Panaji, October 2025: The 2nd Goa Developers’ Summit 2025 was successfully held at BITS Pilani, Goa Campus, marking another milestone in the state’s journey toward innovation-led growth. The event was attended by Industries Minister Shri Mauvin Godinho, who emphasized the importance of nurturing Goa’s technology ecosystem and supporting start-ups and developers to build a sustainable industrial future.
The summit was jointly organised by the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), the Government of Goa, the Directorate of Technical Education, and the Directorate of Higher Education. The collaboration aimed to create a bridge between academia, industry, and governance — fostering a shared vision for Goa’s economic transformation.
Key sessions focused on topics such as digital transformation, industrial growth, AI and data-driven development, education reforms, and skill-based employability. Industry experts, educators, and policymakers shared insights on creating an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the event, Shri Mauvin Godinho lauded the collective efforts of Goa’s development community and underlined the government’s commitment to empowering youth through skill development and digital opportunities.
The Goa Developers’ Summit 2025 highlighted the synergy between technology and industry as the foundation for Goa’s sustainable and inclusive progress.
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Panjim, 5 October 2025 — In a continued effort to build public awareness around healthcare safety and consumer rights, the Consumer Protection Committee of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), in collaboration with the Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Goa, hosted a Consumer Awareness Program on the theme “Patient Safety and Safe Use of Medicines.” The event took place on Saturday, 4th October 2025, at the Surendrababu Timblo Convention Hall, GCCI, and was tailored for M.Com Part I students of the Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola.
The session was led by Dr Sarita Bhonsle, Coordinator of the Goa Price Monitoring and Resource Unit (PMRU), who focused on educating future professionals about responsible medicine use and the importance of patient safety. Dr Bhonsle outlined the key roles played by the FDA in regulating medicines and ensuring safety for all consumers. She introduced students to critical national initiatives such as the Pharma Sahi Daam app, a government tool that helps users compare medicine prices and make informed, cost-effective choices.
She also spoke about the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras, which are operational across Goa and offer generic medicines at prices significantly lower than branded equivalents—making healthcare more accessible and affordable for the general public. Emphasizing that patient safety is a shared responsibility, Dr Bhonsle urged students to be informed consumers and advocates for transparency in healthcare.
The event commenced with opening remarks from Ms Amita Salatry, Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee, GCCI. Ms Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI, introduced the keynote speaker, and the program concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr Sunil Morajkar, Vice Chairman of the Committee. The event was compered by Prof. Subhash Khautankar, Committee Member.
In addition to the main session, students were given a guided tour of the GCCI Secretariat. Mr Sanjay Amonkar, Director General of GCCI, introduced the students to various departments within the Chamber and explained how GCCI supports businesses and consumers across the state. He also offered insights into the current Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, helping students connect their academic learning to real-world applications.
This initiative by GCCI reflects its ongoing commitment to nurturing informed citizens, future-ready professionals, and a healthier, more empowered society.
The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in association with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO – Western Region) and supported by ICICI Bank, successfully conducted a three-day Certificate Course titled “Setting Up and Managing an Adaptive International Business” from 24th to 26th September 2025 at the GCCI Conference Hall in Panaji.
The course was formally inaugurated in the presence of Mrs. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, and Mr. Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman of the GCCI Logistics Committee. Both dignitaries underscored the critical importance of upskilling and knowledge sharing for entrepreneurs, startups, and professionals aiming to enter or expand in the international trade arena.
The event drew overwhelming participation, with over 50 attendees including new-age entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, international trade professionals, and aspiring exporters. The course was designed as a high-impact training module combining essential theoretical concepts with real-world business applications and industry exposure.
Day 1 laid the foundation by covering the essentials of international trade—participants were introduced to export documentation, export costing, selecting overseas markets, and understanding the prevailing business environment. Experts also elaborated on the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 and how it impacts small and medium exporters.
The second day began with sessions on establishing overseas business relationships, identifying genuine buyers, effective communication, and navigating new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs). It also covered crucial topics like delivery and payment terms and the vital role logistics plays in ensuring successful exports. The afternoon featured a Stakeholders’ Interaction Session where major banks spoke on financial tools available for exporters, the ECGC outlined risk mitigation strategies, NSIC showcased MSME-specific schemes, and FIEO shared its ongoing initiatives in support of India’s exporting community.
On the final day, participants were taken on an immersive field visit to the GMR Goa Air Cargo Terminal at MOPA. The visit provided invaluable first-hand insight into international cargo handling, compliance protocols, and the logistical operations that support export trade, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and ground-level execution.
