Tag: Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Travel

GCCI Seeks Alternative Route on NH-66 for Smooth Movement of Air Cargo; North Goa Collector Responds Positively

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has taken up the urgent issue of restricted movement of heavy commercial vehicles on NH-66, which has been adversely affecting air cargo operations to Goa International Airport, Dabolim, and Manohar International Airport, Mopa.


A GCCI delegation comprising Mr. Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman – GCCI Logistics Committee; Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI; Foreign Trade Officer Mr. Sanket Kaskar, GCCI; along with representatives from GMR, Mr. Purshottam and Mr. Satyajeet, met Mr. Ankit Yadav, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, North Goa, to discuss the operational challenges faced by exporters and importers due to traffic restrictions and ongoing infrastructure works on NH-66.

During the meeting, GCCI highlighted the severe difficulties faced by six-wheeler and above commercial vehicles transporting time-sensitive air cargo, particularly from key industrial estates. The restrictions have significantly impacted sectors such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, and e-commerce, where strict adherence to flight cut-off timings is critical.

GCCI requested the notification and opening of an alternative route on NH-66 to ensure uninterrupted daytime movement of heavy commercial vehicles, smooth connectivity to Manohar International Airport, Mopa, removal of abandoned vehicles obstructing traffic, and prevention of garbage dumping along the highway.

The delegation also drew attention to the increasing number of accidents on the Porvorim road amid ongoing infrastructure works. GCCI urged the deployment of dedicated traffic police personnel, stricter speed monitoring, improved road signage, creation of dedicated lanes where feasible, and awareness initiatives to promote safer road usage.

Emphasizing the need for stronger logistics infrastructure, GCCI called for the establishment of designated truck termini in both North and South Goa to address traffic congestion and unregulated parking. The Chamber further highlighted the issue of indiscriminate garbage dumping along highways, posing hygiene and safety risks, and sought stricter enforcement and improved waste management measures.

Additionally, GCCI requested stricter traffic regulation on the Dayanand Bandodkar Road from Divja Circle to the ferry point, where continuous traffic congestion is observed due to irregular parking and traffic rule violations. The Chamber also informed the Collector about rent-a-car vehicles and taxis occupying parking spaces in city areas, inconveniencing citizens visiting for work, and sought strict action against such violations.

Responding positively, Mr. Ankit Yadav, IAS, assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be examined in coordination with the concerned departments to arrive at a practical and workable solution. The proposed measures are expected to ease congestion and ensure smooth movement of goods to the GMR-operated Manohar International Airport, Mopa, thereby strengthening Goa’s air cargo ecosystem.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman – GCCI Logistics Committee, stated that improved logistics connectivity is crucial for sustaining Goa’s competitiveness in exports and trade. GCCI also expressed its willingness to participate in joint inspections or surveys to identify the most feasible alternative routes.

The initiative is expected to bring significant relief to exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs, and logistics operators, reinforcing Goa’s position as a reliable hub for trade and air cargo movement.

Business

GCCI Hosts Joint Professional Programme on LLP Compliances, Startup Funding and Growth as Part of Startup Week 2026

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 


Panaji, 16 January 2026: The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in collaboration with the Goa Chapter of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), successfully organised a Joint Professional Programme at GCCI, Panaji, as part of Startup Week 2026. The programme revolved around the themes “Igniting Growth: Startup Funding, Investment & Compliance” and “LLP & its Compliances” and received an encouraging response from entrepreneurs, professionals, startups, MSMEs, and students.



Welcoming the participants, Ms. Pratima Dhond, President, GCCI, underlined the importance of awareness, compliance, governance, and continuous learning for sustainable business growth, particularly within the startup and MSME ecosystem. She highlighted GCCI’s role in supporting businesses through advocacy, capacity building, and professional collaboration.

CS Darshan Karekar, Chairman, ICSI Goa Chapter, stated that startups play a vital role in employment generation and national economic growth. He noted that the objective of the programme was to create awareness about regulatory compliances applicable to startups and business entities.

CA Rohan Bhandare, Hon. Secretary, GCCI, and Chairman, GCCI Taxation & Financial Services Committee, expressed satisfaction at the joint initiative being held on the occasion of National Startup Day. He emphasised that the programme reflected the shared vision of GCCI and ICSI in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and stressed the importance of continued collaboration on knowledge-driven initiatives for strengthening the business and professional community.

The Chief Guest, Ms. Trupti Sharma, ROC-cum-Official Liquidator for Goa, Daman & Diu, advised participants to actively engage with authorities and raise genuine grievances instead of facing compliance challenges in silence. She noted that the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) remains receptive to valid concerns raised by stakeholders.

Elaborating on the relevance of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), Ms. Sharma explained that the LLP concept was introduced in 2008 and that LLPs now account for nearly one-fourth of the total number of registered companies. She observed that registrations remain relatively low mainly due to lack of awareness. Highlighting LLPs as a preferred structure for family-run businesses, she pointed out that LLPs involve fewer compliances compared to companies, with the LLP agreement being the “soul” of the entity, and also offer easier and faster exit options.

Using an analogy, Ms. Sharma remarked that if MCA is the heart of compliances, professional bodies like ICSI and ICAI act as the arteries, while GCCI functions as the lungs, providing the oxygen necessary for the system to function efficiently.

Guest Speaker CS Vinayak Khanvalkar, Former President of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, delivered an insightful session covering startup funding, investment avenues, and compliance-related aspects in line with the programme agenda.

The programme concluded with an interactive session, allowing participants to seek clarifications and directly engage with the experts. The joint initiative was widely appreciated for its practical insights and relevance to the evolving needs of startups and businesses in Goa.

