Tag: GCCI

Business

GCCI Welcomes India-UK Free Trade Agreement: A Game-Changer for Goa’s Economy

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Panaji, Goa | July 25, 2025 — The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), under the leadership of President Ms. Pratima Dhond, has welcomed the recently concluded India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This landmark economic pact, signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to London, is projected to double bilateral trade from USD 60 billion to USD 120 billion by 2030.

According to GCCI, the agreement is expected to deliver significant economic benefits for Goa, across key sectors such as:

🔑 Key Benefits for Goa:

  • 🏖 Tourism: The FTA will likely enhance inbound tourism from the UK, Goa’s largest international tourist market. With easier travel protocols and business synergy, the state’s hospitality sector is poised to grow.
  • 🥃 Feni Exports: Goa’s heritage spirit feni gains Geographical Indication (GI) protection in the UK under the agreement. It opens new doors for premium positioning in UK’s hospitality and retail chains, as Indian craft spirits gain popularity abroad.
  • 🐟 Marine Exports: The duty-free access for seafood and marine products will bolster Goa’s blue economy, benefitting coastal communities and exporters.
  • 🧵 Textiles and Footwear: Local manufacturers will benefit from zero tariffs, making Goan products more competitive in UK markets.
  • 💻 IT & Professional Services: Indian professionals, including those from Goa, will enjoy relaxed visa norms and social security exemptions, encouraging global mobility of talent and cross-border collaboration.

PHARMA SECTOR

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is also expected to significantly benefit Goa’s pharmaceutical sector, along with other industries.

  • Zero-duty access: The FTA provides zero-duty access to the UK market for nearly 99% of Indian exports, including pharmaceuticals. This move is expected to increase India’s pharma exports to the UK, which currently stands at under $1 billion, despite the UK importing nearly $30 billion worth of pharma products.
  • Growth opportunities: The agreement is anticipated to unlock major export opportunities for India’s pharmaceutical sector, with the potential to increase exports by a substantial margin. India’s pharma industry sees the UK as a strategic market, and the FTA is expected to boost confidence among investors and global partners.
  • Competitive advantage: With the elimination of tariffs on generic drugs and medical devices, Indian pharma companies can capitalize on the UK’s $30 billion annual pharma imports. This move will make Indian products more competitive in the UK market, potentially leading to increased market share.
  • CDMO and bulk drug benefits: The FTA is also expected to benefit Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) services and bulk drug exports. This development will provide significant relief to generic drug makers, who typically operate on thin profit margins.

“We are delighted to see the India-UK FTA take shape. This agreement is a testament to the strong bilateral ties between our two nations and will undoubtedly benefit our state in numerous ways,”
said Ms. Pratima Dhond, President, GCCI.

The GCCI has expressed its commitment to working with government agencies and local businesses to ensure that Goa makes the most of this opportunity. The chamber also sees the FTA as a model for how regional economies like Goa can integrate into global supply chains and take full advantage of international collaborations.

As India strengthens its trade relations globally, this FTA positions Goa to rise as a hub for sustainable tourism, quality manufacturing, heritage exports, and talent mobility.

The GCCI urges entrepreneurs and exporters in the state to actively explore the new channels that will emerge under the India-UK FTA.

Business

GCCI and Goa College of Engineering Sign MoU to Foster Industry-Academia Collaboration

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Panaji, Goa | June 30, 2025 — In a strategic initiative to align academic learning with real-world industry demands, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Goa College of Engineering (GEC), Farmagudi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 30, 2025. The MoU marks a milestone in strengthening Goa’s innovation ecosystem through deeper collaboration between education and enterprise.

The formal signing ceremony took place in the presence of key dignitaries from both institutions. Mr. Shrinivas V. Dempo, President of GCCI, and Dr. Krupashankara M. S., Principal of GEC, signed the MoU. Other dignitaries present included Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI; Dr. Suraj S. Rane, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, GEC; Ms. Pratima Dhond, President-Elect, GCCI; Mr. Rohan Bhandare, Hon. Treasurer, GCCI; and Ms. Ambika Dhakhenkar, Deputy Director, GCCI.

Key Objectives of the MoU Include:

  • Curriculum Modernization: Aligning GEC’s academic curriculum with evolving industry needs to enhance employability.
  • Skill Development & Training: Facilitating training programs, internships, and industry-specific workshops.
  • Innovation & Research: Supporting student-led innovation, entrepreneurship initiatives, and collaborative research projects.
  • Expert Engagement: Organizing industry talks, field visits, seminars, and placement-focused sessions.
  • Infrastructure Support: Setting up industry-sponsored labs to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
  • Consultancy & Projects: Offering technical consultancy and enabling real-world project exposure for students.

Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, President of GCCI, emphasized the vision behind the initiative:

“This partnership is a forward-looking step that reflects GCCI’s commitment to nurturing talent, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Goa. We are delighted to collaborate with one of Goa’s premier engineering institutions.”

Dr. Krupashankara M. S., Principal of GEC, expressed his enthusiasm:

“This MoU allows our students to gain enhanced exposure to real-world industry challenges. We aim to bridge the divide between theoretical learning and practical application.”

The MoU will remain in effect for a period of five years, during which both institutions will jointly undertake strategic initiatives to drive innovation, research, and skill development across Goa.

With this collaboration, GCCI and GEC reaffirm their shared vision of creating a future-ready workforce, empowered by knowledge, practical experience, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Business

GCCI Makes History at 117th AGM: Pratima Dhond Becomes First Woman President

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Panaji, June 28, 2025 – In a landmark moment for Goa’s business and industrial community, the 117th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) marked a historic leadership transition. Held at Taj Cidade de Goa, the event witnessed Mrs. Pratima Dhond taking over the mantle of President of GCCI, becoming the first woman to lead the Chamber in its 117-year legacy.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant as Chief Guest, Industries Minister Mr. Mauvin Godinho as Guest of Honour, and Mr. Sanjay Kirloskar, Managing Director of Kirloskar Brothers Ltd., who delivered the keynote address.

Outgoing President Mr. Shrinivas Dempo expressed deep gratitude to his team for their commitment and success during his term. He reflected on key initiatives such as:

  • Influential budget memorandums accepted by state and central governments
  • Dialogues on taxation and policy
  • The Leaders at GCCI series featuring eminent names like Mohandas Pai, M.J. Akbar, Vikram Chandra, and Amitabh Kant
  • The visionary Inclusive & Sustainable Growth@2037 Conclave, which proposed a roadmap for ₹15,000 crore investment and creation of 1 lakh jobs in Goa

Mrs. Pratima Dhond, in her acceptance speech, acknowledged Mr. Dempo’s contributions and shared her vision for GCCI’s future. She outlined a bold, inclusive agenda:

  • Championing Nari Shakti and women-led development
  • Advocating future-ready and innovation-led policies
  • Strengthening MSMEs through easier access to finance
  • Promoting green business practices and sustainability
  • Fostering youth engagement, research, and data-driven governance
  • Amplifying digital outreach for broader impact

In a stirring keynote, Mr. Sanjay Kirloskar shared insights from his journey in building a global business. He proudly announced the upcoming launch of an all-women operated pump manufacturing unit in Goa, inspired by the successful model in Coimbatore.

Minister Mauvin Godinho emphasized the need for a shift in the mindset of Goan youth — from job seekers to job creators. “Goa has immense potential as a manufacturing and export hub,” he said, highlighting the rise in MSME registrations and global integration of local businesses.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant commended Mr. Dempo’s leadership and celebrated Mrs. Dhond’s groundbreaking presidency. He reiterated his vision to make Goa a developed state by 2037, a full decade ahead of India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 goal.

“We are a small state, but agile. With high literacy, robust institutions, global connectivity, and public goodwill — Goa is well-positioned to lead through unity, innovation, and reforms,” the Chief Minister said. He emphasized initiatives spanning:

  • World-class infrastructure
  • Skilled manpower and job linkages
  • Investment-friendly governance
  • Sustainable development
  • Tourism, education, health, and women empowerment

As part of the agenda, Dr. Sawant launched a B.Com course in Retail Management, designed by GCCI to boost Goa’s job-intensive retail sector. He also released the GCCI Bulletin on Sustainable Growth, further cementing the Chamber’s commitment to inclusive development.

Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General of GCCI, hosted the event, while CA Rohan Bhandare, Hon. Treasurer, proposed the vote of thanks.

Human Interest

MS. PRATIMA DHOND ELECTEDAS FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT OF GOA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

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Ms Pratima Gaurish Dhond has been elected as the First Woman President of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the term 2025 – 2027. Ms Pratima G Dhond will assume charge as the President of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 01.07.2025 at the end of the term of the current President Mr Shrinivas Dempo. She is the First Woman President in 117 years history of the Chamber.


With a passion for women’s empowerment, Pratima Dhond has dedicated her career to uplifting women through various initiatives and leadership roles. She’s been at the helm of the Women’s Cooperative Bank since 1993 and has chaired the Women’s Wing of GCCI for 8 years, launching the flagship event “Asturi” to promote women’s entrepreneurship.
As a Director of Wakao Foods and the Dhond Group of Companies, Pratima is a force to be reckoned with in the business world. She’s also a seasoned Rotarian, serving as Charter President of Rotary Club of Miramar and holding various positions in the club.
With a national-level basketball background and alumni status from Peoples High School Panaji and Dempo Commerce College, Pratima is a true Goan powerhouse!
Personally, she’s married to businessman and social worker Gaurish Dhond and is blessed with three children, two sons-in-law, and two adorable grandsons. The Following 14 Member Managing Committee was also elected for the term 2025-27.

