Tag: GCCI

Business

GCCI & GTA Launch “AI for Career Building” Workshops to Empower Non-Tech Students Across Goa

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In a major step toward building a digitally empowered and future-ready Goa, the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in collaboration with the Goa Technology Association (GTA), has launched a groundbreaking workshop series titled “AI for Career Building.” The initiative aims to bring Artificial Intelligence awareness and hands-on digital skills to non-technology students across the state.

The program aligns with the vision of Swayampurna Goa, the state’s flagship mission focused on creating a self-reliant and technologically skilled population. Through these workshops, students from diverse academic backgrounds will gain exposure to AI concepts, digital tools, and employability pathways needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, AI-driven global economy.

Speaking at the press conference, Ms. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, emphasized the importance of democratizing AI understanding:

“This initiative is designed to ensure that every Goan student, regardless of stream, understands how AI is shaping the future of work. Our goal is to empower youth with the right mindset, tools, and exposure to become industry-ready in a rapidly evolving digital world.”

The workshop series, conceptualized jointly by the Education Committee and IT Committee of GCCI, is slated to be conducted across 20–30 colleges in Goa, including those participating under the Swayampurna Goa program. With an expected outreach of 3,500 to 4,000 students, the sessions will offer practical exposure to AI tools, emerging career roles, sector-specific applications, and digital transformation trends impacting industries worldwide.

This structured intervention aims to bridge the academia–industry gap by promoting digital literacy, enhancing career confidence, and inspiring innovation among Goan youth. The workshops will be delivered by industry practitioners and technology experts associated with GCCI and GTA, ensuring real-world relevance.

The initiative is being led by key industry figures, including:

  • Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI
  • Mr. Manguirish Salelkar, President, GTA
  • Dr. Manoj S. Kamat, Chairman, Education Committee, GCCI
  • Mr. Rohan Warty, Chairman, IT Committee, GCCI
  • Ms. Ambika Kamat Dhakankar, Deputy Director, GCCI

With this strategic effort, GCCI and GTA reaffirm their commitment to developing a skilled, innovative, and digitally empowered generation poised to drive Goa’s future economic transformation.

Business

GCCI & GMA Host Harvard-Led Masterclass on ‘Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI’ in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Business Desk

The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) and the Goa Management Association (GMA), in partnership with the Goa AI Centre of Excellence, successfully organized a transformative one-day Masterclass on “Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI,” led by Harvard Summer School Faculty, Mr. Niraj Kumar. Held on 25 November 2025, the workshop brought together some of Goa’s most influential entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and innovators for an immersive learning experience designed to deliver the core concepts from Mr. Kumar’s renowned 12-session Harvard program in a single, power-packed day. The masterclass focused on the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-enabled entrepreneurship, covering how artificial intelligence is reshaping business models, negotiation strategies, customer engagement, and organisational decision-making. GCCI President Mrs. Pratima Dhond opened the session by highlighting the importance of staying ahead of emerging technologies to build a resilient and future-ready business ecosystem for Goa. She emphasized that as AI transforms industries across the world, it is essential for Goa’s businesses to adopt and leverage AI strategically for innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth. Supporting this vision, GMA Vice-Chairman Mr. Rajesh Mehrotra shared that in its Golden Jubilee year, the association is proud to bring global expertise to Goa’s corporate sector through such specialised programs.

During the session, Mr. Niraj Kumar spoke of the pressing need for businesses to integrate AI as a fundamental capability rather than an optional add-on. He pointed out that the future of entrepreneurship will be driven by deep personalization powered by large-scale data, and that companies must now optimise not just for traditional SEO but for AI search visibility as well. He reiterated that AI is no longer a peripheral tool but an integral part of the new world, dramatically transforming how people communicate, interact, and make decisions. The participants engaged in hands-on practical activities such as negotiation simulations, employee training modules, and customer service chatbot creation, which enabled them to understand the real-world applications of AI in business scenarios. A special segment by startup founder Ms. Maria Kapinos on “AI in Animation” offered an inspiring perspective on how AI enhances creativity by accelerating the ability of creators to bring their ideas to life. A memento was presented to Mr. Niraj Kumar by GCCI Director Mrs. Pallavi H. Arondekar, who expressed that such high-value insights from a global AI thought leader will spark new ideas and strengthen Goa’s position as a forward-looking hub of innovation. She also acknowledged the efforts of GAICoE founders Mr. Pramod Rane and Mr. Anand Desai for shaping and supporting this impactful initiative.

