Tag: Goa development

Business

GCCI Celebrates 117 Years of Shaping Goa’s Economic Landscape

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), established on 3rd September 1908, proudly celebrates 117 years of unwavering service to Goa’s economy. As one of India’s oldest regional chambers, GCCI has been a constant in the state’s transformation—from the Portuguese colonial period to post-liberation development. Over more than a century, it has consistently advocated for pro-business policies, strengthened Goa’s industrial base, and nurtured its social fabric.

Under the leadership of its first-ever woman President, Mrs. Pratima Dhond, the Chamber steps into its 118th year with renewed energy and direction. Throughout its journey, GCCI has been a dynamic bridge between businesses and government, influencing policy, infrastructure, and institutional development. Its contributions span diverse sectors including trade, tourism, shipping, mining, manufacturing, IT, and sustainability.

Central to GCCI’s mission is support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—the bedrock of Goa’s economy. Through mentoring, training workshops, and strategic partnerships with institutions like GIM and EDC, the Chamber has built a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its Women’s Wing continues to empower women-led enterprises through signature events such as Asturi and Business Diva. Initiatives like the ‘Leaders@GCCI’ series have brought national thinkers to the state, encouraging dialogue that connects local challenges to global trends.

GCCI is also deeply invested in sustainable business practices and has played a proactive role in aligning academic programs with industry needs. A notable initiative is the launch of the B.Com (Retail) course at S S Dempo College, enabled by GCCI’s Retail Committee, highlighting its commitment to skill development.

Among its milestone contributions, GCCI’s involvement in formulating the Goa IT Policy and supporting infrastructure like the Manohar International Airport at Mopa has been pivotal. Through MoUs with international chambers, GCCI continues to foster global business linkages and knowledge exchange.

As it moves forward, GCCI remains committed to driving inclusive and sustainable growth. With a focus on women-led enterprises, innovation, and strategic collaboration, the Chamber reaffirms its role as a key driver of Goa’s progress and a symbol of enduring leadership.

Human Interest

Porvorim Gets a Boost Towards Fitness with New Futsal Ground & Senior Citizens’ Recreational Hall

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim’s development journey took a meaningful leap with the inauguration of a vibrant new community space, comprising a modern Futsal Ground and a Recreational Hall for Senior Citizens.

The inauguration was led by Hon’ble Minister Rohan A. Khaunte, along with ZP Kavita G Naik, Sarpanch Swapnil Chodankar, and Panch members of Penha De Franca, in the presence of proud and excited residents of the locality.

This initiative is part of the ongoing “Fit Porvorim” movement — aimed at building infrastructure that promotes health, social well-being, and community engagement.

The Futsal Ground will serve as a hub for local youth, fostering active lifestyles, sportsmanship, and positive community interaction. On the other hand, the Recreational Hall for Senior Citizens is designed to promote mental and physical wellness, offering a space for leisure, community programs, and activities tailored for senior needs.

“Creating inclusive spaces for all age groups strengthens our community’s roots. Porvorim is leading by example, and today’s launch is a testament to that,” said Minister Rohan Khaunte during the event.

Children took to the Futsal field with enthusiasm, while senior citizens explored a thoughtfully designed hall featuring amenities for wellness, reading, and group activities.

As Porvorim continues to evolve, initiatives like these ensure no one is left behind — whether it’s the energy of youth or the wisdom of age, every resident now has a place to belong, connect, and thrive.

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Goa Launches Ro-Ro Ferries ‘Dwarka’ & ‘Gangotri’ on Mandovi River

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Goa has added a modern touch to its rich maritime legacy with the launch of two state-of-the-art Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferries — Dwarka and Gangotri — on the Chodan–Ribandar waterway route across the Mandovi River.

Inaugurated on July 14th by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, the event saw the presence of Union MoS for New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, RND Minister Subhash Phal Dessai, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Mayem MLA Premendra Shet, and Inland Waterways Secretary Cheshta Yadav, IAS.

The project, worth ₹25 crore, was executed through a public-private partnership (PPP) with Vijai Marine Shipyards, a Goan shipbuilding firm known for its innovation and quality.

“These ferries will enhance eco-friendly and efficient transport, reduce traffic congestion, and serve as a model for inland water transport across India,” said the Chief Minister during the launch.

