such as simplified net metering, tax incentives, and infrastructure support in driving large-scale deployment.
Akshat Jain also stressed the importance of customized state policies to help India achieve its net-zero goal by 2070. He highlighted four key focus areas—grid decarbonization, industry decarbonization, transportation decarbonization, and building decarbonization—as essential steps toward a cleaner energy future.
The REconnect Summit-25 successfully facilitated discussions on emerging trends, policy frameworks, and advancements in solar technology, reinforcing India’s commitment to a greener future. KLK Ventures continues to champion solar innovation, contributing to India’s goal of becoming a global leader in renewable energy.
Mumbai Indians and Udemy Collaborate for Learning Excellence
March 26, 2025 – Udemy, a leading online skills marketplace and learning platform, today announced a partnership with the five-time champion, Mumbai Indians (MI). This represents the inaugural collaboration between MI and Udemy, underscoring the organizations’ mutual commitment to continuous skills development and performance excellence.
The Udemy-MI partnership aims to bring a unique convergence of excellence and continuous learning, empowering hundreds of MI employees and more than 50 million fans with cutting-edge skill-building resources for lifelong upskilling. With over 250,000 courses in 75 languages – including Hindi, Telugu, Urdu, and Gujarati – Udemy offers a vast collection of curated learning paths covering the most in-demand professional and technical skills to optimize business outcomes and support career growth.
Genefa Murphy, Chief Marketing Officer at Udemy, said:
“Udemy is looking forward to joining forces with MI, a team defined by resilience, strong performance, and the relentless ‘MI Attitude’ of winning. Cricket in India continues to set the bar high, as seen in the nation’s recent ICC Champions Trophy victory, and staying ahead requires adaptability and upskilling. MI’s philosophy of perseverance and excellence aligns with Udemy’s mission to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive. Through this collaboration, we’re empowering MI’s team and fans with access to in-demand topics like Generative AI, ensuring the team stays at the forefront of innovation and fans across India can better achieve their career goals.”
As a leader in online learning, Udemy has established a robust presence in India with a community of over 16 million learners and hundreds of enterprise customers, 2,600+ marketplace courses in multiple Indian languages, and a network of 9,500+ expert instructors nationwide. In 2024, Udemy established a new research & development center in Chennai to continue bridging the skills gap and investing in the rapidly evolving market. Through this strategic partnership, Udemy will organize a series of targeted marketing activations to strengthen brand presence and expand reach in the region, inspiring a new generation of learners to acquire in-demand skills, pursue their passions, and unlock their full potential.
A Mumbai Indians spokesperson said:
“Just like on the field, success is rooted in the ability to constantly learn, evolve, and adapt. Whether it’s fine-tuning our strategies or building new skills, MI is always looking for ways to grow and move ahead. Our partnership with Udemy empowers our teams and fans to access learning and skills development resources that drive better outcomes.”
Udemy will offer exclusive promotions and events with MI during the season. This includes Player Meet-and-Greets, Match Day experiences at live stadiums across India, a behind-the-scenes tour of the team’s training sessions, and an exclusive webinar with MI coaches discussing their approach to skill development. These unique opportunities will provide Udemy customers, learners, instructors, and employees an inside look at the MI team and the world of cricket, allowing them to experience the MI winning culture firsthand.
To learn more about how organizations can partner with Udemy Business to upskill for the future, visit: business.udemy.com.
Showsha Reel Awards 2025 Commends Outstanding Performances
Mumbai, 26th March 2025: The best of Bollywood and OTT was recognised at the illustrious News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2025, as the industry’s finest gathered for an evening of celebration in Mumbai. Hosted by actor Arjun Kapoor, the grand event honored the finest talent and compelling storytelling across films and web series. The red carpet set the stage for a grand celebration of stars, filmmakers, and creative forces shaping the entertainment industry.
The star-studded evening brought together the crème de la crème of the entertainment industry, including Janhvi Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhishek Bachchan, Aditi Rao Hydari, Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Ramesh Sippy, Salim Khan, Ravi Kishan, Jyothika, Riteish Deshmukh, Yami Gautam, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Kabir Khan, Raj & DK, and Sonu Nigam, among many others. Further elevating the energy of the night, Nikhita Gandhi enthralled the audience with a spectacular live performance, setting the stage ablaze with her musical brilliance.
While Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor took home the Best Actor and Best Actress in the Popular Choice category, Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu were crowned as the Best Actor and Best Actress—OTT. Jaideep Ahlawat and Aditi Rao Hydari also received accolades for their stellar performances in the OTT segment, underscoring the industry’s dynamic and ever-expanding creative landscape of mainstream cinema and digital platforms alike. The event also shone a spotlight on promising new talent, as Raghav Juyal and Pratibha Ranta bagged the Rising Star Awards for their performances in Kill and Laapataa Ladies, respectively. In a testament to his unparalleled versatility, Pankaj Tripathi was bestowed with the coveted Entertainer of the Year award for his versatile performances in Stree 2, Mirzapur Season 3, and Main Atal Hoon.
