Stable Outlook for Asia Despite Global Uncertainties

Economic growth in developing Asia remains broadly stable, but a slight slowdown in India has trimmed the region’s growth outlook for 2016, says a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) report.

In a supplement to its Asian Development Outlook 2016 Update report, ADB has downgraded 2016 growth to 5.6%, below its previous projection of 5.7%. For 2017, growth remains unchanged at 5.7%.

“Asian economies continue their robust expansion in the face of global economic uncertainties,” said ADB Deputy Chief Economist Juzhong Zhuang. “Structural reforms to boost productivity, improve investment climate, and support domestic demand can help maintain growth momentum into the future.”

Combined growth for the major industrial economies exceeded expectations in the Update, ticking up 0.1 percentage point to 1.5% in 2016. Growth in 2017 is maintained at 1.8%. Robust consumer spending supported the US economy, with supportive monetary policy and improved labor markets fueling growth in the euro area. Japan’s expansion, meanwhile, will be buoyed by strong exports, despite the stronger local currency.

ADB has downgraded the forecast in South Asia from 6.9% to 6.6% in 2016. Growth will bounce back in 2017, reaching 7.3%. India’s tempered growth projection to 7.0% from the previously forecasted 7.4% in 2016 is due to weak investments, a slowdown in the country’s agriculture sector, and the lack of available cash due to the government’s decision to ban high-denomination banknotes. This will likely affect largely cash-based sectors in the country including small- and medium-scale businesses. The effects of the transition are expected to be short-lived and the Indian economy is expected to grow at 7.8% in 2017.

The forecast in East Asia is maintained for 2016 and 2017. Growth this year will reach 5.8%, with a slight moderation to 5.6% in 2017. Growth in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) — the world’s second largest economy — is expected to hit 6.6% this year, driven by strong domestic consumption, solid wage growth, urban job creation, and public infrastructure investment. The forecast for the PRC in 2017 is maintained at 6.4%. 

In Southeast Asia, growth forecasts remain unchanged at 4.5% in 2016 and 4.6% in 2017, with Malaysia and the Philippines expecting stronger growth due to a surge in domestic consumption and public and private investment, compared to lower growth forecasts in Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar, and Singapore.

The outlook in Central Asia is maintained at 1.5% in 2016 and 2.6% in 2017, as the ongoing recession in the Russian Federation and low global commodity prices for oil and natural gas continue to dampen growth in the subregion. 

The Pacific will see growth of 2.7% in 2016, picking up to 3.3% in 2017. The fiscal contraction in Papua New Guinea — the Pacific’s largest economy — and recovery from recent cyclones have weighed on growth in the subregion. While cyclone damage in Fiji has had a bigger impact on its growth outlook than previously envisaged, prospects for Samoa, Kiribati, and Tuvalu are improving through improvements in fisheries, infrastructure, and tourism. 

CACCI Director General Meets ASEAN BAC Chairman in Vientiane

Vientaine – CACCI Director-General Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng met Mr. Oudet Souvannavong, 2016 Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ASEAN BIS) held on September 5-7, 2016 in Vientiane, Laos.

Mr. Oudet is also President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), which jointly organized the ASEAN BIS with ASEAN BAC.

CACCI Director General Visits Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Vientaiane – CACCI Director-General Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng called on Mr. Oudet Souvannavong, President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), during his recent trip to Vientiane, Laos to attend the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit on September 5-7, 2016.

Amb. Tseng introduced CACCI to Mr. Oudet, and invited the LNCCI President to consider the possibility of membership in CACCI. He also invited Mr. Oudet to attend the 30th CACCI Conference to be held on November 23-25, 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan and make a country presentation during the special session on “Discover Business Opportunities Through CACCI.”

CACCI Vice President Mr. Hisarciklioglu Serves as Panelist at B20 Summit in Hangzhou

Hangzhou- Mr. Rifat Hisarciklioglu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) and concurrently Vice President of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), was invited as Panelist at the B20 Summit held on September 3-4, 2016 in Hangzhou, China.

Mr. Hisarciklioglu, who served as Chair of B20 Turkey in 2015, spoke during the session on “Promoting Inclusive and Interconnected Development.” He focused on the importance of inclusive policies, particularly for small and medium enterprises, and the need for G20 countries to create better opportunities for youth and women.

ICC Asia Executive Director Visits CACCI Secretariat

Taipei – Mrs. Lee Ju Song, Executive Director of International Chamber of Commerce Asia (ICC Asia), visited the CACCI Secretariat during her recent visit to Taipei. Mrs. Lee was received by CACCI Secretariat executives led by Deputy Director-General Mr. Amador Honrado Jr. on the afternoon of August 17 at the Secretariat’s headquarters.

Mrs. Lee and Mr. Honrado discussed possible areas for joint activities between the two organizations, particularly in the holding of training programs for CACCI members on topics of ICC Asia’s expertise such as the ATA Carnet. The also talked about the collaboration of CACCI and the ICC World Chambers Federation in the 31st CACCI Conference and the 10th World Chambers Congress scheduled to take place in September 2017 in Sydney, Australia.

CACCI Director General Calls on PCCI President in Manila

Manila – CACCI Director-General Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng met with Mr. George Barcelon, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the former’s recent visit to Manila on August 11.

Amb. Tseng updated Mr. Barcelon on the ongoing and upcoming activities of CACCI, and invited the PCCI head to organize a delegation to the upcoming 30th CACCI Conference to be held on November 23-25, 2016 in Taipei. Mr. Barcelon assured Amb. Tseng of sending PCCI representatives to the Conference, and that he himself will try his best to come with the delegation.

Joining Mr. Barcelon in receiving Amb.Tseng were PCCI Secretary-General Mr. Crisanto Frianeza and Deputy Secretary General Ms. Edith Mendoza. Amb. Tseng was accompanied by CTBC Bank officers Mr. Ernest Lin and Ms. Ivy Cheng.

CACCI Director General invites Philippines PCCI Barcelon

Manila – CACCI Director General Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng met with Mr. George Barcelon, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) during the former’s recent visit to Manila on August 11. Amb. Tseng updated Mr. Barcelon on the ongoing and upcoming activities of CACCI, and invited the PCCI head to organize a delegation to the upcoming 30th CACCI Conference in Taipei.