Boost to Connectivity and Eco-Transport

The Ro-Ro ferries are equipped to carry both passengers and vehicles, serving as a lifeline for residents, especially islanders who frequently travel between Chodan and Ribandar. The launch aligns with Goa’s broader goal of developing smart transport infrastructure using its vast network of rivers.

Officials also hinted at plans to replicate this model across eight additional waterway routes in the state, with studies already underway to identify viable corridors.

Maritime Innovation from Goa to the Nation

Vijai Marine Shipyards, praised by the CM during the launch, has established itself as a key player in India’s coastal and inland vessel sector. The Dwarka and Gangotri ferries represent locally manufactured, globally relevant solutions — a testament to Goa’s industrial capabilities.

This initiative is not just about connectivity — it’s about shaping a sustainable, modern, and resilient future for Goa. By tapping into its rivers, the state is embracing clean mobility, reducing carbon footprints, and offering residents an affordable, efficient alternative to road transport.

TechPulse

Goa Concludes ‘Bridging Horizons’ with a Strong Push for Industry-Academia Collaboration

allycaralgoa

Panaji, July 2025: The Valedictory Session of Bridging Horizons: A Confluence of Industry, Institute & Innovation, organised by ASSOCHAM Goa State Development Council in collaboration with the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), marked the culmination of a high-impact dialogue focused on shaping Goa’s innovation ecosystem.

The event brought together leaders from academia, corporate industry, startups, and government to identify tangible strategies for enhancing synergy between educational institutes and the industrial sector. With a clear focus on skill development, research translation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship, the valedictory session captured actionable insights and commitments.

Key highlights included:

  • Strengthening industry-led curriculum and faculty development.
  • Enhancing student internship pipelines and collaborative R&D opportunities.
  • Leveraging state initiatives like Goa Start-up Policy and Goa Tech Vision 2030.
  • Enabling infrastructure support and regulatory ease for MSMEs and tech startups.

Speaking at the event, representatives from DITE&C reaffirmed the Government of Goa’s focus on positioning the state as a hub for innovation, powered by partnerships across stakeholders. “The future of Goa lies in building knowledge-driven collaborations,” said a senior official.

ASSOCHAM Goa leaders emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue between institutions and enterprises. “We’re proud to catalyse a platform where ideas can grow into impact. Today’s discussions set the tone for sustained innovation,” they noted.

The Bridging Horizons series, throughout its sessions, has become a meaningful platform for advancing the convergence of knowledge, skills, and enterprise in Goa. As it draws to a close, it leaves behind a renewed momentum for industry-academia-government partnerships—paving the way for a smarter, more connected Goa.

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Collaborative Push for Sustainable Tourism: Goa to Spotlight Forests, Waterfalls, and Hinterland

allycaralgoa

Panaji, 9th June 2025 – In a significant step towards expanding Goa’s tourism offerings beyond its iconic coastline, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, convened a meeting with the Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC), to explore collaborative avenues for promoting hinterland, eco, wellness, and adventure tourism under the state’s vision of Goa Beyond Beaches. The meeting was led by Hon’ble Minister Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte and in the presence of Director Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar; GFDC Chairperson, Dr. Divya Rane; GFDC Managing Director, Nandkumar Parab; GFDC General Manager, Shri Amar Heblekar and OSD to Tourism Minister, Shri Shawn Mendes

Recognising the need for a more integrated and sustainable approach to tourism development, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte expressed the importance of working in collaboration across departments to tap into Goa’s diverse natural and cultural assets. “If the Tourism Department and the Forest Department work in unison, a tremendous opportunity lies ahead for creating high-end, sustainable tourism experiences. This collaboration can serve as a blueprint for eco-tourism and nature-based experiences that benefit both locals and visitors,” the Minister stated.

The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to diversifying the tourism landscape by promoting nature, wellness, adventure, and cultural experiences nestled in Goa’s hinterland. “We must now turn our focus inward to our waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, forest heritage, and eco-trails. Together, we can craft an entirely new narrative for Goa that is inclusive, regenerative, and future-facing,” remarked GFDC Chairperson, Dr. Divya Rane.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to hold further deliberations in coordination with the Hon’ble Forest Minister and the Forest Department to translate this shared vision into actionable outcomes.