PANAJI: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the much-anticipated Future Leaders Week 2025 on World Entrepreneurs’ Day, an event organized by BNI Goa’s Business Voices to celebrate and nurture the spirit of entrepreneurship.
The event, held in Goa, was attended by prominent business leaders including Shri Shrinivas Dempo (Chairman, Dempo Group), Shri Rajkumar Kamat, and other dignitaries, who shared their vision on leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial growth.
In his inaugural address, CM Dr. Sawant emphasized the importance of empowering the youth with opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. He highlighted how Goa is positioning itself as a hub for startups and business initiatives, aligning with India’s larger vision of fostering a self-reliant economy.
Shri Shrinivas Dempo lauded the efforts of BNI Goa and Business Voices in creating platforms that connect aspiring leaders with experienced industry mentors. Shri Rajkumar Kamat echoed similar sentiments, underlining the role of collaboration and networking in building sustainable businesses.
Future Leaders Week 2025 is designed to bring together entrepreneurs, business professionals, and students through workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, creating an ecosystem where ideas and innovation can thrive.
The event sets the tone for Goa’s growing entrepreneurial landscape, inspiring young minds to step forward as change-makers and leaders of tomorrow.
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.
The 6th Edition of The Business Diva competition, organized by the Women’s Wing of GCCI (Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry), recently concluded with a grand celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship among women in Goa. The event, aimed at supporting and spotlighting women entrepreneurs, successfully brought together aspiring and established women business owners from all corners of the state.
The Business Diva competition is more than just an event—it’s a platform created with the vision to celebrate and uplift women entrepreneurs, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talent, innovation, and leadership. The event was held in collaboration with FiiRE (Forum for Innovation, Incubation, Research, and Entrepreneurship), a renowned organization committed to empowering entrepreneurs, and received invaluable support from Mr. Tushar Sawant, Enterprise Development Manager at FiiRE.
The competition spanned over three months, starting with the announcement and culminating in an intense day-long finale. The entire process was meticulously organized, and the program saw a whopping 100+ nominations from women entrepreneurs across Goa. This overwhelming response showcased the growing entrepreneurial spirit among women in the state and the need for such platforms.
Categories and Rounds: Startup, Scaleup, and Rural Woman Enterprise
The competition was divided into three key categories:
Startup: For new ventures that have innovative ideas and the potential to scale.
Scaleup: For businesses that have already started and are looking to expand.
Rural Woman Enterprise: Specifically for women entrepreneurs in rural areas who are making a significant impact with their businesses.
After a careful review of the nominations, the first round of selection narrowed down the entries to 30 nominations. These candidates were then invited for the second round, a pitching session where they presented their business models, strategies, and visions. Ultimately, 5 finalists in each category were chosen to proceed to the finale.
The Business Diva platform was created by the Women’s Wing of GCCI with the aim of bringing forward the untold stories of innovation and impact by women entrepreneurs. It also serves as a space to create a supportive community of like-minded women, offering them opportunities for networking, mentorship, and collaboration. This platform is not just about competition but also about celebrating the achievements and challenges of women in business, promoting an inclusive environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish.
The competition was open to all women entrepreneurs across Goa, both aspiring and established, providing them with an opportunity to pitch their ideas, gain valuable feedback, and receive recognition for their entrepreneurial journey.
The finale of the Business Diva competition took place on 27th May 2025 at the GCCI Hall in Panjim. The event was a celebration of entrepreneurship, with each finalist presenting her business and journey to a panel of esteemed judges. The panel of judges included:
Dr. R. Nirmala, Professor at Goa Business School, Goa University
Mr. Yogesh Mittal, CFO at Hughes Precision Ltd, Verna
Mrs. Ekta Agarwal, CEO of SS Technologies, Margao
The day-long program was packed with insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and a deep dive into the businesses and ideas that the women brought forward. The grand award ceremony took place later in the evening and was graced by several dignitaries, including:
Padma Shri Smt. Shashi Soni, the Chief Guest
Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, President of GCCI, as the Guest of Honour
Smt. Pratima Dhond, Vice President of GCCI, also as the Guest of Honour
The winners of the 6th edition of The Business Diva competition were as follows:
Category: Startup
Winner: Yasha Jain – Charmify
Runner Up: Isha Kher – Meraki Enterprises
Category: Scaleup
Winner: Shruti Mascarenhas – Ceracotta
Runner Up: Sunetra Pai Fondekar – Kalanetra
Category: Rural Woman Enterprise
Winner: Dr. Chetna Parab – Soulart Gift Store
Runner Up: Poonam Naik – Super Taste Papad
Each winner and runner-up was awarded a prestigious title that recognized their dedication, innovation, and entrepreneurial excellence. The awards were a testament to their hard work and resilience in the competitive world of business.
The event was efficiently hosted by Rahila Khan and Gauri Borkar, both committee members of the Women’s Wing, whose efforts ensured the smooth execution of the program. The Women’s Wing also expressed their gratitude to FiiRE for offering mentoring, funding, and growth opportunities to all the participants, enabling them to enhance their businesses and take them to the next level.
A heartfelt congratulations was extended to all the winners, finalists, and participants for their courage and determination to come forward and showcase their entrepreneurial journeys. The Women’s Wing is proud to have hosted such an impactful event and is committed to continuing its mission to inspire and support women entrepreneurs across Goa.
With the success of the 6th edition of The Business Diva, the Women’s Wing of GCCI is already looking forward to the next edition of the competition in 2025. The event serves as a stepping stone for more women to venture into the world of entrepreneurship without limitations, and it is hoped that the winners will inspire other women to chase their dreams fearlessly.