The event was compered by Ms. Rakhi Malkarnekar, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Shantal Naik. The programme was coordinated by Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI, and Mr. Kiran Ballikar, Director, GCCI.

Business

GCCI’s 2nd Consumer Protection Awareness Programme Empowers Students and Locals at Dhargal

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Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), through its Consumer Protection Committee, organized its 2nd Awareness Programme on Consumer Protection for the B.Com students of DMC College, Mapusa. The event was held on 7th November 2025 at the Shree Shantadurga Devasthan Hall, Dhargal, and aimed to spread awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities among students, faculty members, and local villagers.

Mr. Ketan Kashinath Phaldesai, Assistant Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, was the Guest Speaker for the programme. He delivered an insightful and interactive session on the importance of consumer awareness and the mechanisms available for grievance redressal. Mr. Phaldesai provided an overview of the consumer movement in India, tracing its historical evolution and emphasizing the enactment of the Consumer Protection Acts of 1986 and 2019. He elaborated on the rights and responsibilities of consumers and encouraged participants to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their interests.

The programme began with a welcome address by Mrs. Amita Salatry, Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee. Mr. Amit Sawant, a member of the Committee and Deputy Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, shared insights on the significance and definition of consumer protection. The dais also included Committee Member Prof. Subhash Kavthankar, Prof. Chandru Govekar from DMC College, Prof. Dhanish Kumar, and Panch Member of Dhargal Panchayat, Mr. Satish Dhumal.

The event was compered by Ms. Neha Indear, a student of DMC College, while Ms. Neha Vishwakarma delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries and participants. The initiative successfully created awareness among young students and local residents, reinforcing GCCI’s commitment to promoting consumer education and responsible citizenship across Goa.

Events in Goa

GCCI Women’s Wing Hosts ‘Diwali Dil Se’ Festive Bazaar at Mall de Goa

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Porvorim, October 14, 2025 — The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Women’s Wing, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera, has brought festive cheer to Goa with the “Diwali Dil Se” Festive Bazaar, inaugurated at Mall de Goa, Porvorim. The vibrant three-day event, running from October 14 to 16, 2025, showcases the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Goan women.

The festive bazaar was inaugurated by Ms. Deepali Naik, Project Director, District Rural Development Agency (South), who lauded the initiative as a meaningful platform for women to display and sell their handmade and locally crafted products.

Ms. Sandra Fernandes, Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, warmly welcomed the stall owners and participants, expressing gratitude to Ms. Lavanya Shet, GCCI WW Committee Member, for leading the initiative to provide free stalls for women entrepreneurs.

“This event is more than a marketplace — it’s a celebration of creativity, empowerment, and community,” said Ms. Fernandes. “We are proud to offer women a platform to grow their businesses and connect directly with customers during the festive season.”

Rtn Jeet Tolani, President of the Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera, commended the collaboration and applauded the commitment of the GCCI Women’s Wing in fostering inclusive growth.

The Chief Guest, Ms. Deepali Naik, encouraged the entrepreneurs to continue innovating and expanding their ventures, wishing them success and resilience.

The event also saw active participation from Co-Chairperson Ms. Poonam Ajgaonkar, who proposed the Vote of Thanks, and Ms. Gouri Joshi, who compered the programme with warmth and enthusiasm.

Committee members present included Ms. Simran Dhond, Ms. Swatee Rane, Ms. Adbrona Valadares, Ms. Clare Marchon, and Ms. Melane Rodrigues, along with Rtn Rosevelt Valadares.

“Diwali Dil Se” continues through the weekend, offering visitors a delightful festive shopping experience featuring home décor, traditional crafts, jewelry, sweets, and artisanal Diwali gifts — all crafted by Goan women entrepreneurs.

As the lights of Diwali illuminate Goa, this bazaar stands as a shining example of women-led enterprise and community collaboration — truly, Diwali Dil Se.

EduConnect

Central Asian Youth Delegation Explores Economic Opportunities in Goa

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In a significant move to foster economic cooperation and cultural exchange, a 100-member Central Asian youth delegation from four countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan – visited the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) recently.

The delegation, comprising young entrepreneurs, students, and professionals, engaged in an interactive session with GCCI members, focusing on economic growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The session aimed to explore potential areas of collaboration, share best practices, and identify opportunities for mutual benefit.

Cultural Exchange and Knowledge Sharing

The interactive session provided a platform for the Central Asian youth delegation to learn about Goa’s economy, industry, and entrepreneurial ecosystem. GCCI members shared their experiences, insights, and expertise, highlighting the state’s potential for growth and development.

In return, the delegation shared their perspectives on the economic landscape of Central Asia, highlighting opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The session facilitated a rich exchange of ideas, fostering a deeper understanding between the two regions.

Fostering Economic Cooperation

The visit underscores the growing interest in economic cooperation between India and Central Asia. Goa, with its strategic location and growing economy, is poised to play a significant role in this cooperation.

The GCCI, as a leading industry body, is committed to promoting economic growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the state. By engaging with the Central Asian youth delegation, the GCCI aims to explore new avenues for collaboration, trade, and investment.

Empowering Youth Entrepreneurs

The interactive session also emphasized the importance of empowering youth entrepreneurs in driving economic growth and innovation. The Central Asian delegation comprised young entrepreneurs and students, who are eager to learn from India’s experience and explore opportunities for collaboration.

By facilitating this exchange, the GCCI aims to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, fostering a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that transcends borders.

Conclusion

The visit of the Central Asian youth delegation to the GCCI marks a significant step forward in fostering economic cooperation and cultural exchange between India and Central Asia. By sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices, we can unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship, empowering the next generation of leaders to shape a brighter future.