Tag: MSMEs

EduConnect

GCCI and FIEO Successfully Conduct 3-Day Certificate Course on Adaptive International Business in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in association with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO – Western Region) and supported by ICICI Bank, successfully conducted a three-day Certificate Course titled “Setting Up and Managing an Adaptive International Business” from 24th to 26th September 2025 at the GCCI Conference Hall in Panaji.

The course was formally inaugurated in the presence of Mrs. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, and Mr. Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman of the GCCI Logistics Committee. Both dignitaries underscored the critical importance of upskilling and knowledge sharing for entrepreneurs, startups, and professionals aiming to enter or expand in the international trade arena.

The event drew overwhelming participation, with over 50 attendees including new-age entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, international trade professionals, and aspiring exporters. The course was designed as a high-impact training module combining essential theoretical concepts with real-world business applications and industry exposure.

Day 1 laid the foundation by covering the essentials of international trade—participants were introduced to export documentation, export costing, selecting overseas markets, and understanding the prevailing business environment. Experts also elaborated on the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 and how it impacts small and medium exporters.

The second day began with sessions on establishing overseas business relationships, identifying genuine buyers, effective communication, and navigating new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs). It also covered crucial topics like delivery and payment terms and the vital role logistics plays in ensuring successful exports. The afternoon featured a Stakeholders’ Interaction Session where major banks spoke on financial tools available for exporters, the ECGC outlined risk mitigation strategies, NSIC showcased MSME-specific schemes, and FIEO shared its ongoing initiatives in support of India’s exporting community.

On the final day, participants were taken on an immersive field visit to the GMR Goa Air Cargo Terminal at MOPA. The visit provided invaluable first-hand insight into international cargo handling, compliance protocols, and the logistical operations that support export trade, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and ground-level execution.

At the closing valedictory session, all participants were awarded Certificates of Completion, acknowledging their commitment and active engagement over the three days. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing appreciation for the course’s practical relevance and the opportunity to network with experts and fellow entrepreneurs.

The programme reflects the continuing efforts by GCCI and FIEO to build a robust export ecosystem in Goa. Both organisations reaffirmed their intent to collaborate on future programmes that focus on handholding, mentoring, and supporting local businesses as they venture into international markets. The initiative is a strong step towards increasing export contributions from Goa and empowering the next generation of Indian exporters.

Business

GCCI Hosts Seminar on Landmark GST 2.0 Reforms in Presence of Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) organized a landmark seminar on the newly announced GST 2.0 Reforms on 8th September 2025 at the Surendrababu Timblo Convention Hall in Panaji, Goa. The event was held in the backdrop of major tax reform decisions taken during the GST Council meeting on 3rd September 2025. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, was the Chief Guest for the seminar, while Shri Sarpreet Singh Gill, IAS, Commissioner of SGST Goa, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

In her welcome address, GCCI President Mrs. Pratima Dhond termed the reforms as a momentous step for India’s indirect tax landscape. She highlighted the shift to a simplified two-slab GST structure of 5% and 18%, with a special 40% slab for luxury and sin goods. These changes, she noted, would stabilise tax administration, encourage compliance, and reduce litigation. The rollout of the long-awaited GST Appellate Tribunal was also cited as a significant step toward improving trust and ease of doing business.

Mrs. Dhond emphasized the wide-ranging benefits of the reforms: reduced compliance burdens for MSMEs, lower tax on essential goods for households, affordability in healthcare and insurance, and sectoral relief for farmers and artisans. She praised the government’s balanced approach to revenue while promoting inclusive economic growth.

GCCI’s Honorary Secretary, CA Rohan Bhandare, opened the session by underlining the historic nature of the reforms. He noted the symbolic significance of 3rd September 2025—not only as the day GST 2.0 was announced but also GCCI’s 118th Foundation Day. He acknowledged that many of the reforms aligned with GCCI’s long-standing recommendations, while urging adequate support during the transition given the tight implementation timeline.

Guest of Honour Shri Sarpreet Singh Gill, IAS, highlighted the contribution of Goa’s Chief Minister in building consensus at the GST Council. He praised Dr. Sawant for his proactive leadership in both GST and VAT reform deliberations.

In his keynote address, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant outlined the core decisions under GST 2.0. These included 90% upfront refunds for exports and inverted duty structures, simplified registration processes for small and e-commerce businesses, and the establishment of the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT). He stressed that these reforms were designed to support MSMEs, exporters, and sectors like tourism and agriculture, which are crucial to Goa’s economy.

Dr. Sawant encouraged businesses and professionals to proactively transition to the new framework by updating systems, revising contracts, and aligning with compliance requirements. He reaffirmed the Goa government’s commitment to supporting industry through the transition and congratulated GCCI for its role in policy advocacy and thought leadership.

To commemorate the dual milestone of GCCI’s Foundation Day and GST 2.0, a special brochure titled “A Historic Convergence on 3rd September 2025” was unveiled by the Chief Minister.

The seminar concluded with a technical session. CA Gaurav Kenkre presented an overview of GST 2.0 proposals, followed by a panel discussion featuring Mr. Vishant Gaunekar, Additional Commissioner SGST Goa, and CA Gaurav Kenkre, moderated by CA Yatish Pai Vernekar, Co-chair of the Taxation & Financial Services Committee. The panel addressed emerging compliance issues, passing on rate reduction benefits, transitioning to the non-ITC regime, and key action points for industry.

An engaging Q&A session followed, allowing participants to gain deeper insights. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by CA Atindra Prabhu Bhatikar, with the event coordinated by Shri Kiran Ballikar, Director, GCCI.

