Latest news with #SGCCI
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Nikhil Madrasi sworn as 79th SGCCI president
S urat: Nikhil Madrasi was sworn in as the 79th president of The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) at a formal oath-taking ceremony held on Friday evening. The installation of office bearers for the year 2025–26 also saw Ashok Jirawala assume the role of vice-president. In his address, Madrasi announced Bijal Jariwala as the honorary secretary and Mitish Modi as the honorary treasurer. He also introduced Mayuri Mevawala as the new chairperson of the ladies wing. Madrasi underlined his commitment to building stronger synergies between industry and government. "SGCCI and the government are like two sides of the same coin when it comes to trade and industrial development," he remarked. He pledged active participation in government-led initiatives and assured that SGCCI would take responsibility and collaborate wherever possible to ensure seamless progress in the sector. Laying out his vision for the year ahead, Madrasi said a strong emphasis would be placed on value addition and export-oriented growth in the textile industry—particularly in garments, technical textiles, and high-value products. He noted that the upcoming PM MITRA Park near Navsari would be a potential game-changer for the sector and promised efforts to fast-track its operationalisation. He highlighted plans to further strengthen Surat's diamond industry, reinforcing the Chamber's role as a catalyst for industrial innovation and international trade expansion. Dignitaries who attended the event included Ashishkumar Chauhan, managing director and CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Dhaval Patel, Lok Sabha whip and Valsad MP, and Anupam Singh Gahlaut, city police commissioner. Outgoing president Vijay Mevawala presented a detailed account of the chamber's key achievements during his tenure in 2024–25. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Fibre2Fashion
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
India's loom QCO faces industry pushback ahead of deadline
India is set to implement the Quality Control Order (QCO) for weaving machines (looms), their assemblies, sub-assemblies, components, and all types of embroidery machinery from August 28, 2025, following the expiry of a one-year gestation period. Just three months ahead of implementation, the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has demanded the removal of the QCO. It is worth noting that a notification was issued on August 28, 2024, regarding the implementation of the QCO on textile and embroidery machines and their components. The government had provided a one-year period for the industry to make the necessary preparations. India plans to enforce QCO on weaving and embroidery machines from August 28, 2025. The SGCCI has urged the government to withdraw the QCO, citing heavy reliance on imported machinery and potential financial losses. SGCCI argues that the regulation could hinder the textile sector's growth and technological advancement, particularly as India targets a $350 billion market by 2030. Recently, SGCCI vice president Ashok Jirawala and former president Ashish Gujarati presented the matter in a meeting with India's Minister for Heavy Industries, H D Kumaraswamy, and joint secretary Vijay Mittal in New Delhi. They pleaded for the removal of the QCO. The meeting was convened by the Ministry of Heavy Industries and attended by various industry organisations. SGCCI has formally urged the central government to remove the QCO from textile machinery, citing concerns about its potential impact on the sector's growth and technological progress. SGCCI representatives argued that India's current textile market is valued at $165 billion and is projected to reach $350 billion by 2030. To achieve this target, the industry will need approximately 4.5 lakh high-speed weaving machines, requiring an estimated investment of $15 billion. As several of these machines are not manufactured in India, imports are essential. SGCCI also noted that embroidery technology evolves rapidly, with machinery often needing upgrades every two to three years. Since many advanced machines are not produced domestically, Indian entrepreneurs rely heavily on imports. They, therefore, emphasised the need to exclude embroidery machinery from QCO regulations. Gujarati told Fibre2Fashion , 'Such textile machinery imports are essential as several types of machines are not manufactured locally. We are heavily dependent on imported machines. A large number of textile units have opened Letters of Credit (LCs) and booked machines from abroad. If the QCO is not removed and comes into effect on August 28, 2025, the imported machinery will be held at ports, resulting in significant financial losses. Furthermore, banks may hesitate to finance such ventures, potentially slowing industrial growth.' Gujarati further informed that following the presentation, Kumaraswamy and the joint secretary of the ministry responded positively and assured that the concerns of the user industry would be considered. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
SGCCI seeks removal of QCO on textile machinery