  1. Dr Sangam Kurade (Zuari Foods & Farms Pvt Ltd)
  2. Chandrakant Gawas (Shraddha Shipping Co Pvt Ltd)
  3. Harshvardhan Bhatkuly (Business Goa)
  4. Yatin Kakodkar (Apex Packing Products Pvt Ltd)
  5. Pallavi Salgaocar (Geno Pharmaceuticals)
  6. Rohan Bhandare(Chartered Accountant)
  7. Rajesh Dempo (Vision Dempo Hospitality & Estates Pvt Ltd)
  8. Dale Menezes (Cosme Matias Menezes Pvt Ltd)
  9. Roana Maria Costa (Alcon Constructions, Alcon-Victor Group)
  10. Satish Shinde (Astra Metal Systems Pvt Ltd)
  11. Vinesh Pikale (Chartered Accountant)
  12. Prasad Keni (Vergo Pharma)
  13. Manoj Patil (Armour Office Automation)
  14. Atreya Sawant (Atreya Engineering Works)

The New Committee will assume charge on 1st July, 2025.

EduConnect

Elocution Competition on World Environment Day: An Opportunity for Goa’s Final-Year Students to Raise Their Voices Against Plastic Pollution

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In honor of World Environment Day 2025, the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in collaboration with the Institution of Engineers (India), is hosting an Elocution Competition that challenges the next generation of leaders to tackle one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues — Plastic Pollution. The competition is set to take place on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the Surendrababu Timblo Convention Hall, Panjim, and promises to be an exciting platform for final-year students from all colleges across Goa to showcase their oratory skills and raise awareness about environmental issues.

Theme: #BeatPlasticPollution: Ending Global Pollution

The theme for this year’s competition, #BeatPlasticPollution: Ending Global Pollution, reflects the urgent need to address the overwhelming presence of plastic in our environment. Plastic pollution has reached alarming levels globally, causing devastating harm to wildlife, ecosystems, and even human health. The competition invites students to use their voices as powerful tools to speak up against plastic pollution and offer innovative solutions for a cleaner, greener future.

The preliminary round of the competition will begin at 10:00 AM, where participants will present their speeches based on the theme. Finalists will be selected based on the content, delivery, and impact of their presentations, and will move on to the Valedictory Function later in the day.

Keynote Speaker and Special Guests

The event will feature an esteemed lineup of speakers, with Padma Shri Dr. Sharad Kale, a Former Scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and Special Advisor to the Chief Minister of Goa, delivering the keynote address. Dr. Kale’s vast expertise in scientific research and environmental conservation will inspire students to think critically about the impact of pollution and the role of technology and innovation in solving these challenges.

The event will be presided over by Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, President of GCCI, and Mr. Anwar Khan from the Institution of Engineers (India) will also grace the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

Attractive Prizes and Recognition

The winners of the Elocution Competition will be rewarded with attractive prizes, providing a great incentive for students to engage deeply with the theme and present well-researched and thought-provoking speeches. This competition not only provides a platform for students to raise awareness about environmental issues but also offers recognition for their efforts and dedication towards global causes.

How to Register

The competition is open to all final-year students from colleges across Goa. If you’re passionate about environmental issues and want to make your voice heard, here’s how you can participate:

  • Email Registration: Send your nomination to events@goachamber.org with the following details:
    • Name
    • College
    • Contact Information
    • Course
  • WhatsApp Registration: You can also register via WhatsApp by sending your details to 9764161205.

Important Details

  • Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
  • Preliminary Round: 10:00 AM at the Surendrababu Timblo Convention Hall, Panjim
  • Valedictory Function: 4:00 PM, with Padma Shri Dr. Sharad Kale as the Keynote Speaker

Why Participate?

This Elocution Competition offers more than just a chance to win prizes. It’s an opportunity for students to be part of a global movement to combat plastic pollution and promote environmental awareness. By participating, students can:

  • Develop public speaking and presentation skills
  • Contribute to raising awareness about a critical global issue
  • Gain exposure to esteemed professionals in the fields of science, education, and business
  • Join a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to protecting the environment

This competition is an invaluable opportunity for young minds to influence their peers, share innovative solutions, and make a lasting impact on society.

A Call to Action for Goa’s Future Leaders

The GCCI and Institution of Engineers (India) invite all final-year students to participate in this important event, and we hope to see many enthusiastic voices speaking out against plastic pollution.

Join us in this vital conversation, where your ideas and words could inspire action and spark the change our planet desperately needs. Together, let’s #BeatPlasticPollution and work towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world for future generations.

For further inquiries or more information, please contact Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI, via email at events@goachamber.org or reach out via WhatsApp at 9764161205.