Surat Businesses Eye Chicago Market Thanks to SGCCI’s Global Connect Mission

Surat : The food processors, farmers, and textile entrepreneurs from Surat and South Gujarat  are poised to tap into a massive export market in Chicago, the most populous city in the US. This exciting opportunity comes courtesy of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) and their recent Global Connect Mission 84.

“The food processing units, farmers, textile entrepreneurs etc. have a huge export market in Chicago,” said Ramesh Vaghasia, president of SGCCI. “Thanks to the SGCCI, business tycoons and entrepreneurs from Gujarat and other parts of India residing in Chicago have shown their interest in importing products from Surat and south Gujarat.”

As part of Mission 84, a delegation led by Vaghasia visited Chicago to connect with local businessmen and explore the potential for importing products from Surat and South Gujarat. Their efforts yielded promising results.

Connecting with Key Players in the Chicago Market

The SGCCI delegation met with prominent Chicago businessman Rashid Aziz, known for his extensive network throughout Illinois. Vaghasia presented the Mission Connect 84 initiative to Aziz, urging him to connect Surat and South Gujarat entrepreneurs with potential Chicago partners.

Another crucial meeting involved Mafatbhai Patel, owner of over 65 grocery stores across the US, including a chain called Patel Brothers in Chicago. Impressed by Mission 84, Patel offered his full cooperation in connecting businesses.

“They import mangoes, pulp, namkeen [savory snacks], and various food from Bardoli in Surat district,” Vaghasia said. “This presents a golden opportunity for South Gujarat’s food processing industries to export directly to Patel Brothers.” Patel Brothers, he explained, acts as a gateway for Surat entrepreneurs into the Chicago market.

Building Broader Collaboration

The delegation also met with leading Chicago businessmen like Haribhai Bhensania, Ghanshyambhai Sangani, and Chaturbhai Savalia, among others. While time constraints limited further meetings, SGCCI plans to engage with a wider range of US businessmen in the future.

“Due to the short notice, not many industry leaders could be contacted,” Vaghasia admitted. “However, in the coming time, a large number of US businessmen will be engaged to express their commitment to increase international trade and assure full cooperation.”

A Promising Future for Surat Exports

This initiative by SGCCI opens a significant door for Surat’s businesses. By forging direct connections with established Chicago players like Mafatbhai Patel, Surat’s food processors, farmers, and textile entrepreneurs can gain a strong foothold in the US market. With continued efforts from SGCCI, this mission has the potential to significantly boost international trade and economic opportunities for Surat and South Gujarat.