The masterclass proved to be an invaluable opportunity for Goa’s business community to learn directly from a Harvard expert and gain practical frameworks needed to thrive in the fast-evolving AI era. Notable attendees included Mr. Ralph de Sousa, Past President, GCCI; Ms. Pallavi Salgaocar, GCCI Managing Committee Member; Dr. Niyan Marchon, Program Director, Directorate of Higher Education, Goa; Mr. Carlos De Sousa, MD, De Souza Group; Mr. Amit Bandekar, Director, NRB Group; Mr. Yatish Dempo, Director, Dempo Group; Mr. Sunil Pai Kane, Director, Power Engineering India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Gourov Pokle, Chair, GCCI Environment & Waste Management Committee; Mr. Blaise Costabir, MD, GMI Zarak Moulders Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Manish Gosalia, Director, Goa Knowledge Foundation; Mr. Ashutosh Kharangate, MD, MARC; and Mrs. Supriya Rane, Director, La Cabana Beach Resort & Spa, among several others. The event marked a significant step in empowering Goa’s industry leaders with the knowledge and tools required to navigate the future of business confidently in the age of artificial intelligence.

Business

GCCI Successfully Hosts Agri Startup Conclave 2025

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The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in partnership with the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (UASD), NABARD, and the Government of Goa, successfully hosted the Agri Startup Conclave 2025 at Panjim Gymkhana. The event brought together farmers, agripreneurs, researchers, incubation centres, policy influencers, and industry leaders to explore emerging opportunities in agriculture and strengthen Goa’s growing agri-startup ecosystem.

The conclave opened with the inauguration of the Agri Startup Exhibition, featuring innovative products, agri-technologies, and solutions by startups, FPOs, and young entrepreneurs from Goa and neighbouring states. Dignitaries interacted with exhibitors, acknowledging their contribution to modernising agriculture.

The event was graced by esteemed guests including:

  • Mr Subhash Shirodkar, Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources, Cooperation & Institute of Public Assistance (Chief Guest)
  • Mr Sandeep Phaldesai, Director (Agriculture), Government of Goa
  • Dr P. L. Patil, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, UAS Dharwad
  • Dr S. S. Dolli, PI & CEO, Krishik-Agri Business Incubation Centre
  • Ms Pratima Dhond, President, GCCI
  • Mr Mahesh Patil, Chairman, GCCI Agriculture & Food Processing Committee
  • Mr Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI

A significant milestone of the conclave was the exchange of an MoU between Goa College of Agriculture and UAS Dharwad. The collaboration will deepen cooperation in research, capacity building, mentorship, incubation, and adoption of agri-technologies—empowering Goa’s farmers, students, and aspiring agripreneurs.

GCCI felicitated recipients of the State Agriculture Awards 2024:

  • Krishi Ratna – Mr Mahesh Matarbhog
  • Krishi Vibhushan – Mr Amar Patil
  • Krishi Bhushan – Mr Yogesh Desai

Their remarkable contributions to sustainable agriculture and rural entrepreneurship were widely appreciated.

GCCI President Ms Pratima Dhond reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to a future-ready agriculture sector driven by innovation and youth participation.
Chief Guest Mr Subhash Shirodkar highlighted the importance of modernization, digital integration, and cooperation in Goa’s agricultural progress.

The technical sessions featured presentations by experts, including:

  • Dr S. S. Dolli on establishing agri-business incubation and funding avenues
  • Insights on revenue models, social impact, and agripreneurship development
  • Success stories from Goan agri-innovators such as Dr Kurade’s Mushroom, Frugurt, Team-24, and Raika Honey

A showcase of Krishik-Agri Business Startup ventures brought fresh energy to the conclave.

The panel brought insights from key institutions:
Startup Promotion Cell, ICAR, GIM, BITS Goa, FiiRE, DBCE, moderated by Dr Dolli and Mr Miguel Braganza.
Discussions focused on policy support, incubation networks, finance accessibility, market linkages, and strengthening the agri-startup value chain.

The Agri Startup Conclave 2025 concluded with a strong commitment from GCCI to continue building collaborations that support agri innovation, value-added processing, and export potential from Goa. The Chamber expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, exhibitors, and participants for making the event a grand success.

Events in Goa

Cooperative Movement Key to Economic Growth and Jobs, Says Assistant Registrar at Mapusa Event

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 72nd All India Cooperative Week celebrations in Mapusa showcased the growing importance of the cooperative movement in strengthening the economy and generating employment. Assistant Registrar for Cooperative Societies, Rajesh Parwar, emphasised that cooperatives remain essential for economic resilience, community empowerment, and inclusive development. Addressing the event jointly organised by Bardez Bazaar Consumers’ Cooperative Society and the Rotary Club of Mapuca, he explained that successful cooperatives depend on effective management, dedicated staff, and active shareholder participation. Parwar reminded societies of their legal obligation to conduct annual general body meetings and present audit reports to ensure transparency and accountability.

He highlighted new opportunities introduced through the Central Government’s MPACS legislation, which offers cooperatives an open platform to expand into diverse businesses. Parwar also pointed to schemes supporting common service centres, fuel stations, gas agencies, and grain storage, noting NABARD’s financial assistance for these ventures. He stressed that the real strength of the cooperative movement lies in supporting self-help groups, farmers involved in dairy and agriculture, and artisans working in handloom and handicraft sectors, observing that both cooperatives and community groups thrive when they uplift each other.

