Surat : Vijay Mevawala Appointed President of SGCCI at Prestigious Ceremony

SURAT,GUJARAT :  In a significant event marking the 84th installation ceremony of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), Vijay Mevawala was appointed as the new president and Nikhil Madrasi as the vice-president for the year 2024-25. Mevawala, now the 78th president of the SGCCI, takes the reins at a critical juncture for the chamber.

The ceremony, held on Sunday, was attended by several distinguished guests including Union Minister of Jal Shakti, CR Paatil, and Priyavrat Mafatlal, Managing Director of Mafatlal Industries Limited. Other notable attendees included Debi Prasat Patra, Director of Garden Silk Mills Private Limited and MCPI Pvt Limited; Sandeep Engineer, Chairman and MD of Astral Limited; and Her Excellency Patarat Hongtong, Ambassador of the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi.

The outgoing president, Ramesh Vaghasia, delivered an inaugural speech detailing the achievements of the past year before officially handing over the leadership to Mevawala. Vaghasia’s tenure was marked by significant progress in various initiatives, setting a strong foundation for the new administration.

In his address to the gathering, Mevawala emphasized the SGCCI’s commitment to contributing towards the vision of a “Developed India@2047” (Viksit Bharat@2047). He outlined his plans to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and resources to align with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative. Mevawala highlighted the chamber’s ongoing role in environmental protection, announcing plans for massive tree plantation programs in collaboration with local NGOs.

“Efforts will be made to resolve the issues and problems concerning the industries in Surat and South Gujarat,” Mevawala stated, stressing the importance of addressing local industrial challenges. He also announced the upcoming ‘Banking and Insurance Conclave’ in Surat, aimed at fostering trade and commerce in the region. Additionally, the SGCCI will focus on establishing a Common Facility Centre (CFC) to further support the local industry.

Union Minister CR Paatil, in his speech, underscored the crucial role of industry in India’s economic growth. He expressed optimism about the country’s economic prospects during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term. Paatil noted, “The country’s economic growth rate will be high during the third term of the Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi, in which industry will play a major role.” He highlighted the shift from agriculture to industry as a key driver of economic development, providing opportunities for the youth and strengthening the national economy.

Paatil also assured the gathering of the central government’s commitment to resolving issues faced by the trade and commerce sectors in Surat and South Gujarat. “I give my commitment to resolve the issues and problems concerning the trade and commerce in Surat and South Gujarat with the Central Government,” he said.

The event marked a promising start to the new leadership’s tenure at the SGCCI, with high expectations for continued growth and development in the region. The chamber’s initiatives under Mevawala’s presidency are anticipated to significantly contribute to the local economy and align with broader national goals.