This seminar marked a pivotal moment for Goa’s trade and business community, as it aligns with national reforms and reaffirms GCCI’s 118-year legacy of driving growth and advocacy.

Finance

GCCI Applauds Historic GST Reforms Aimed at Economic Growth and Social Inclusion

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), under the leadership of its President Ms. Pratima Dhond, has expressed strong support for the sweeping Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms announced at the 56th GST Council Meeting. These reforms, hailed as one of the most progressive steps in India’s tax history, aim to simplify the indirect tax structure while promoting inclusive economic growth.

The introduction of a simplified two-slab GST structure — with rates of 5% and 18% — accompanied by a special 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, is expected to bring stability and clarity to the tax regime. GCCI believes this will lead to improved compliance, reduced litigation, and heightened investor and consumer confidence.

Among the most lauded aspects of the reform is the complete removal of GST on all individual life and health insurance policies — a move expected to increase affordability, boost insurance penetration, and strengthen the country’s financial safety net. GCCI considers this a landmark development towards financial inclusion and social security.

In the healthcare sector, the exemption of GST on 33 lifesaving drugs, and reduced rates on others including medical equipment, is expected to reduce the cost burden on citizens and enhance accessibility.

MSMEs, which form the backbone of India’s economy, stand to benefit significantly from reduced compliance burdens and lower tax costs. This boost to competitiveness could further energize employment and innovation in the sector.

The reforms also provide considerable relief to farmers and workers in labor-intensive industries. Reduced GST on tractors, farming equipment, textiles, leather goods, marble, and handicrafts is aimed at reviving rural and artisanal economies.

For households and the common man, daily-use products like soaps, hair oil, milk products, tea, coffee, namkeens, and bicycles now fall under the 5% or NIL tax bracket, improving affordability and encouraging consumption. This is expected to increase demand for discretionary and aspirational products including consumer durables, automobiles, and home appliances — potentially adding 20 to 50 basis points to GDP growth.

The operationalisation of the long-awaited GST Appellate Tribunal is expected to reduce legal disputes and foster ease of doing business. GCCI noted that the reforms address both industry concerns and public needs, maintaining a thoughtful balance. While the government may incur a revenue loss estimated between ₹0.7 to ₹1.8 trillion annually, this is offset by the continued application of the 40% GST rate on luxury and sin goods such as pan masala, aerated drinks, and tobacco.

GCCI President Ms. Dhond summed up the mood, stating, “This across-the-board reform is not only pro-business and pro-consumer, but also pro-society. By making insurance and healthcare affordable, while boosting consumption and competitiveness, the GST reforms will go a long way in strengthening India’s economic growth and socio-economic fabric of our nation.”

These reforms mark a turning point in India’s economic journey — blending fiscal prudence with inclusive growth.

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.

TechPulse

Justdial Empowers Goa’s Businesses to Thrive in the Digital Era

allycaralgoa

Goa, a state renowned for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture, and rich heritage, is also a thriving economic hub driven by tourism, manufacturing, and mining. With approximately 68,000 Udyam-registered MSMEs, the state boasts a flourishing small and medium business sector. As Goa undergoes a digital transformation, Justdial is playing a pivotal role in empowering businesses, enabling them to expand their reach and connect with genuine customers.


Justdial provides businesses in Goa with a cutting-edge digital platform designed to enhance visibility, generate high-quality leads, and achieve measurable returns on investment. By leveraging Justdial’s services, entrepreneurs across various industries have not only increased their local customer base but also successfully expanded into new markets beyond Goa.


Omprakash Yadav, proprietor of Sai Enterprises, has been utilizing Justdial for five years and has witnessed a steady rise in customers. “Justdial has been a great platform for my business. Since joining, I have received at least 5-7 enquiries daily from potential customers. The returns on my investment have been impressive, and I believe Justdial is the best platform for businesses to grow,” he expressed.

Similarly, Dr. Sonali Sarnobat, a homeopathic physician and consultant, has benefited significantly from Justdial’s services. “Thanks to Justdial, we now have a strong presence in South Konkan, Goa, and Maharashtra. The platform has helped us showcase our services to a wider audience, and the Justdial team has guided me on how to enhance our online presence effectively,” she said.


Justdial has enabled professionals to expand their presence beyond local boundaries, making their services accessible across multiple regions with the right digital visibility. Noel Lawrence Lobo of Goa Dental Products and Services, specializing in dental clinics and equipment distribution, has also benefited from Justdial’s services. “We have been associated with Justdial since 2016, and it has significantly contributed to our expansion into Sindhudurg and Karwar. We are grateful for Justdial’s support in growing our business,” he stated.


By leveraging Justdial’s services, businesses are receiving high-quality leads and increased enquiries, strengthening their market presence and customer relationships. Bhuva Ravikumar from Shree Mahavir Express in South Goa has witnessed tremendous business growth. “I have the top listing package on Justdial, and I receive high-quality enquiries and leads. The Justdial team has been extremely helpful, and our strong relationship has made a big difference in my business,” he said.


Goa’s business landscape continues to evolve, with enterprises embracing digital solutions to expand their reach and drive growth. As industries adapt to changing consumer behavior, the integration of technology is playing a crucial role in helping businesses connect with the right audience, enhance visibility, and unlock new opportunities.

With Justdial at the forefront of this digital transformation, businesses in Goa are poised to thrive in the digital era, leveraging the platform’s expertise to achieve unparalleled success.