Joining Mr. Barcelon in receiving Amb. Tseng were PCCI Secretary-General Mr. Crisanto Frianeza and Deputy Secretary General Ms. Edith Mendoza. Amb. Tseng was accompanied by CTBC Bank officers Mr. Ernest Lin and Ms. Ivy Cheng.

CACCI Director General Meets with FTI Chairman

Bangkok – CACCI Director General Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng called on Mr. Chen Namchaisiri, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industry (FTI), during his recent visit to Bangkok on July 14.

Amb. Tseng, accompanied by representatives of CTBC Bank, took the opportunity to introduce CACCI to the FTI Chairman and other FTI officers and members who joined the meeting, and explored with him the possibility of FTI re-joining the Confederation to represent the business sector of Thailand.

He also invited Chairman Namchaisiri to lead a delegation to attend the upcoming 30th CACCI Conference scheduled to take place on November 23-25, 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan. Amb. Tseng assured Chairman Namchaisiri that FTI’s participation will provide its officers and members the opportunity not only to learn from the various Conference presentations, but also to network with other chamber leaders from other CACCI member countries.

Ranatunga re-appointed Ceylan CCC Chairman

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) re-appointed Mr. Samantha Ranatunga for his second term as chairman at the Chamber’s 177th Annual General Meeting held on June 28 in Colombo. Mr. Ranatunga is the CEO and Managing Director of CIC Holdings. He holds a degree from the University of Delhi and a Masters in Business Administration from the UK.

He has also studied the agricultural measurement and productivity systems in Australia, India, Thailand, Portugal, Chile and in many other countries. He is a non-Executive Director of a number of unlisted companies in the CIC Group including Akzo Nobel Lanka Paints (Pvt) Limited, Perfunova International Limited (India), RahimafroozCIC Agro Limited (Bangladesh) and an Independent Director of Seylan Bank PLC.

He is also the President of the Sri Lanka Africa Middle East Business Council and the Vice President of the Sri Lanka-Maldivian Business Council and has led the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce delegation to various countries such as South Africa, UAE, Maldives, Iran, Pakistan and Chile. In addition, he has been a pioneer in coordinating and setting up CIC Agribusinesses which is the premier agricultural company in Sri Lanka.

He has helped in developing the seed to shelf concept where 20,000 farmer families are helped to bring produce to consumers.

ACCI Chief James Pearson wants a stronger voice for business

James Pearson knows better than most people that speaking out on policy matters comes at a price. “I’ve been through it,” he told The Australian. The former diplomat and Shell executive, who replaced Kate Carnell as head of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), is talking about his 1992 expulsion from Vanuatu.

He was acting High Commissioner and given 24 hours to leave the country after he relayed the then Keating government’s concerns about a law allowing the South Pacific nation to revoke business licenses with no reasons and no legal appeals. “That expulsion was a very difficult time for me and my family, as you can imagine,” he recalls. While the business and expatriate community rallied around Pearson, his wife and his young sons, “it did feel threatening when it’s announced on national radio that you are persona non grata”.

“Now as it turned out the 24 hours had to be extended to 48 hours because as someone pointed out to the Vanuatu government there was no flight in 24 hours back to Australia,” he recalls. Almost 25 years have passed but for Pearson, the memories come flooding back as he worries that robust commentary is being impeded in Australia because corporate leaders fear some politicians could engage in a “settling of scores” after election campaigns.

“In terms of angst about standing up for what you believe in, I think the business community should recognize it has a legitimate point of view, it has a well-informed point of view,” he says. “And it should never be scared of taking part in debate, public policy debate, no matter how robust it becomes, because those voices that are against the interests of business will not silence themselves. So why should business?” Pearson was actively involved in student politics while an undergraduate at the University of Western Australia and says it taught him about the value of the political process and about “the power of collective action”.

“There is power in collective action and the more business voices that are added to the debate, the harder it is for that implicit threat of retribution to be taken seriously,” he says of the current election campaign. While plenty of politicians got their start in student unions, Pearson only contemplated going down that path from time to time. Besides, he considers the job he has now to be “intensely” political, except that “I don’t have the indignity of having to put myself up for election every three years”. Pearson was appointed in April after the departure of former Liberal politician Kate Carnell.

He says his vision for the job is to allow the chamber to “become a movement” and use that to secure “long-term bipartisan backing for business in Australia”. “The Australian chamber network represents around 300,000 enterprises e m p l o y i n g a r o u n d f o u r m i l l i o n workers,” he says. “Now the Australian trade union movement represents a little over one in 10 Australians working in the private sector. But who has the strongest voice? Shouldn’t we have a stronger, more influential voice?”

Pearson’s other frustration is that Australia’s competitiveness has slipped in rankings such as the World Economics Forum’s index. He moved to Australia with his “£10 Pom” parents as a child and believes the migrant experience means “you do try hard, you want to make it a winner”. His frustration is also shaped by what he learned from Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade postings to Nigeria at a time when it was considered “the giant of Africa” and later to Beijing as China’s economic reforms gathered pace in the mid-1990s.

He realized when working and living overseas “that there are lots and lots of other countries and lots and lots of people living in them who are increasingly at least as well educated as we are, increasingly enjoy at least as good infrastructure as we do and in many cases are much more highly motivated to succeed than many Australians are”. “That’s not meant as a criticism of Australians. It’s not some sly remark about young people. It’s more about expectations and what we’ve become used to. We cannot be complacent.”

The Australian

Sunil Bharti Mittal, new ICC Chairman

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been elected Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Voting by ICC’s World Council took place on June 15 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Bharti Enterprises has interests in telecom, insurance, real estate, hospitality, agri and food, besides other ventures. Bharti Airtel, the group’s flagship company, is world’s third largest telecommunications company by customer base, offering mobile, fixed broadband and digital TV solutions to over 350 million customers across India, South Asia and Africa.

