Surat: The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SGCCI) will hold its 85th annual installation ceremony on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 12:30 PM at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC) in Sarsana. During the event, Nikhil Madrasi will formally assume the role of the 79th President of SGCCI for the year 2025-26, while Ashok Jirawala will take charge as Vice President.
Union Minister of Water Resources C.R. Patil will preside over the ceremony. As per agency report, Ashish Kumar Chauhan, Managing Director and CEO of the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd., will be the chief guest. Notable dignitaries including Gujarat’s Environment Minister Mukesh Patel, Education Minister Praful Pansheriya, Surat Mayor Dakshesh Mavani, Lok Sabha Whip and Valsad MP Dhaval Patel, Surat MP Mukesh Dalal, Rajya Sabha MP Govind Dholakia, Bardoli MP Prabhu Vasava, and BJP Surat City President and former SGCCI President Paresh Patel will also grace the occasion.
In his address, incoming President Nikhil Madrasi outlined the strategic focus areas for his tenure under the theme "Building Global Relations, Empowering Local Strengths," with a commitment to reinforcing every aspect of South Gujarat’s industrial ecosystem.
Key Initiatives for 2025-26 Include:
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Global Empowerment of Local Industries: Providing platforms for local businesses to gain global competitiveness.
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Membership Expansion: Aiming to add around 1,500 new members, focusing on entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and startups.
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Industrial Exhibitions and Business Conclaves: Organizing 12 exhibitions and 12 business conclaves to boost networking and market access.
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Vendor Development Programs: Conducting 12 programs to strengthen the local supply chain and meet global demand.
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Global B2B Connect: Facilitating 10 international B2B initiatives to connect local businesses with global industry leaders.
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Investor-Industry Forums: Creating three special forums to bridge the gap between investors and industries.
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Internationalization: Expanding the chamber’s global presence with dynamic Surat Economic Forum activities and three satellite chapters in key industrial zones. Partnerships with international delegations will be pursued to create direct global opportunities for local businesses.
SGCCI will continue to represent the concerns of South Gujarat’s industries—especially MSMEs—before the state and central governments, contributing to policy formulation and regulatory reforms. Emphasis will also be placed on skill development to enhance the industrial workforce, promoting technological adoption, and advancing the digital and eco-friendly transformation of regional businesses.
Additionally, efforts will be made to strengthen the startup ecosystem through engagements with angel investors and to guide industries on sustainable and modern practices.