Guest of honour Amita Salatry of GCCI spoke about the cultural and spiritual significance of food, urging participants in the cooking competition to value presentation, aroma, and the use of traditional Goan elements. She reminded attendees that India’s cultural heritage regards food as divine and encouraged mindful consumption without waste.

Bardez Bazaar Chairman Nikhilchandra Khalap expressed the cooperative’s long-standing commitment to supporting self-help groups and small entrepreneurs. He shared how Bardez Bazaar has become a trusted first choice for distributors and small businesses seeking stability and visibility. Reflecting on Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of cooperatives as “schools of democracy” capable of reaching every household, he emphasised that India’s journey toward self-reliance continues to be supported by all Prime Ministers, including the current leadership under Narendra Modi. Khalap also offered a glimpse into Bardez Bazaar’s humble beginnings, recounting how its founders secured a modest loan of ₹5,000 from Mapusa Urban Bank and developed the organisation into a ₹35-crore enterprise that operates without government aid or debt, employs 100 people, and consistently delivers a 20% dividend to its shareholders.

Rotary Club of Mapuca President Rohit Natekar announced that the club and Bardez Bazaar will launch a permanent project next year to support self-help groups and help them scale their initiatives. He also noted that Bardez Bazaar’s proposed mall will bring added benefits to the local community.

The event’s cooking competition, themed “Gomantakiya God Padarth,” celebrated Goan cuisine, with Mithila Harmalkar winning first prize, followed by Antara Naik and Harsha Redkar. Consolation prizes were awarded to Ranjana Narvekar, Nafiza Shaikh, and Varsha Polle. The celebration underscored how cooperatives continue to nurture talent, support livelihoods, and strengthen community bonds across Goa.

Travel

GCCI Agri Committee Leads Delegation to Mopa International Airport to Boost Mango Export Potential

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

The GCCI Agriculture Committee undertook an important outreach initiative on 21 November 2025 with a high-level delegation to the Cargo Facility at Manohar International Airport, Mopa. This visit aimed to explore opportunities for facilitating large-scale mango exports from Goa and the neighboring regions of Karnataka, particularly Dharwad. The delegation included Chairman Mahesh Patil, Committee Members Pandurang Patil and Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar, and GCCI Deputy Director Ms. Ambika Dhakhenkar. GCCI has been at the forefront of promoting trade and export opportunities in Goa for decades and played a significant role since the 1990s in advocating for the establishment of a second airport with robust cargo capabilities.

A visit by representatives of Mavu Belegarar Balaga, Dharwad, brought valuable insights into the region’s potential. Led by Executive Member Dr. Rajendra Poddar and President Shri Subhas Akalwadi, the group shared their vision of tapping international markets such as Singapore, the Middle East, and Europe. They highlighted that nearly 60,000 acres are under mango cultivation in their region, with half located in the Dharwad belt. Their first export shipment last year had to travel 8.5 hours to Chintamani, while Mopa Airport offers a significantly shorter four-hour route. The growers emphasised the advantages of reduced transit time, lower damage risks, and improved logistics efficiency. They also presented the region’s achievements including the establishment of an APEDA-approved packhouse created through central government support, which has strengthened storage and handling of perishable produce.

During the visit, Mr. Purushottam Thakur, Cargo Logistics Head at GMR Mopa, delivered an extensive presentation on current and upcoming facilities designed to support export operations, especially for perishable commodities. The delegation was taken through the cargo terminal and briefed on developments such as the fully integrated, multi-commodity APEDA-approved packhouse spanning 5,600 sq. metres with a 100-tonne daily capacity, set to be operational by April 2026. Supported by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Goa, and APEDA, this packhouse will enhance export operations for farmers in Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. It will also offer storage options for unsold produce, enabling redirection to domestic markets through 29 Indian destinations connected to GOX, thereby reducing risks associated with international shipment rejections.

Mr. Thakur further outlined upcoming initiatives including Tier II warehousing, an in-house Customs office, and a Plant Quarantine facility. He also highlighted the potential for multi-modal logistics through Mormugao Port and ICD Balli once the packhouse becomes functional. The Dharwad Mango Growers Group invited the GMR team to present these opportunities to growers in their region, to which Mr. Thakur assured full cooperation, noting possibilities for daily mango export truckloads and expansion into other high-value agricultural products such as Bijapur lemons, pomegranates, and guavas.

The visit reinforced the belief that every progressive FPO or grower group has the potential to become an exporter—aligned with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to double farmer incomes. GCCI expressed deep appreciation to GMR’s cargo team, particularly Mr. Purushottam Thakur, and acknowledged the Dharwad Mango Growers Group for their initiative in considering Goa as a gateway to global markets. As Goa’s economy looks beyond tourism and mining, the GCCI Agriculture Committee is advocating the state’s strategic potential to evolve into the Logistics Hub of Western India for agri-exports, supported by strong road connectivity, the expanding capabilities of Mormugao Port, and world-class infrastructure at Mopa Airport. GCCI remains committed to fostering collaborations that can strengthen Goa’s role in global agricultural trade and provide lasting economic benefits to farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.