Mr Mittal, who has served on the Prime Minister of India’s Council on Trade and Industry, said: “At a time when the global economy is facing unprecedented challenges I am committed to ensuring ICC plays a central role as the voice of business in shaping policies to support inclusive growth. I am honored to be ICC’s 51st Chairman and look forward to working actively with ICC’s global network throughout the world.”

Mr Mittal added: “There is an urgent need to restore trade and investment as a driver of growth and jobs-particularly in developing economies affected by the slowdown in raw materials and agricultural commodities markets. This will be a central focus for my tenure as Chairman of the world business organization. ”The International Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization with over 6.5 million members in over 130 countries.

Mr Mittal becomes  the third Indian Chairman of the world business organization in its near-100 year history. Mr Mittal takes over the ICC Chairmanship from Terry McGraw, Chairman Emeritus of S&P Global, who becomes ICC’s Honorary Chairman. Roberto Azevedo, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) paid tribute to Mr McGraw’s leadership of ICC over the past three years saying: “Over the years, Terry has played a huge role promoting the WTO and the multilateral trade agenda as a force for good.

He was instrumental in building support behind the 2013 Trade Facilitation Agreement. I thank him for what he has done for the institution and for global trade in general.” ICC has also announced that John Denton, Partner and CEO of Corrs Chambers Westgarth, has been elected to take over from Mr Mittal as the organisation’s First Vice-Chair. ICC’s World Council has also elected three new members to its Executive Board: Anne Veronique Schlaepfer, Partner at global law firm White & Case; Kok Seng Vong, Vice-President of the Macao Chamber of Commerce; and Philippe Varin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AREVA. Current Board Members Esko Aho (Nokia), Milos Barutciski (Bennett Jones) and Cherie Nursalim (GITI Group) were all elected to serve a second term.

YBSL of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce trains budding Entrepreneurs

Youth Business Sri Lanka (YBSL) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the National Human Resources Development Council of Sri Lanka, recently trained over 230 budding entrepreneurs on the finer skills of entrepreneurship under the ‘Promoting and Empowering the Small and Medium Entrepreneurs’ project carried jointly by the two institutions. Three separate training programs were held covering the districts of Pollonnaruwa, Matara and Kandy. The participants were taught skills in Administration, Financial Management, Market Identification,  Managerial Issues and Strategies and Policy Framework (Tax, Audit, Registration).

2016 New Year’s message to all CACCI members

I am pleased to convey to all CACCI members and friends a very Happy New Year. May the incoming 2016 bring you continued success and prosperity in all your undertakings.

As we usher in the New Year, I believe it is an opportune time for us to take stock of our accomplishments in the year just ended with the view to building on them in order to make our Confederation even more relevant to our members in the year ahead.

Amb. Feng Chi-Tai, CACCI VP & Jemal Inaishvili, CACCI President

I am particularly pleased that last year’s 29th CACCI Conference took place in Hong Kong.  It served as an occasion for our hosts from Kowloon Chamber of Commerce to showcase the business opportunities that global metropolis of Hong Kong offers to businessmen from region. The enthusiastic participation of delegates from 22 countries reflected the growing influence of CACCI as a regional organization, thanks to the continued commitment and dedication of CACCI officers and members.

We also organized highly successful visits to Bangladesh, Belarus, China, and Australia that provided the delegation the opportunity to strengthen ties between CACCI and government officials and businessmen of the host countries, seek their support for the Confederation and its activities, and further raise CACCI’s profile in the region.

CACCI was also well represented in many regional and international events, including the 9th World Chambers Congress in Torino, the B20 Forum in Antalya, the 4th Business Leaders Conference in Kunshan, China, and in the various meetings of the International Business Advisory Council under the B20, the ICC World Chambers Federation, and the Eurochambers. We also took a prominent role in the launching of the Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce of which I was appointed Honorary Chairman.

Our membership roster has expanded with the admission of the Azerbaijan CCI as the newest Primary Member, and of 20 new Lifetime Special Members from six countries. We also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ukrainian CCI outlining possible areas of cooperation between the two organizations.

Moving on to the incoming 2016, I look forward to your participation in the various activities lined up for the year – such as the planned Presidential visits to some CACCI member countries. I also hope to see all of you at the 30th CACCI Conference in Taipei, Taiwan, which marks the 50th Anniversary of our Confederation. Let us take advantage of these opportunities to explore with one another on how best we can further strengthen the bond that ties us together while promoting the region’s economic growth and development.

May each one of us have a successful and bountiful year ahead!

Jemal Inaishvili
President, CACCI

Interview with Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, CACCI VP

We have excerpts of the interview with Mr. Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, Managing Director – Panchakanya Group & CACCI Executive Committee Member.

Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, CACCI VP

Can you name one person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? How has this person impact your life? How has he impacted your leadership style?

There is a proverb that says the child inspires the father as the morning inspires the day . My father Mr. Prem Bahadur Shrestha, Chairman of the Panchakanya Group of Nepal has always been my source of inspiration.

A couple of decade back, I read a book written by Mr. Mark H. Mc Cornell titled “The 110 % Solutions.” Somewhere in the book, there was a phrase that started with the words “What they don’t teach at Harvard Business School …“  I have been fortunate to have received great informal education and superb business training from my father, Mr. Prem Bahadur Shrestha.

A person can show us the right path, but it is up to us to travel the distance at the right speed and with caution so we can reach the destination.

The goal is to be a leader who can turns dreams into reality by working diligently, with determination, as part of a team.

What have you done that reflects this philosophy?  

It is not only the person but also the system and philosophy that drive the organization. We need to be more proactive than reactive because that is the need of the times.

We need to learn to trust others by developing a system of check-and-balance, and manage the ups and downs of all activities in our organization. We also need to learn to be transparent and pave the way for the new generation to carry on the tradition to achieve the organization’s goal.

How do you then communicate this philosophy to the people you work with (your management)?

Every employee is gifted with certain abilities and we should make everyone feel part of the organization’s success so that they are proud for their contribution. Nobody can achieve goals in isolation so teamwork and team spirit are essential.
In fact, we should solemnly pledge “Together we achieve, divided we fall.”

What do you think is one of the must-have traits in every leader?

