Tag: Goa Chamber of Commerce

Events in Goa

LeadHERShip 2025: Empowering Goa’s Women to Lead, Inspire, and Achieve

Tanisha Cardozo

On a rainy Tuesday evening, the Surendrababu Timblo Convention Hall in Panjim was filled with determination and drive as the Women’s Wing of the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) hosted LeadHERShip 2025.

This inspirational event, held on August 18, 2025, was not just a seminar—it was a powerful platform dedicated to empowering women to rise as leaders, mentors, and entrepreneurs in the Goan community and beyond.

Welcoming attendees to the program, Ms. Sandra Fernandes, Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, described LeadHERShip as more than a leadership initiative—it’s a movement. Applauding the audience for showing up despite the monsoon rains, she highlighted the collective commitment to advancing women’s roles in business, leadership, and society.

The event’s Chief Guest, Ms. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, emphasized the importance of women exploring leadership and entrepreneurship as viable, fulfilling career paths—encouraging them to look beyond conventional government roles and envision a future of impact and innovation.

The program featured engaging and practical sessions led by industry professionals and mentors:

  • “How to Start a Business” – Mr. Tushar Sawant from FiiRE offered practical insights into launching a startup in today’s market.
  • “Entrepreneurship & Its Benefits” – Delivered by Ms. Pallavi Salgaocar, Mentor of the GCCI Women’s Wing, this session inspired attendees with stories of successful women entrepreneurs and the long-term impact of self-driven ventures.
  • Mock Interview Session – Led by Ms. Simran Dhond, this interactive session helped participants improve their job-readiness and interview skills.
  • Mentorship Insights – Ms. Gouri Joshi guided attendees on the value of mentorship, both as mentors and mentees, in personal and professional growth.

The event ran smoothly thanks to the dedication of the Women’s Wing Committee and the GCCI team. It was beautifully compered by Ms. Nandita Dayal, with speaker introductions by Ms. Swatee Rane, Ms. Adbrona Valadares, and Ms. Clare De Souza.

Ms. Poonam Ajgaonkar, Co-Chairperson of the Women’s Wing, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, while the entire event was coordinated efficiently by Ms. Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI.

LeadHERShip 2025 wasn’t just a day of talks—it was a celebration of women’s ambition, resilience, and leadership. It gave attendees the tools, motivation, and community support needed to take their next steps—whether into entrepreneurship, leadership, or mentorship.

As Goa continues to shape a more inclusive and dynamic business ecosystem, events like LeadHERShip play a critical role in bridging the gap between aspiration and action.

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 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.

Business

Strengthening Trade Ties: Indonesian Economic Counsellor Visits Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry

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Goa, June 2025 – In a significant step towards boosting bilateral trade relations, Mr. Erry Herjuno, Economic Counsellor at the Embassy of Indonesia in New Delhi, recently visited the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI). During his visit, Mr. Herjuno engaged in detailed discussions with Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General of GCCI, focusing on exploring new opportunities to increase trade between Goa, India, and Indonesia.

A Snapshot of Indo-Indonesian Trade Relations

Currently, the trade volume between India and Indonesia stands at a substantial USD 30 billion, with Indonesian imports valued at USD 24 billion and Indian exports at USD 6 billion. The major commodities imported from Indonesia include coal, iron & steel, and crude palm oil. This trade pattern results in a significant trade deficit for India.

Mr. Amonkar highlighted that India’s trade deficit with Indonesia is largely driven by the heavy import of coal and palm oil. To address this imbalance, India is strategizing to diversify its export portfolio by introducing more agricultural products such as potatoes, onions, and chilies to the Indonesian market.

India’s Strategy to Bridge the Trade Gap

The Government of India is actively pursuing initiatives to diversify its export base by expanding beyond traditional markets and products. Emerging sectors like green energy, medical devices, electric vehicles, and pharmaceuticals are being promoted to increase India’s export footprint in Indonesia.

The ambitious goal is to raise bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2025. Encouragingly, recent data reveals that trade between the two countries surged by 50% last year, reaching nearly USD 40 billion, signaling promising progress towards this target.

Invitation to Indonesian Trade Expo 2025

During the visit, the Indonesian delegation extended a cordial invitation to the Goan Export-Import (EXIM) industry to participate in the 40th Indonesian Trade Expo, scheduled from 15th to 19th October 2025 in Jakarta.

Highlighting the previous edition’s success, the delegation shared that business worth an impressive USD 7.46 billion was transacted with India, involving over 900 Indian buyers. This year, the Expo will focus on sectors such as logistics and paper, alongside traditional industries like coal, palm oil, and iron & steel. Additionally, the delegation pointed out promising opportunities in IT-related services in Indonesia, opening doors for Indian IT firms.

To facilitate deeper engagement, the Indonesian delegation provided the GCCI with a comprehensive booklet outlining key sectors with growth potential, encouraging Goan businesses to explore these opportunities.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Indo-Indonesian Economic Cooperation

The visit of Mr. Herjuno to Goa marks an important milestone in fostering closer trade and economic ties between the two regions. With mutual efforts to diversify trade portfolios and capitalize on emerging sectors, both India and Indonesia are poised to strengthen their partnership further.

The GCCI and local industries are keen on leveraging the upcoming Trade Expo and other initiatives to deepen collaboration, expand market access, and contribute to the shared vision of enhancing bilateral trade.

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.