Sharing his enthusiasm about winning Best Actor (Jury), Abhishek Bachchan expressed, “This is actually my first-ever Best Actor Award. I’d like to thank the esteemed jury – it’s an honour that you find me worthy of this award. But the credit for this performance has to go entirely to Shoojit (Sircar) Da. He’s made such a wonderful film.”
On taking home the OTT Star of the Year (Female) award, Aditi Rao Hydari shared, “This one is very special. Heeramandi is very special. My director Sanjay sir is very special. I love him dearly. I am because of my directors and I hope I will continue to be because of them… Every single AD on set, every single human being on set, every single four-legged puppy on set, everybody was part of that universe, and it really made those years that we spent shooting. I can’t be more grateful.” She emphasised.
The prestigious Best Director award was presented to Kabir Khan for his cinematic masterpiece Chandu Champion, while the much-anticipated Best Film award was bagged by Stree 2.
In recognition of their legendary contributions to Indian cinema Ramesh Sippy and Salim Khan were felicitated with the esteemed Reel Legend Award.
Other notable winners included visionary creators Raj & DK, celebrated for their groundbreaking storytelling, and Sonu Nigam, who was awarded the Best Playback Singer-Male. The evening was a true reflection of cinematic brilliance, acknowledging the best in films and digital storytelling.
This year, the esteemed jury of News18 Showsha Reel Awards included Sachin Pilgaonkar, Madhur Bhandarkar, Mukesh Chhabra, Tavishi Paitandy, Lilette Dubey, and Shabana Azmi, ensuring a fair and credible selection process that reflects the industry’s highest standards.
Mitul Sangani, Chief Executive Officer – Indian Language, News18 and Local18 (TV & Digital) said, “At News18, we take immense pride in recognizing exceptional talent across diverse formats, and genres. The News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2025 stands as a beacon of creative excellence, bringing together the best of Indian entertainment celebrating both mainstream and regional storytelling. We congratulate all the winners who have captivated audiences with their outstanding performances and storytelling.”
Smriti Mehra, CEO – English and Business News, Network18 added, “The News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2025 is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact of cinema and OTT on audiences worldwide. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, we are proud to recognise the artists and creators who challenge conventions and craft unforgettable narratives.”
Premium Cladding Brand Alstone Joins RCB for 2025 Season
26th March 2025: Alstone, India’s premium exterior cladding brand, has announced its renewed collaboration with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as the Official Cladding Partner for T20 Season 2025. After a successful association in 2023, Alstone is once again partnering with RCB, reinforcing its commitment to high performance, innovation, and excellence values that resonate deeply with the team’s spirit.
With the tagline “Think Cladding, Think Alstone”, and the campaign “Super Batting, Super Cladding 2.0”, this partnership celebrates the synergy between top-tier cricketing action and architectural innovation. As a pioneer in the façade industry for over two decades, Alstone is known for its premium exterior cladding solutions, including Zinc Composite Panels (ZCP), Aluminium Honeycomb Panels (Alcomb), Fire Rated Composite Panels (FRCP), metal-based HPL and Louvers, Trusted by architects, façade consultants and builders, Alstone continues to redefine modern cladding with sustainability and cutting-edge designs.
Sumit Gupta, Managing Director, Alstone, shared his enthusiasm about the renewed partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with Royal Challengers Bengaluru once again for T20 Season 2025. Our previous collaboration in 2023 brought us remarkable brand mileage, allowing us to connect with a passionate and engaged audience. Just as RCB consistently delivers outstanding performances on the field, Alstone remains committed to offering world-class, innovative façade solutions. This partnership will further strengthen our brand presence and align us with a team that shares our vision for excellence.“
This collaboration will also augment our objective to create awareness amongst young creative fraternity & consumers about the innovative cladding solutions provided by Alstone.
The collaboration will include a dynamic mix of marketing campaigns across digital platforms, outdoor advertising, print, radio, and social media, ensuring extensive brand visibility throughout the T20 season.
Rajesh V Menon, COO of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, welcomed Alstone’s return, stating: “We are delighted to have Alstone back as our Official Cladding Partner for this season. Their innovative approach to exterior cladding solutions aligns perfectly with RCB’s dedication to pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks.”
Classical Melodies Await at 12th Bhilwara Sur Sangam on April 2-3
26th March 2025: LNJ Bhilwara Group presents Bhilwara Sur Sangam 2025, a grand celebration of India’s rich classical music heritage. The much-awaited annual musical extravaganza returns to Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, on April 2 and 3, 2025, from 6:30 PM onwards. This year’s event holds special significance as it proudly marks the 12th edition of this iconic festival, promising an unforgettable experience for music lovers.