A good leader should analyze the subject matter and present it logically. Thus, a leader should be patient to realize the vision, be able to grab opportunities, fight the challenges that come along the way and be able to manage successes and failures.

What are the most important decisions you make as a leader of your organization?

My company has always been pioneering and has always taken risk in initiating projects. It will continue doing so by taking  time-calculated risk and diversifying possible risk factors for a timely accomplishment.

What is most important to your organization – mission, core values or vision?

I believe a vision with action.

It is very important to always remember the responsible citizens of the country, to help improve their livelihood and be a good example to them.

How do you as a leader communicate the core values?

On a friendly note

How do you ensure that the organization and its activities are aligned with your core values?

Every employee is part of an organization’s success and failure, but we should not pick on him/her individually. I personally don’t micromanage because I want to develop trust. However, the service and quality of our products cannot be compromised.

What is the one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

To achieve sustainable growth, the important thrust should be in generating new creative leaders and exercising the vision to change traditional roles. A masterpiece is created by a skillful hand, not by a powerful chisel. Creativity is key.

What is the biggest challenge facing leaders today?

Finding and retaining the right candidate is one the biggest challenges facing leaders today. Another challenge is to help the employee take ownership of his/her actions and build a bond of trust with him/her.

What is one mistake you witness leaders make more frequently than others?

The most common mistakes are lack of trust, not doing the proper homework, and relying on your subordinates more than necessary.

What is one behavior or trait that you have seen derail more leaders’ career?

Lack of Trust

The challenge is that the more popular you become, the more criticism and enemies you will add to your roster. Nevertheless, we should not be reactive and instead be able to listen coolly and act diplomatically to address the situation.

Can you explain the impact, if any, that social networking has made on your leadership style?

Today, the world is a global village speeding on the information superhighway. So one should be able to manage successes and failures and also be able to digest the outcomes under any circumstances. The young generation has completely flooded the world with Information Technology which can be a big asset if one can capitalize on networking developments.

Do you think that is the great platform for you to inspire others?

Yes, I have certainly benefited from networking these applications. Social Networking can either be a very powerful or harmful tool, depending on how you use it. I personally believe that it is indeed a great platform to inspire others even though I haven’t used it to do so. However, my sons have shown me some apps that I could use and I have been getting more comfortable with the technology, i.e. blogging on sites like LinkedIn.

How then do you sustain yourself as a great leader?

Great leaders always face threats. It is therefore important to nurture new leaders who can carry the legacy of the organization and who can also shift patterns without much hesitation.

What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?

Some leaders are born but most leaders are made with guidance and support. One should not be hasty in taking decisions and instead believe in collective efforts and team work.

What are you doing to ensure that continue to grow and develop as a leader?

I will adapt to the changes that flow with time

What is the legacy that you want to leave behind?

That my name be taken as a good example to others.

What do you think your country needs today in terms of leadership, business wise?

Regular discussion & interaction program

I always remember the Chinese proverb “If you have a vision for a year, sow a seed. If you have a vision for a decade, plant a tree. And if you have vision for a century or more, invest in human resources.”
I believe now is the time for captains of the business community of CACCI to promote the exposure of the organizations’ employees and encourage them to join Employee Exchange Program.

What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

United we stand, divided we fall.

Australian Chamber has a new identity

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) is dynamic, innovative and focused on the future, just like the hundreds of thousands of Australian businesses it represents. This is the message that the ACCI’s new corporate identity seeks to convey.

The Australian Chamber’s new corporate identity will define the organization as it undertakes an exciting period of growth. It will also help unite chambers of commerce and national industry associations across the country.

The new identity builds on the Australian Chamber’s position as a bold champion of private enterprise, embracing innovation in its leadership of the Australian business community.

The new identity is built around the Federation Star, a distinctly Australian design that brings together all parts of the country and takes pride of place on the national flag. Within the star sits a two-tone arrow that points upwards to the future, representing leadership, direction and targeted action.

ACCI’s new positioning line “Working for business. Working for Australia.” reflects the mission of the organization: making Australia more prosperous by improving conditions for the 300,000 Australian businesses employing more than four million people across our member network.

With the Australian Chamber an active participant in international forums, including the International Chamber of Commerce, the new identity will help to build global recognition of the talent and capabilities of Australian business.

The new corporate identity was developed by internationally renowned graphic designer Ken Cato of Cato Brand Partners.The new identity heralds an era of expansion for the Australian Chamber.

The Australian Chamber has this year increased its membership by nearly 30 percent. It has also launched a new Business Leaders Council, allowing individual businesses to participate directly in the Australian Chamber’s activities. It is undertaking a landmark Productivity, Education and Training program to help Australian businesses reach their full potential.

These new activities are in addition to the significant public policy and advocacy work of the Australian Chamber. These initiatives, and many more planned, will ensure the Australian Chamber remains the leading voice for Australian business to government and the community at home and abroad.

The Australian Chamber’s new corporate identity was launched at Parliament House on August 17 2015 at the inaugural Business Leaders Summit. ACCI News Release.

FICCI & World Bank advance ‘Millennium Alliance’ initiative

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the World Bank on July 13, 2015 announced their partnership to advance the Millennium Alliance (MA) initiative. The MA seeks to identify and scale up innovative solutions being developed and tested by social enterprises in India that can improve access to services for poor and underserved populations across India and the world.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. A. Didar Singh, Secretary General, FICCI and Mr. Onno Ruhl, India Country Director, World Bank. The MoU formalized a shared commitment to support solutions that provide sustainable last mile delivery to populations at the base of the pyramid in healthcare, sanitation, education, clean energy and agriculture.

FICCI and the World Bank have come together in a knowledge partnership to promote the replication and scaling up of innovative approaches in service delivery across the South Asia and Africa regions. The World Bank will bring global experience and incubate these new and inclusive approaches for bringing services to the poor. The partnership will facilitate dialogue between social enterprises and governments so that solutions can be scaled-up to underserved populations under the government’s priority programs.

Besides the Millennium Alliance program, the agreement also provides for FICCI and the World Bank to work together to enhance private sector engagement in global migration policy and promote the generation and synthesis of knowledge on migration issues. In this, the World Bank’s engagement will be led by the Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development (KNOMAD).

