Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI)

Without mincing words, I would like to state that there are some decisions taken by the Goa Government which are not in the best interest of the wellbeing of the Industry. These unfortunate decisions will only add financial stress to an already buckling Industrial sector. We strongly oppose these decisions and this has been conveyed to the Government in no uncertain terms. Of course, we have been given assurances that they will be reconsidered but nothing has come out of it till now. A case in point are some decisions like an amendment to Factories Act wherein fees are increased manifold and the process of issuance and renewal of licenses is made cumbersome. Also, retrenchment compensation increase from 15 days to 45 days in the Labour Laws amendment is further burdening the Industry. Then there is the case of charging all levies like house tax, trade tax, sanitation fees, board fees, etc. in full to all establishments by Municipalities even for the lockdown period. There are a few more such issues we are taking up strongly with the Government and expecting relief.

The hot topic in the last few weeks has been the downward slide in Goa’s ranking on Ease of Doing Business (EoDB). Undoubtedly it is there for all to see. The industry does face problems to carry out business smoothly. It’s for the Government to take due cognizance of this fact and iron out the creases. Post our vocal outburst in the media, Government has initiated prima facie actions to work out a solution to these teething problems. I have to admit, this is a positive sign and we have assured the authorities that we will give all support from the side of Industry to set things right.

Back home at GCCI, all the committees are working at full throttle taking up various issues at different forums. IR&HR committee took up the matter of the full-throttleamendment of Labour Laws by the Goa Government, Women’s Wing conducted various interesting programmes including financial planning for Women, Retail committee prepared the draft Retail Policy for Goa in association with Dempo College of Commerce, Taxation committee took up a lot of matters with the Central Finance Ministry, Tourism Committee sought relief for stakeholders and succeeded in getting partial relief, Education Committee and Basic Infrastructure Committee to have been active during these times.

During this period we have managed to sign an MOU with the Indo American Chamber of Commerce to strengthen ties between Goan and American businesses. We at GCCI look forward to playing the role of a catalyst to bring in investment in Goa in various sectors.

I am also very positive post our meeting with the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia Mr Agus P. Saptono wherein the possibility of Goan and Indonesian collaboration was discussed. There are very good possibilities of synergy between Goan and Indonesian businesses which can be explored.

On the Mining front, GCCI has been very active and continuously following up with both Central as well as State governments to restart sustainable mining in Goa immediately in the interest of the Goan economy. We have also emphasized the fact that Tourism is at its lowest ebb and financial losses to the state treasury as well as to the stakeholders have been tremendous. And we are glad that our voice has been echoed all over the country by all streams of media – print, electronic and online. One of our press releases made an impact in 43 media houses all over the country in a single day. Let’s hope that the decision-makers take due cognisance of this.

Although we can see some green shoots of economic revival in some sectors of the Industry, I guess normalcy is still far away. And these difficult times will have to be overcome with sheer grit and determination. As your apex Industry body, we at GCCI will endeavour to continuously and aggressively take up matters of concern with the authorities and try and get Industry favourable decisions. We look forward to your regular feedback and inputs in the times to come.

The details of various works done and representations made are presented elsewhere in this edition of the bulletin. Kindly peruse the same and revert with your feedback as your words will keep us going. Do write in…….

In the meanwhile, please stay safe, take all the precautions and take care….

Best Regards
Manoj M. Caculo