At the closing valedictory session, all participants were awarded Certificates of Completion, acknowledging their commitment and active engagement over the three days. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing appreciation for the course’s practical relevance and the opportunity to network with experts and fellow entrepreneurs.
The programme reflects the continuing efforts by GCCI and FIEO to build a robust export ecosystem in Goa. Both organisations reaffirmed their intent to collaborate on future programmes that focus on handholding, mentoring, and supporting local businesses as they venture into international markets. The initiative is a strong step towards increasing export contributions from Goa and empowering the next generation of Indian exporters.
In a significant stride toward holistic women’s empowerment, the GCCI Women’s Wing, in association with DRDA South, organized a powerful program titled “Swasth Mahila, Saksham Mahila – Mental Health and Well-being for Women” on September 26, 2025, at the Mathany Saldanha Complex in Margao. The initiative brought together over 130 women from across South Goa to focus on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of empowerment: mental health.
The program commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the beginning of an enlightening evening. Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, Mrs. Sandra Fernandes, welcomed the participants with a compelling message on the importance of emotional and mental wellness in a woman’s journey. She aptly stated, “When women are mentally strong and emotionally balanced, they can truly flourish in every role they play.”
Mrs. Deepali Naik, Project Director of DRDA, addressed the gathering and praised the Women’s Wing for continuously leading meaningful initiatives that cater to the real needs of women in the community. She emphasized how collaborative efforts like this can leave a lasting impact.
The heart of the program was a keynote session by well-known psychologist Ms. Neha Khaunte, who took the audience through a practical and reflective journey on stress management, emotional balance, and mindfulness. Using relatable examples and interactive exercises, Ms. Khaunte encouraged participants to acknowledge their mental health challenges while equipping them with everyday strategies to manage them. Her session was a refreshing blend of awareness, empowerment, and connection.
The event was compered with grace and clarity by Mrs. Gouri Joshi, a member of the GCCI Women’s Wing, who ensured a smooth and welcoming flow throughout the program. Mementos were distributed to the speakers and contributors, acknowledging their role in making the event a success.
The program concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Mrs. Poonam Ajgaonkar, Co-Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing. She expressed deep gratitude to all the dignitaries, the enthusiastic participants, and especially to the resource person for facilitating such a vital conversation. Special recognition was also given to Ms. Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director at GCCI, for her behind-the-scenes coordination that ensured the event’s seamless execution.
“Swasth Mahila, Saksham Mahila” was not just an event—it was a movement in itself, a reminder that true empowerment stems from nurturing not just skills and careers, but also the emotional and mental well-being of women. By offering this safe, inclusive, and engaging platform, GCCI and DRDA South reinforced their shared commitment to building stronger, healthier communities—one empowered woman at a time.
Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) today welcomed a group of 44 students from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), along with faculty coordinators led by Dr. Siddharth Shankar Rai, for an immersive academic session as part of their port visit programme in Goa.
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, established in 1962 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is one of India’s premier B-schools with global AACSB accreditation. Renowned for its specialized focus on international trade, the institution places strong emphasis on real-world exposure through industry visits and experiential learning modules.
The session began with a warm welcome by Mr. Kiran Ballikar, Director at GCCI, who introduced the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to support trade and industrial growth in the region. He highlighted the strategic role played by GCCI in promoting Goa’s business interests at a regional and national level.
Following this, Ms. Pallavi Arondekar, Director, GCCI, offered an overview of Goa’s historical trade connections, tracing the state’s long-standing economic linkages across the Indian Ocean and beyond. She also shed light on Goa’s current economic landscape, including tourism, mining, shipping, and manufacturing.
A key highlight of the session was a detailed explanation by Ms. Sanheeta Naik, Information Officer at GCCI, on the process and importance of Certificates of Origin, a critical component in international trade that ensures the authenticity of exported goods. Her explanation was supplemented by an engaging talk from Mr. Bikash Singh, a seasoned expert in global logistics and trade compliance, who discussed the real-world applications of documentation in international trade and the complexities of supply chain regulations.
The event was compered by Ms. Ambika Dhakhenkar, Deputy Director at GCCI, ensuring the smooth flow of the session and coordinating the engaging interactions between speakers and students.
The session concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Rai, who expressed appreciation to the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry for facilitating a learning-rich experience. He acknowledged the value such industry interactions bring to IIFT students in preparing them for leadership roles in global trade and commerce.
The visit marks another successful academic-industry collaboration and reinforces the role of institutions like GCCI in nurturing future talent in international business.