FICCI and the World Bank’s partnership is dedicated to promoting the mobility of skilled labor, enhancing safe and legal migration, and ensuring ethical transnational recruitment practices. Potential areas of collaboration include the study of demographic changes and migration; the study of remittances, including access to finance and capital markets; and mobilizing the diaspora as agents of social and economic change. FICCI News Release

Interview with Fedor L. Degtiarev, South Urals CCI President

Find out more about SUCCI’s inspirational success. We have excerpts of the interview with the President of the South Urals Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Fedor L. Degtiarev, South Urals Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SUCCI) President

Can you name another chamber that serves as your inspiration? How and Why?

I do not think I can name one certain chamber that inspires me most, for it would imply knowing peculiarities of each of them. However, I am confident that any particular chamber has advantages and successes of its own, which are worth adopting.

Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Russia, Asia-Pacific Region and Europe operate in different ways. For example, in countries of continental Europe companies must belong to a local chamber of commerce, while with us the membership is absolutely voluntary. Still, one of the chambers that made a strong impression on me was the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Leon (France).

I could not help admiring both its building and its work. The building the Leon CCI occupies is a masterpiece of architecture. The itself chamber is famous for its traditions, in the first place traditions of interacting with businesses, and it commanded my profound respect by the fact that they succeeded in establishing one of the best business-schools in Europe.

What are the most important decisions you make as a leader of your chamber?

I would say that it was the decision to construct our own office building. That was a solution crucial for development of the chamber, and it was really hard to venture a new step like that. To implement this project we had to reduce the chamber’s budget, among other things we had to cut down welfare payments. I am grateful to my staff members who had an insight and showed determination to construct the building of our own. It was difficult, but we did it.

Today the South Urals Chamber of Commerce and Industry (the SUCCI) owns the office space in the centre of Chelyabinsk; its area is more than 2.5 thousand square metres, 400 of which are let on lease. More than 150 people work in the SUCCI as staff members.

What is most important to your chamber – mission, core values or vision?

The mission of the South Urals Chamber of Commerce and Industry is to ensure the basis for economic leadership of Chelyabinsk Region by means of promoting regional business, increasing its efficiency and competitiveness.

The SUCCI currently renders about 200 services that cover practically the whole scope of entrepreneurial activity. It acts as a connecting link between businesses and authorities. The Chamber is the leading regional institution in the field of foreign economic activity. We aid entrepreneurs in running their businesses at all stages, by offering solutions for any problem related to economic activities, interactions with regulatory bodies, launching new markets, etc.

At the present time the SUCCI unites over 600 entrepreneurial agents, most of whom are representatives of small businesses (85.5 per cent). According to the results of the Internet-voting, in 2010 the South Urals CCI was recognised as the most effective public organisation of Chelyabinsk Region that offers real support to businesses.

How do you motivate the chamber staff to share your vision?

I would say this is a profound philosophical question, which is most difficult to answer. It is unlikely that such a question could be asked by representatives of European culture. Their wording would rather focus on more pragmatic aspects, and would sound as follows: How do you motivate the chamber staff to increase income?

But for me, living on the border of Europe and Asia this «Asia-Pacific question» is clear because it does match Russian mentality.

My answer is: it is impossible to make people share your vision with money or benefits! This is as impossible as to buy love or true friendship!

150 employees of my chamber are people who are completely different in regard to their age, education, religion, etc. Still, every day for the past 20 years I have been making sincere efforts to attend to every person, create a warm atmosphere in the CHAMBER as a model of the family.

I am always trying to act honestly with those who work with me, and I will always support them in trouble and defend their interests. I am sure that they trust me and that is why they undoubtedly share my vision without being specially motivated.

How do you encourage creativity in your chamber?

The SUCCI carries out an extended social programme that provides for interest-free loans for purchasing flats, financial support for young families and employees who have lost their close relations, life-time retirement payments for key staff members and top-managers of the SUCCI divisions, assistance in receiving further education. We appreciate their contribution and cherish our key employees, being aware that they are the people who insure the Chamber’s success.

What is the biggest challenge facing the chamber today?

The only challenge we are facing is EU sanctions that cause certain difficulties for normal business evolution. In fact, politics now hinders effective and mutually beneficial co-operation between countries, and in the long run actually prevents from improving quality of life, which is our common purpose.

Under these conditions we should follow the principle once set up by Charles de Gaulle: “It is possible to break off diplomatic relations, but relations between chambers of commerce and industry will never be suspended”.

Can you explain the impact, if any, that social networking has made on the Chamber?

Obviously, well lined up social contacts enable us to solve business issues promptly and to attract more representatives of authorities at all levels to participation in business events conducted by the chamber.

In order to widen and strengthen interactions with state and municipal authorities, regional branches of federal structures, local chambers of commerce and industry and other organisations, the SUCCI made more than 130 cooperation agreements.

What advice would you give other chambers?

Learn the art of building up relations with all kinds of partners, both authorities and businesses, while preserving your independence.

What are you doing to ensure that the chamber continues to grow?

We just never stop. To go forward we constantly diversify the range of services to businesses, improve quality of the rendering of services, enhance efficiency of interactions with business partners and expand useful contacts.

What is the legacy that you want to leave behind?

The principal legacy is people, the team, which can solve any problem.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenge in operating the chamber?

There are certain difficulties, connected, for example, with allocation of functions and responsibilities among employees, delegating authorities so that they correspond with their competences. As a matter of fact, the most significant thing in management is to assign correct tasks to correct people, so that everybody would do his or her job properly, performing as a high-grade professional in a particular domain. I am not an expert in all spheres, moreover, it is impossible in principle, but I consider myself to be good at finding people who can manage the given job best.

What can the chamber do to increase the value of its membership?

The chamber is the main lobbyist of interests of business among authorities. It is essential to keep improving in this aspect. In 2014 only the South Urals CCI directed more than 110 motions drafted by the business-community of Chelyabinsk Region. These motions are aimed at legislative developments in the domain of entrepreneurship. Many of our initiatives were approved by lawmakers. For example, in late January 2015 deputies of Chelyabinsk Region enacted the law on the tax assessment at the rate of zero percent for individual entrepreneurs when applying the conventional and patent systems of taxation. The SUCCI took an active part in developing the draft legislation by directing its recommendations. Adoption of this law is very timely, especially if we take into consideration the current situation in economics. For regional business the law presents a significant support.

