Panaji: A delegation from the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) met Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, urging him to raise several pressing economic, industrial, and infrastructure concerns in Parliament and pursue them with the concerned Central Ministries.
The GCCI delegation, comprising Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, and Mr. Kiran Ballikar, Director, submitted a detailed representation highlighting policy interventions needed to strengthen Goa’s economy, improve infrastructure, and enhance the State’s ease of doing business.
One of the Chamber’s key demands was the introduction of direct international flight connectivity between Goa and Southeast Asian destinations, particularly Singapore. Despite having two international airports, Goa currently lacks direct connectivity to this important region. GCCI stated that such flights would significantly boost tourism, business travel, trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and employment opportunities.
The Chamber also raised concerns over the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (JERC) amended Solar Net Metering Regulations, which cap net metering capacity at 500 kWp irrespective of sanctioned electrical load. According to GCCI, the restriction discourages industries from investing in renewable energy and contradicts India’s clean energy objectives.
Road connectivity between Goa and Belagavi was another major issue discussed. GCCI stressed that the route serves as a vital economic corridor for industries, agriculture, tourism, and trade. The Chamber requested urgent intervention for repairs, widening of bottleneck sections, and improved all-weather connectivity.
The delegation further highlighted delays in the development of Berth No. 9 at Mormugao Port Authority and the non-operational status of container facilities at Berths 10 and 11. GCCI pointed out that exporters and importers continue to rely on ports outside Goa, resulting in increased logistics costs and loss of business opportunities. The Chamber urged the Central Government to expedite container operations and develop Mormugao Port into a full-fledged multi-cargo and container handling hub.
Another significant concern raised was the plight of mining-dependent stakeholders, including barge owners, truck operators, machinery owners, transporters, contractors, and entrepreneurs who suffered severe financial distress following the prolonged suspension of mining activities. GCCI appealed for relief measures, requesting that borrowers affected by the mining shutdown should not be treated as wilful defaulters since their financial difficulties arose due to circumstances beyond their control.
The Chamber emphasised that all these issues directly impact Goa’s economic development, industrial competitiveness, employment generation, infrastructure growth, and investment climate.
Responding to the representation, Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade assured the delegation that he would examine each issue carefully and pursue them with the relevant Ministries and authorities at the Centre.
GCCI expressed gratitude for the MP’s positive response and reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical inputs and continued cooperation to help resolve these issues in the interest of Goa’s business community and overall economic development.
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