This two-day classical music festival brings legendary Indian classical artists every year and elevates the spirit of India’s rich heritage and culture.
The event will feature an impressive line-up of renowned artists. On the first day, audiences will be treated to a Sitar recital by Shri Purbayan Chatterjee, followed by a captivating vocal performance by the legendary Pt. Sajan Mishra and Swaransh Mishra. The celebration will continue on day 2, with a mesmerising Sarod performance by Pt. Prattyush Banerjee and a soulful vocal recital by the eminent Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar. Together, these musical maestros will create an unforgettable experience, bringing the rich heritage of Indian classical music to life on stage.
Expressing his thoughts on the occasion, Mr. Ravi Jhunjhunwala, Chairman, LNJ Bhilwara Group, said:
“India boasts a wealth of cultural and musical heritage, which is exceptionally diverse and has evolved over centuries. Through Bhilwara Sur Sangam, the LNJ Bhilwara Group showcases its commitment, year after year, to preserving and promoting Indian classical music. We are proud to once again bring together some of the most illustrious musical maestros under one roof, continuing our tradition of celebrating the timeless beauty of Indian music and ensuring that it resonates across generations.”
Stronger Ireland-India Relations as James Lawless Ends Key Tour
India, March 26th 2025 – As Ireland continues to expand its global partnerships, Hon. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, James Lawless, has successfully concluded a high-impact visit to India, marking a new chapter in the deepening ties between the two nations.
Over the course of his engagements in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, Minister Lawless met with government leaders, business executives, and academic institutions to explore synergies in research, education, trade, and innovation. The visit, aligned with Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day outreach, not only celebrated longstanding connections but also laid the groundwork for new collaborations, including key investment discussions, MoUs between universities, and the expansion of Irish enterprises into India’s dynamic market.
The Minister also participated in high-profile events such as the Raisina Dialogue, contributed to discussions on migration, education, economic growth, and cultural connectivity, underscoring Ireland’s strategic role in fostering global partnerships. His participation as a distinguished speaker backed Ireland’s commitment to collaborative policymaking and international engagement, further highlighting Ireland’s strengths as a global hub for education, technology, and foreign investment.
A significant outcome of the visit was the strengthening of trade and investment links between Ireland and India. Minister Lawless held strategic discussions with IDA Ireland clients, Enterprise Ireland companies, and key Indian business leaders, reinforcing Ireland’s position as a preferred European gateway for Indian enterprises.
Minister Lawless witnessed MoU singings between the Irish export agency (Enterprise Ireland) and industry partners including Association of Healthcare Providers in India and T-Hub, Hyderabad’s innovation hub. These agreements are aimed at accelerating the adoption of Irish technology across the Healthcare, ICT and green technologies sectors in India.
Education and research formed a cornerstone of Minister Lawless’ visit, with several initiatives aimed at fostering stronger academic partnerships between Ireland and India. Minister Lawless led Vice Chancellors and Education Policy Roundtables in Mumbai and Chennai and held strategic discussions with IIT Delhi and IIT Madras on collaborative research initiatives and student exchange programs.
Minister Lawless also engaged with key Indian policymakers, including the senior government ministers at national as well as state level, to explore bilateral initiatives in higher education and trade. These discussions emphasized Ireland’s commitment to supporting India’s rapidly growing fintech and medtech sectors, presenting new opportunities for Irish businesses and academic institutions.
The visit also saw St. Patrick’s Day receptions in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, where Minister Lawless brought together key stakeholders from government, business, and academia to celebrate Ireland’s growing presence in India. These gatherings reinforced the enduring bond between the two nations and Ireland’s strategic focus on fostering global partnerships.
Beyond government and business engagements, Minister Lawless connected with the Irish diaspora, business associations, and social impact organizations, reaffirming Ireland’s dedication to fostering a strong people-to-people connection with India. A key moment of the visit was his engagement with students at the Asha Foundation in Delhi, where he highlighted Ireland’s ongoing commitment to educational empowerment and social impact initiatives in India.
Reflecting on his visit, Minister James Lawless stated, “India is a country of immense talent, innovation, and opportunity, and it has been a privilege to engage with its dynamic leaders across government, education, and business. This visit reaffirms Ireland’s commitment to deepening our collaboration in research, education, trade, and investment, with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland playing a crucial role in fostering these partnerships, supported by Ireland’s Embassy and Consulates in India.
“The partnerships forged this week demonstrate our shared commitment to a prosperous and forward-looking relationship. From deepening academic ties and research collaborations to fostering trade and investment, we are building a strong foundation for the future. I am excited to see how we can continue to develop these synergies and creating new opportunities for students, businesses, and entrepreneurs across both nations in the years ahead.”
With Ireland and India unveiling new measures to expand trade, investment, and educational cooperation—including the establishment of a joint economic commission—Minister Lawless’ visit has set the stage for a new era of strengthened bilateral relations.