What makes South Urals Chamber so unique?

People. The biggest wealth is people.

Envoys of Philippines and Vietnam visits Ceylan CCI’s member companies

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently, facilitated a meeting between Sri Lanka’s designated envoys to Vietnam and Philippines, respectively Mrs. Hasanthi Dissanayake and Mrs. Aruni Ranaraja and some local companies, who are doing business with the respective countries to discuss matters relating to trade and commerce between Sri Lankan and those two countries.

During the discussion, Mrs. Ranaraja – the designated envoy to Philippines urged the local businesses to utilize the trade agreements – Sri Lanka has signed with foreign countries by following up the concessions given by those agreements. The participants also raised questions about the non – issuance of multiple entry visas for local businessmen, when visiting those countries, which the duo said, they will try to address by discussing with the governments of respective countries.

The duo also urged the local businesses to try and establish new business partnerships, such as Joint Ventures with the investors of Vietnam and Philippines, apart from focusing on exporting products to those countries. Diplomats designated to various countries visit the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce as a customary practice to meet and discuss with the local business community engaged in doing business with the respective countries and also to meet the representatives of the Business Councils, who deals with respective countries.

Ms. Lilakshini De Mel, Senior Assistant Secretary General of the meeting facilitated the discussion between the designated envoys and the business community, on-­‐behalf of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

Iran Agro celebrates 22nd International Agricultural Trade Fair

Iran Agro Food 2015, which is the biggest and most famous international food, technology and agricultural event in the Middle East took place in 26-29 May 2015 in Tehran. The 22nd expo has shown a growth of 44 percent compared to the previous year.

710 domestic companies and 236 foreigners from countries such as Austria, China, Germany, Italy, England and Turkey participated with country pavilions in Agro food Expo in Tehran.

The preliminary deal between Iran and the world powers, which makes the possibility of lifting international sanctions in Iran, has increased the foreign traders’ interests for business.

Federation of Iranian Food Industries Association, the most important food industry entity in Iran, had the most impressive ever presence in the Expo with its 38 member associations.

Federation of Iranian Food Industries Association, (IFIF), the link between the private sector and the government, which was the coordinator and organizer of the governmental authorities ‘visits from the expo, organized gatherings among different industries like packing, exports, dairy, grains, concentrates, confectionary and etc. with the governmental bodies so that they could have this opportunity to talk about their problems, strengths, and potentials. It was one of the rare conditions the industry and the government had this kind of interaction in an Expo.

Organizing the existence of the President’s Deputy, Health Minister, Trade Minister, banks Managing Directors, Standard Organization Authorities and Health Minister in the Expo lead to some important issues like a memorandum of articles among Health Ministry, Standard Organization with Federation of Iranian Food Industries Association. So IFIF will be able to assist food industries more efficiently.

IFIF contact:
Address: Unit 306, Floor 3, Negin tower, No 211, after Jahan Koodak Crossroad, Africa Blvd., Tehran, Iran
Phone: 98 21 88888361-2
Fax: 98 21 88875558
Website: www.ifif.ir
Email: kzargaran57@gmail.comg

4th World Business Leaders Conference convenes in Kunshan, China

The 4th World Business Leaders Conference of 2015 aimed at providing a platform for the global business community to discuss the latest trends and challenges on global trade and investment, promote close cooperation among the international business community, and share information and ideas on opportunities brought by world economic development. More than 300 delegates from over 40 countries and regions registered to attend the Conference.

Long Guoqiang, Vice Minister & Research Fellow, Development Research Center of the State Council, delivers the Keynote Address during the Opening Ceremony of the Kunshan Conference

Formally opened by Mr. Yin Zonghua, Vice Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and CCOIC, the Conference brought together high-level representatives from the Chinese government led by Mr. Long Guoqiang, Vice Minister & Research Fellow, Development Research Center of the State Council; multilateral organizations such as the World Trade Organization and the Asian Development Bank; and business leaders from China and other Asian countries and elsewhere. They discussed and shared their perspectives on three important topics, namely:

Influence of Asia-Pacific Economic Integration on the World – The session featured Chinese and foreign speakers who examined the interaction between the evolving economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region and global economic integration.The panelists of the Session on “Influence of Asia-Pacific Economic Integration on the World”

Trade and Investment in the Era of Digital Economy – The session discussed the issue of how businesses, governments, and chambers of commerce and industry tackle challenges and take advantage of opportunities in this era of the digital economy to foster growth in trade and investment. One of the featured panelists in this session was Mr. Samir Modi, who underscored the need for enterprises to adapt to the digital economy or their businesses will not be able to survive. He said that the right question for businessmen to ask is not what they can do with the new technologies available in the digital economy, but what these new technologies can do for them.

Samir Modi shares his views on Trade and Investment in the Digital Economy

China’s Economic Reform Outlook and Global Business Opportunities – The session focused on the prospects of China’s economic reform and discussed what the new round of reform means for businesses and how they can seize opportunities brought by such reform. Mr. Jemal Inaishvili was one of the invited panelists in this session.

In his discussion, Mr. Inaishvili cited the “One Belt, One Road” development strategy started by the Chinese Government in 2013. This strategy refers as the New Silk Road Economic Belt that will link China with Europe through Central and Western Asia, and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which will connect China with Southeast Asian countries.

Mr. Inaishvili said that the One Belt, One Road policy is expected to boost levels of infrastructure development across Central Asia and the Southeast Asia countries, thereby helping to support economic growth and trade in these regions and providing opportunities for businesses in countries across the two regions.

Jemal Inaishvili, CACCI President, elaborated points on the One Belt, One Road policy

Mr. Inaishvili added that the proposed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is expected to open up opportunities for the construction, telecommunications, and transportation sectors of the region and their respective allied industries.

