Tag: Goa Economy

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.

Business

Goa Shipyard Ltd and GCCI to Collaborate on Joint Seminar and Vendor Development Programme for Goan MSMEs

allycaralgoa

Vasco-da-Gama – In a progressive move to strengthen Goa’s MSME ecosystem and enhance local participation in the maritime and defence industries, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) has expressed its intent to collaborate with the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on a Joint Seminar and Vendor Development Programme.

A delegation from GCCI comprising Mr. Chandrakant Gawas (Chairman, GCCI Logistics Committee), Mr. Sanket Kaskar (Foreign Trade Officer), and Mr. Priyesh Kamat met with Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman & Managing Director of GSL, to discuss the proposal and map out a collaborative roadmap.

🌟 Key Focus Areas of the Initiative:

  • Joint Seminar featuring expert discussions on vendor development challenges and opportunities
  • Vendor Identification & Registration Drives to onboard capable Goan MSMEs
  • Training & Capacity Building Workshops aligned with GSL’s quality and procurement standards
  • Quality & Productivity Promotion through collaborative tools and industrial best practices
  • Policy Advocacy & Industry-Academia Linkages to create a robust maritime ecosystem in Goa

The initiative also proposes involving neighbouring Chambers such as the Belgaum Chamber, further enhancing regional cooperation and resource pooling.

GCCI expressed gratitude to Shri Upadhyay and GSL for their proactive approach in supporting local businesses and reiterated the importance of this collaboration in driving self-reliance, local job creation, and inclusive industrial growth.

The next step will see a GCCI delegation visit GSL to formalize the plan and execute actionable strategies. This partnership stands to unlock new growth avenues for Goan MSMEs in the maritime and defence sectors, while positioning Goa as a competitive hub for manufacturing excellence.

📖 Stay updated with the full coverage on allycaral.com

Business

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

allycaralgoa

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.