New Delhi, Jan 7 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will on Friday address the eight edition of the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas’ that begins here on Thursday. President Pratibha Patil will deliver her valedictory address on January 9.

‘Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas’ is India’s flagship annual event that aims to connect with its diaspora spread around the globe and it focuses on boosting investment and sharing of expertise.

The three-day event will witness the participation of around 1500 delegates from over 150 countries including top businessmen, economists, entrepreneurs and scientists.

Around fifteen Chief Ministers and several Union Ministers are also expected to take part in the event.

The major highlight of the event will be the first meeting of the Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council, comprising 20 top global business leaders and economists of Indian origin including Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, Steel Magnate L N Mittal and Pepsi Chief Indra Nooyi.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan is expected to meet them at his residence on Thursday.

The eighth edition has been planned with a different approach giving the delegates an opportunity to interact with Union Ministers and Chief Ministers, who are expected to take part in the event. (ANI)