CACCI President Mr. Jemal Inaishvili elaborates on his thoughts regarding China’s Economic Reform Outlook and Global Business Opportunities.

The twelve-member CACCI delegation to Kunshan was composed by:

Mr. Jemal Inaishvili
CACCI President
Member of the Board, Georgian CCI

Mr. Samir Modi
CACCI Senior Vice President
Member, Executive Committee, Federation of Indian CCIs (FICCI)

Mr. Conrad Lee
CACCI Honorary Treasurer
Chairman, Kowloon Chamber of Commerce (KCC)

Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng
CACCI Director-General

Amador Honrado
CACCI Deputy Director-General

Mr. Atul Shunglu
Assistant Secretary General, Federation of Indian CCIs (FICCI)

Ms. Aneesha Duggal
Senior Manager, FICCI

Mr. Ernest Yuen
Vice-Chairman, KCC

Mr. Wyler Wong
Vice-Chairman, KCC

Mr. Leslie Wong
Vice-Chairman, KCC

Mr. Eddie Leung
Councilor of the Executive Council, KCC

Ms. Wendy Lee
29th CACCI Conference – Project Officer, KCC

Kowloon CC hosts CACCI officers in Kunshan, China

Conrad Lee, Chairman of Kowloon Chamber of Commerce (KCC) and Honorary Treasurer of CACCI, hosted dinner for members of the CACCI delegation on May 20, 2015. Other guests were also invited, including officers from the CCPIT led byMr. Zeng Yafei, President of the CCPIT Commercial Sub-Council, and Ms. Maria Perez-Esteve, Counsellor at the World Trade Organization.

The dinner also served as an occasion for the CACCI delegation to discuss the status of preparations for the 29th CACCI Conference, and to invite the guests from CCPIT and World Trade Organization to attend the Conference.

The CACCI delegation led by President Jemal Inaishvili (seated, 3rd from left) and guests pose for a group photo at the end of the dinner hosted by KCC Chairman Mr. Conrad Lee (seated, 2nd from left).

Interview with Samir Modi, CACCI Sr. VP

Samir Modi speaking during the 30th CACCI Conference in Taipei

Samir Modi is the Senior Vice President of the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI). Truly a captain of the industry, he espouses his philosophy in his professional and personal life. When we wanted to showcase the inaugural “In Conversation” in the CACCI website, we could not have found a better candidate than Samir Modi. Not one to shy away from calling a spade a spade, his thought leadership is refreshing and certainly carried the Samir Modi signature.

We had the opportunity to talk face to face with Samir Modi when he attended the CACCI Planning Meeting in Hong on 5th February 2015. Here is the excerpt of the interview; read on for you will certainly learn many “firsts”.

Interviewer: Can you name one person that has huge impact on you with regard leadership style?

Samir Modi: My grandfather has had a great impact on my leadership philosophy. And Richard Branson.

Interviewer:  So what has he done to impact your life?

Samir Modi: He was an exemplary leader, who always placed his people first. This philosophy remains at the core of my leadership style as well. It has helped me to focus on creating business units that are driven by a passionate and committed teams of people.

Seeing Richard Branson do what he does has helped me to believe in innovation and challenging the norm to create something bigger and more beautiful.

Interviewer: How has he impacted your leadership style?

Samir Modi: My grandfather really believed in giving back to the community and to its people. For example, he believed that you have got to take care of the people around you; they are your greatest assets. He also believed that you had to be the best in your class and if you can’t then bring the best companies in the world to India.

Interviewer: Since you have taken over the Modi Group, what have you done that reflects this philosophy?

Samir Modi:  My core belief is not to only reflect on bottom lines, but also in people. So from that point of view, my philosophy of life is that even when I am no longer at the helm of affairs, or no longer part of this world, my efforts will have had a positive impact on the lives of many! And whether I have made a difference.

Interviewer: How do you then communicate this philosophy to the people you work with (your management)?

Samir Modi: I believe in leading by example. In such things, rather than preach, it is important to set precedents. When I make a business decision, it is not just based on the growth and expansion plans of the business, but on how that decision will impact the lives of the people who are the various stakeholders. I am not a traditionalist, and I cannot operate in boundaries or conventions. The more years that I spend in the business world the hunger I get to innovate and challenge the established norms of the world. I want to create and leave behind a legacy that has touched the lives of many.

Interviewer: What do you think is one of the must have trait in every leader?

Samir Modi:  Every leader needs the courage to go with their gut, conviction and their heart. Then there will be no power that can stop an idea whose time has come.

Samir Modi, CACCI Sr. VP, Lu Jianzhong, Silk Road CIC Chairman, Jemal Inaishvili, CACCI President

Interviewer: Dare to be different.

Samir Modi: If you can’t be different then you will cease to exist. And if you cease to exist then you can’t make this world a better place to be.

Interviewer: You have seen many leaders; what do you think is the one thing that derails them from being great leaders, what caused great leaders to derail?

Samir Modi: I think most leaders start off with a dream, but after a point they lose focus on what they started and why they started it. Therefore they get bound in the old thoughts and way of doing things.

Interviewer:  Explain.

Samir Modi:  Tradition is living in the past and not living for today, not seeing reality in the present, and not seeing what comes ahead, not being visionary for tomorrow.

Interviewer: Perhaps they can see but they don’t have the courage to do it.

Samir Modi:  That’s bondage right – when you feel you are bound  and you are caged in – that is what industry does, that is what tradition does, that is what ,it’s supposed to be done, I can’t do this, I can’t do that – you are constantly making reasons. Along the line you are losing humanity or humaneness, it’s not all about money, it cannot be the fortune, it is not about the past, it is not about tradition – it is about the people, people who care, people who work hard. Also, I like pushing the edge, in terms of expansion, in terms of innovation.

My philosophy is truly different, yes!, making money is important, – but can I take it to my grave, can I fill my grave with diamonds, will diamonds go up to heaven with me?

Interviewer: So, what would be the legacy you want to leave behind, what you would want people to say, you know once Samir has moved on.

Samir Modi:  I would like to have made a difference in the lives of people I have touched. Sort of the world with me and the world without me.

Interviewer: Yeah.

