The Council of EU Chambers of Commerce in India (CEUCCI) has organized an interactive meeting with 16-member Young Entrepreneurs of Slovenia on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at Ball Room, Royal Bombay Yacht Club in Mumbai.

The event was supported by Bombay Chamber of Commerce& Industry (BCCI). This delegation represented sectors such as Information Technology, Logistics Hospitality, Retail, Banking &Finance, Renewable Energy/ Power, Medical & Pharma, Automobile, Insurance, Electrical, Textile, Retail, Hospitality, Food, E-commerce etc 

Capt. Avinash Batra, President of The Council of EU Chambers of Commerce began his address by welcoming all the delegates and Indian participants. He briefed about the Chamber and its multifarious activities.

Some of the points which he mentioned were:

  • The Chamber was established in 1992 to promote and foster and extend commercial and economic relations between India and EU.
  • The Chambers’ primary promoter consists of 5 European Bi Lateral Chambers and 10 Bi National Committees.
  • The membership of the Chamber includes representation from several sectors such as automobile, textile, Pharma and biotechnology, engineering, logistics and shipping and many more.
  • Services to member include dissemination of information, networking opportunities, seminars, workshops, conferences, and arranging visits of Indian companies to enter European markets and vice-versa etc.
  • Slovenia can be a major geographical hub as far as ports are concerned.
  • Slovenia is a hub for logistic sector.
  • Hospitality sector will also boom in coming years with the coming up of new ports.

Capt. Batra concluded his speech with thanks and wishing the delegates for successful B2B meeting organized thereafter.

Mr. Til Lajovic, Executive Director YES Association and Leader of the delegation introduced the organization. He said YES is an exclusive association of young influential executives, entrepreneurs, businessmen and other outstanding young individuals who want to make a difference. Operating on the territory of SEE, mostly in the ex-Yugoslavia states (Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia Hercegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro) and HQ in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The mission of YES is to support and influence the development of an open, positive and friendly business and social environment where young, talented and ambitious individuals can grow their potential and contribute to the broader society.

The Association YES from Ljubljana is the SOCIETY of YOUNG EXECUTIVES who are already successful in their fields of operation with the interests in the emerging markets, especially to India with its great culture heritage, business opportunities and strengths of its people.  

He said as India has a huge potential and we are here to explore the business opportunities. Mr. Til Lajovic concluded his speech by thanking the organizers for organizing the good meeting in short notice.

Mr. Girish Ramachandran, Corporate Vice President Tata Consultancy Service (TCS) &Vice President CEUCCI shared his views on the current outlook of Indian IT sector. Some the points on which he spoke are as follows:

  • TCS has a market capital of 70 billion dollars and employs about 3000 employees globally. The company’s turnover is about 300 billion dollar and is one of the largest IT Company globally in terms of revenue.
  • 9000 engineers passed out every year. Indian IT sector is booming. IT can tap into those students that come out passing out from mathematics background.
  • IT sector is a significant grower in the world. A plethora of opportunities has opened up in this sector.
  • 86% of world’s population lives in this emerging market.

Mr. Anupam Johri, Chief Representative Raiffeisen Bank International AG and immediate past President of CEUCCI shared his views on the current scenario of Indian banking sector. Some of the points he highlighted are as follows:

  • Banking sector in India has quite a long history. 100 years ago banking system has been set up by British.
  • 90% of the banking sector has been controlled by public sector banks.
  • Foreign banks are fairly well spread. No foreign bank has more than 100 branches in India.
  • State Bank of India (SBI) is the largest public sector bank in India.
  • Only 40% people of India have bank accounts
  • Many banks are also coming up in rural areas across India.
  • South American banks are partially represented in India.
  • European banks have been traditionally been in India.

Mr. Firduas Rana, General Manager-Sales Taj Mahal Resorts & Hotels shared his views on the current market outlook of hospitality sector. Some of the points on which he spoke are as follows: 

  • Since British era, the hospitality sector exists in India. In the year 1830 it has started.
  • Orchid India was the first hotel came into existence.
  • On December 16, 1903 Taj Mahal Palace came into existence. Mr. JRD Tata was instrumental and started Taj Mahal Palace hotel.
  • Oberoi Group of Hotels has its 35 hotel chains across whole India.
  • India ranks 12th in the hospitality sector in the world. There are 1,50,000 hotels rooms in India.
  • There is an exponential growth in Indian hospitality sector. Mumbai and Delhi are the maximum source of hotel industry in India.
  • Since India witnessed huge tourists arrival every year. We have large opportunities from all over the world.
  • Government of India has relaxed the visa norm. This will result in positive impact on this sector.
  • Ecotourism is another important aspect and catching up at a very high rate. It is likely to be augmented in coming years.
  • Hospitality sector is poised to a rapid growth and will witness a boom in this sector.

Mr. Dhruv Kumar, Senior Manager AllCargo Logistics Ltd. shared his valuable thoughts on logistics sector in India.  Some of the points on which he spoke are as follows: 

  • Indian logistics sector is fragmented and AllCargo Logistics Ltd. is working at a strategic point.
  • Logistics sector accounts to 15-16% of our India’s GDP.
  • India ranks no. 1 in outsourcing and any business requires logistics at its backend.
  • Good infrastructure is necessary to reach from one place to another. Infrastructure is the biggest hurdle. Government of India is committed to spend double on infrastructure.
  • Third party logistics is required to keep business moving.
  • Privatization of ports will play a pivotal role in growing the business of logistics.
  • AllCargo Logistics Ltd. is the first MNC in logistics space. 

Mr. Vikas Gadre, Executive Director Bombay Chamber of Commerce & introduced the Chamber and its activities: 

  • Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry is one of the oldest Chambers incorporated in the year 1830.
  • The membership comprises of SMEs, large, MNCs companies.
  • Neera Saggi, Chief Executive Larsen & Toubro Seawoods Pvt. Ltd is the President of BCCI and Dr. Hasit Joshipura, CMD GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is the Vice President.
  • The Chamber conducts training programs and closely works with Oxford University program.
  • On regular basis the Chamber conducts meetings with Trade Commissioners to enable the members to facilitate the business.

Dr. Renu Shome, Director The Council of EU Chambers of Commerce in India (CEUCCI) proposed the vote of thanks.

She thanked the leader of delegation Mr. Til Lajovic and all the participants’ delegates from Slovenia and the speakers Mr. Girish Ramachandran, Mr. Anupam Johri, Mr. Firduas Rana and Mr. Dhruv Kumar for sharing their very informative views on the sectors for the benefits for the guests. She also acknowledge the support extended by Mr. Vikas Gadre and his colleague Ms. Milisha Nambiar  in organizing meetings.