Surat: Representatives from the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) recently raised concerns over the Quality Control Order (QCO) on textile machinery before the Union minister of heavy industries, H D Kumaraswamy, and senior officials of his ministry in New Delhi. SGCCI demanded the removal of the QCO on textile machinery, claiming it would adversely impact growth in South Gujarat. SGCCI representatives pointed out that the current size of the textile market is $165 billion, and it is expected to grow to $350 billion by 2030. For this growth, about 450,000 high-speed weaving machines will be required, necessitating an investment of $15 billion in machinery. Since some of this machinery is not manufactured in India, SGCCI gave a list of such machinery to the ministry. SGCCI emphasised that decisions regarding the QCO on textile machinery should be reconsidered with consultation from user industries. SGCCI vice-president-elect Ashok Jirawala said: "In the embroidery industry, each unit operates multiple embroidery machines. Every two to three years, new technology emerges, necessitating the replacement of old machines. However, these machines are also not manufactured in India, hence the industry depends on imports. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like MBA in Business Analytics For Working Professionals. BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now Undo Therefore, a request was made to remove the QCO on embroidery machinery as well." The representatives pointed out that that many entrepreneurs had booked machines on a letter of credit and if these machines are delivered after Aug 28, 2025, their payments may get blocked, and the machines will not be cleared at ports. On one hand, entrepreneurs face blocked funds, and on the other, banks are reluctant to finance new weaving projects because modern weaving machinery still needs to be imported. Therefore, a renewed consultation with user industries regarding the QCO on textile machinery was demanded.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Petrol dealers seek relief from ethanol mandate during monsoon
Surat: Petrol dealers in South Gujarat have approached the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas with a pressing request: exempt fuel stations in the region from the mandated 20% ethanol blending in petrol during the monsoon season. Citing frequent complaints of fuel contamination and engine damage, the dealers argue that high humidity and ethanol's water-absorbing properties are causing significant issues. "Even with 15% ethanol, we get several complaints related to engine damage, petrol evaporation, and water contamination. Increasing the blend to 20% will only worsen the situation," said one local petrol dealer. Dealers claim that during the monsoon, especially in coastal areas, humidity causes ethanol to absorb atmospheric moisture. This leads to the separation of ethanol from petrol, which they say is visible within seconds when a petrol tank is exposed to open air. The resulting water content not only degrades fuel quality but also damages engines—leaving dealers to deal with customer anger, complaints, and financial losses. "The oil companies do not provide specialized storage tanks that could prevent moisture ingress. Yet, we are held responsible when customers face issues," said another dealer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trend: This unbreakable health-tracking watch is delighting seniors Indestructible Smartwatch Undo The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has taken up the issue and submitted a formal representation to Union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri. In its letter, SGCCI stated, "Ethanol has hygroscopic properties, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. During the monsoon, even with well-maintained and sealed underground tanks, the high humidity leads to ethanol drawing in moisture, effectively turning into water. This results in fuel contamination that severely affects engine performance and damages vehicles." The letter further noted that petroleum dealers are unfairly blamed and even face police complaints due to circumstances beyond their control. A member of the Surat Tapi District Petrol Pump Association (STDPPA) pointed out that the ministry had, in the past, granted temporary exemptions for ethanol blending in coastal regions during monsoons, but that policy has since been withdrawn, renewing challenges for local dealers. The dealers now await a response from the ministry and hope for the reinstatement of the monsoon exemption to prevent further operational and reputational damage.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
INS Surat to dock at Hazira on Foundation Day
Surat: The wait for citizens of the city to see the first Indian naval ship named after Diamond City will likely end on Thursday when INS Surat docks at Hazira. According to district officials, the stealth guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy will be docked at Hazira for two days. With it being Gujarat Foundation Day , there is enthusiasm among Surtis to see the ship. The city's elected leaders and top officials will be present when it arrives at Hazira. The guests will be allowed to have a closer look at the ship. Surat is the first city in Gujarat to have an Indian naval ship named after it. Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, was commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai in Jan 2025. At the request of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), the Indian Navy considered bringing INS Surat to Hazira. In its letter to SGCCI, an Indian Navy official said, "Commissioning of INS Surat is a tribute to the rich maritime traditions of the city of Surat." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ranger Sees Strange Creature On Riverbank. He Says, 'Oh My God,' When He Realizes What It Really Is Cleverst Undo INS Surat was designed and built entirely at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. The Project 15B destroyer , Surat, is the culmination of the follow-on class to the Kolkata-class (Project 15A) destroyers, featuring substantial improvements in design and capabilities. It was designed by the Indian Navy's warship design bureau and is equipped with advanced sensors and weapon packages developed primarily in India or through strategic collaborations with leading global manufacturers. With modern aviation facilities, INS Surat can operate a range of helicopters, including Chetak, ALH, Sea King and the newly inducted MH-60R, in both day and night operations. Features such as a rail-less helicopter traversing system and a visual aid and landing system ensure seamless operations under all conditions. These ships also include specific accommodations to support a sizable complement of women officers and sailors, aligning with the Navy's progressive steps toward gender inclusion in front-line combat roles.
