Guwahati, 27th August: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) successfully organized an exclusive Members Meet & Interaction event featuring ICC President Ameya Prabhu on August 26, 2024, at Novotel, Guwahati. The event, coordinated by Mr. Ishantor Sobhapandit, Regional Director – NER, ICC, attracted prominent business leaders and members from across Assam and the North-East region.
The gathering marked a significant milestone for ICC, providing a platform for strategic dialogue focused on shaping the future of industrial commerce in Assam and the North-East. The event commenced with a welcome address by Sarat Kumar Jain, Chairman of the ICC Assam & Meghalaya State Council, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving economic progress in the region.
Mr. Jain expressed his delight in welcoming distinguished personalities from various sectors of industry, commerce, and society, along with members of the media. He highlighted the session as more than just a meeting, but a strategic dialogue aimed at defining a clear and actionable roadmap to accelerate the economic development of Assam and the North-East. Jain reaffirmed ICC’s unwavering commitment to playing a catalytic role in this journey, with a focus on making the region a preferred destination for business investment. He also outlined several upcoming ICC initiatives, including sessions on family businesses, international exchange programs, and a major conference on infrastructure and digital infrastructure. These initiatives are designed to address key issues and opportunities in the current business environment. He concluded by expressing his sincere gratitude to Ameya Prabhu for his leadership and support and looked forward to an engaging and productive session.
In his address, Ameya Prabhu, President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, shared his vision for the North-East region, emphasizing ICC’s commitment to advocacy, networking, and business support. He proudly announced that ICC will soon be celebrating its centenary year, marking its status as the oldest Indian chamber founded by Indians. Over the past two decades, ICC has transitioned from a regional chamber to a national Apex chamber, and in the last one and a half years, it has further evolved into an international chamber. Prabhu highlighted that ICC has expanded its global footprint by opening international offices in 25 countries, positioning it as a key player on the global stage.
Prabhu also announced the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the primary governmental chamber in the UAE. This significant collaboration was formalized on the sidelines of a major Food Expo. He noted that the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber holds a Minister rank in the UAE, and the CEO holds the rank of Minister of State, underscoring the importance of this partnership in strengthening bilateral trade and business relations between India and the UAE.
Prabhu discussed the Chamber’s centenary milestone, upcoming projects, and the focus on fostering innovation, sustainable growth, and inclusive development. He also highlighted ICC’s efforts in promoting the North-East at both national and international levels through its dedicated committees and initiatives. Additionally, he spoke about the significant progress Assam has made in the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) rankings, attributing this success to the collaborative efforts between the government and the business community. He acknowledged the contributions of Sarat Kumar Jain, under whose chairpersonship of Assam and Meghalaya, ICC has revitalized and restarted its activities in the region.
The event concluded with an interactive session where ICC members, committees, and key dignitaries engaged in discussions on central and state economic policies, business challenges in Assam and the North-East, and relevant recommendations. The session was highly interactive and provided valuable insights into the region’s economic landscape.