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The Hindu
27-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Forum to launch pilot projects for welfare of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees
The SICCI–UNHCR Partnership Forum is planning to launch its pilot projects for the welfare of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees by September this year. In its first Governing Council meeting held last week, the forum discussed steps on advancing self-reliance for the Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees. The Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) launched SICCI–UNHCR Partnership Forum in April this year. The meeting arims to foster sustainable livelihoods and socio-economic inclusion for refugees residing in rehabilitation camps and host communities across the State, an official release said. The SICCI–UNHCR Partnership Forum brings the private sector, development partners, and government stakeholders to promote refugee self-reliance, local integration, and community-focused development. 'To ensure focused and effective implementation, the Forum will operate through five thematic committees focused on self-reliance and livelihood, skill development and mentorship, digital technology, health and well-being, and environmental sustainability,' it said. Each committee would design, coordinate, and monitor initiatives within its focus area, enabling deeper engagement, targeted resource mobilisation, and measurable impact.
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
T.N. government has been pushing for port automation and sustainability, says Chennai Port Authority Chairman
From green tugs to onshore power supply for vessels, a slew of projects is coming up at Chennai and Kamarajar Ports, Sunil Paliwal, Chairman, Chennai Port Authority, said here on Thursday. While speaking at the sixth edition of the Southern Regional Shipping Conclave, organised by the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and the Association of Multimodal Transport Operators of India (AMTOI), he said the State was pushing for port automation and sustainability. He noted how green tugs at the ports would lower carbon emissions substantially. Mr. Paliwal spoke on the adoption of the latest technologies at the ports. 'For the first time in the country, we have attempted to provide onshore power to commercial vessels at Kamarajar Port,' he said. He added that a modern parking plaza had been built to decrease congestion at Chennai Port. 'Also, a multi-modal logistics park, an important project that is part of the National Logistics Policy, is coming up, and its first phase will be implemented in February 2026,' he added. Naveen Prakash, chair, SICCI supply chain management, and director, Global Logistics, said the logistics and shipping landscape was undergoing a significant shift. 'What was once a largely manufacturing sector is now rapidly transforming, powered by automation, artificial intelligence, block chain, internet of things, and real-time data platforms. This convergence of technology is not only improving cross efficiency and delivery accuracy but also fundamentally redefining the way we think about logistics,' he added. Bana Bihari Nayak, Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Apex Skill Development Centre for Logistics, said the State government had established the centre to address the critical need of developing human capital for the ever-expanding logistics sector. Over 1.84 lakh individuals have been trained so far through initiatives including the Naan Mudhalvan Scheme, he added.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Time of India
No refund clauses leave travellers with no option
Chennai: "Refrain from accepting tour bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan" — this is the common message being circulated among tourist operators in Tamil Nadu, especially in Chennai. Yet, a significant number of travellers from the city are proceeding with pre-booked trips to these regions — not by choice, but out of compulsion. With strict no-refund clauses attached to many tour packages, they will lose large sums if they cancel. "Every summer, families plan trips to destinations such as Turkey and Azerbaijan," said Sriharan Balan, chairman – tourism, Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI). "A family trip to these countries typically starts at 3.5 lakh. Many who prebooked and paid around 3 lakh months ago are now travelling despite safety concerns, simply because the packages are non-refundable. The fear is real, but the financial pressure is greater," he said. New bookings to Turkey and other conflict-affected regions have now ground to a halt. "Most travel associations have issued advisories against accepting bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Want Lower Bills Without Changing a Thing? elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo We stand with India," said Padmini Narayanan, past secretary, Travel Agents Association of India. There's a noticeable shift toward safer international destinations such as Europe, South-East Asia, Japan, and South Korea, she added. The recent spate of terror attacks has also impacted domestic travel trends. Tour packages to Kashmir — a long-time favourite for summer and winter holidays — have seen a sharp decline. "This is mainly due to flight cancellations and the fear of further attacks," said Balan. Instead, Indian travellers are looking at alternatives closer to home. "Hill stations in Sri Lanka, especially Nuwara Eliya, are becoming popular substitutes. Coorg in Karnataka is also seeing high demand — most major resorts are already fully booked," he added. However, there is still hope for Kashmir's tourism sector. Sajad Ahmed, secretary-general of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir, said, "After the ceasefire, Union civil aviation minister Rammohan Naidu met trade bodies and said efforts will be made to revive tourism. Until May, most bookings were cancelled. But now, fresh queries are coming in for June. Some clients are even postponing their trips instead of cancelling," said Ahmed.
United News of India
26-04-2025
- Business
- United News of India
SICCI holds Executive Round Table on doing business with Indonesia
Chennai, Apr 26 (UNI) The Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) organized an Executive Round Table on Doing Business with Indonesia at the Indonesia Trade Promotion Center in Chennai on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, SICCI Vice-President AMPA Palaniappan highlighted that Tamils have a long history in Indonesia. After Rajendra Chola I's invasion of the Srivijaya Empire in 1024–1025, there was a noticeable increase in Tamil economic activity in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. "It was now time to diversify the solidly grounded Tamil cultural linkages to also include business and trade including automotive and auto components, ICT, Aerospace and defense among others. Further, other sectors such as Renewable Energy, Pharma and Tourism too were priority sectors for our focus", he said. Ms. Ina H. Krisnamurthi, Ambassador of Indonesia to India, said Indonesia was maintaining its strong showing as an investment destination, with strong institutions, infrastructure, consistent macroeconomic stability, good health, primary and higher education, goods market and labour market efficiency, adequate financial market sophistication and technological readiness. She expressed her hope in the engagement with Tamil Nadu on a deeper level and invited a business delegation to the Indonesian Trade Expo in October this year. The Ambassador also attended the opening of the new premises of the Indonesia Trade Promotion Centre and the launch of the first experience center. UNI GV 1715