Samir Modi:   I live with my own principles and my own yardstick. Which is based on who I am and what I am. It is not based on how rich you are and how much wealth you have, who you know and what I can get from you in return. My life is not worth anything if I have not contributed and made a difference. I am not wanting anything from you in return. Life is about the possibilities and never about money. One’s bank balance should not be the driving force.

A lot of people are confused with this stance. They ask how it is possible to take such a position; I can, because I do not conform to others or let others define me and own me. The day I bow to someone else’s will then I would have lost my soul. For example, you have some perceptions in your mind about me and if I conform – you have owned me. I only believe in myself, I can come with myself, and I can live with myself.  Money comes, money goes but my entity is Samir. At the end of the day it does not matter who you are, how much wealth you have, what cars and houses you have but despite all this it is what you have left behind and how you made a difference.

That’s the legacy I want to leave behind.

Interviewer: Do you think that social media has impacted your leadership? Do you even believe in it?

Samir Modi:   I think social media is a great method to reach the masses. If you use it wisely then you can do wonders and truly enable change. I am learning to use it effectively.

Interviewer: How has it impacted your leadership style?

Samir Modi:   It hasn’t because my leadership style is based on my belief, my conscience and my heart.

Interviewer: It hasn’t?  Do you think that is the great platform for you to inspire others?

Samir Modi:    Social media can be a great platform to inspire others. It has the power where you can reach the world with just one click of a button. It has the power to make immense change and create a revolution if people know you and what you are saying and what you have to offer to them.

Interviewer: How then do you sustain yourself as a great leader?

Samir Modi:  Through the love of the people around me, by constantly challenging the norm and by not being afraid to take the risk by merely a belief that you have within you.

Interviewer: So that fits you.

Samir Modi:  Yes it fits me as long as I am true to myself and in what I am offering and bringing to this world.

Interviewer: Why do you need people to love you so much?

Samir Modi: I just need to touch lives, that’s love; when I touch lives, I make a difference. I need to make a difference, I’m born in this world to do something, I believe I can do something great, but I don’t need to be noticed. Also when you give love to anything, then you can make it grow, blossom and be who it can be. That is the very essence of all creation and what keeps me going.

Interviewer: What do you think India needs today in terms of leadership, business wise?

Samir Modi:  India needs leaders who can think beyond business and money.  It needs leaders to think in terms of community, sustainability, hygiene, employment, poverty, woman and children.

Interviewer:  So dare to be different…

Samir Modi: If can’t be different then you can’t make a difference. You can’t give birth to a new idea.

Interviewer:  And if it’s beyond business.

Samir Modi: Business should not be all about turnover and bottom line. It needs to be beyond business. It needs to challenge what is out there. It should be about people, bringing change, giving back, doing things differently and believe in an idea whose time has come.

Interviewer: But do you think you are in this privileged position and so you can afford to be like this?

Samir Modi:  it is because I am in a privileged position that I can use what I have to make a difference.

Interviewer: And you make no apologies for that?

Samir Modi:  If I am in a privileged position, then I intend to make that privilege count – that is to be better. Being better means I use this privilege to make a difference because I have been blessed by God with immense resources. If I don’t use that blessing to bring about change then I will be abusing what I was born and suffer in my next life. I believe immensely in karma. What you do in this life will determine your next. It is all about how you look at what you have. You can either look at wealth and fame and let that drive you or think from your heart by having the desire to be different and do different. I choose what I have for betterment of people and society. Wealth can be a boon or a curse because it all depends upon how you make use of it.

Interviewer: Are you actually maximizing your privileged position to do even more?

Samir Modi: Yes I think I am but at the same I feel that I can do even more.

I have so many ideas and so many desires that I feel there are many miles to go and many things to do. I am not afraid to dirty my hands, I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves –I’m not afraid to wipe the floor literally, and if that has to be done- it will get done even if I have to personally do it.

Interviewer: If that’s your philosophy then don’t you think of going into politics – your actions will have a greater impact?

Samir Modi:  I don’t believe in politics so it does not matter what the impact would be. I feel that what I have to do I should do and that does not need politics but a large heart.

Interviewer: You don’t believe in politics?

Samir Modi:  I don’t believe in politics, I don’t read newspapers; people ask me why I don’t read newspapers. I see big calamities and it is saddening. However, I do read the newspaper if my name is in it, definitely I’ll read it because it affects me. So it is narcissistic; so that maybe a very simple way of life, and may not be a right way of life – but it is the truth. I go with my heart. I‘m not for sale, no one can buy me, even if you give me a billion dollars you can’t buy me.  A billion dollars is a lot of money – but I don’t need it, my soul is worth more.

Interviewer:   Samir is Samir.

Samir Modi:  Samir is what you perceive me to be. That perception of who I am has to gel with who I truly am. I need to be seen as real, a man who is not afraid to cry, someone who can own up to his mistakes and someone who has touched your life. If that is what you see and think of me then truly Samir is Samir. You get what you see.

Interviewer: Is that the advice that you would give all to entrepreneurs? Be true to yourself.

Samir Modi: Go with your heart and don’t wait for things to happen. Make them happen and miracles will surround you. You feel alive and you would have truly lived.

Interviewer: Yes and you worked for Philip Morris in the US and you rose to a very high position.

Samir Modi: I worked for Philip Morris as a management trainee and learnt the ropes of marketing from them. They gave me the ability to see beyond and become a true marketer. They gave me the belief that I can be whatever I dream to be. They taught me to look at minute details and become a perfectionist. In fact it is with this philosophy I am launching my own brand of cigarettes.

The name of the brand is ‘sm’ but it is based on my personality and my philosophy.

Interviewer: That’s the name of your cigarette brand? Available this week?

Samir Modi: it will be available later this month.

Interviewer: Alright, you first heard it on the CACCI website, seriously?  Wow!

Interviewer:  You’re American man, you’re a Philip Morris.

Samir Modi: No I am an Indian who is proud of his roots and one who will die for his country.

Interviewer: Of course you smoke Marlboro; you’ve been promoting that baby for 20 years.

Samir Modi:  Yes I have been smoking Marlboro for as long as I know. But it is time for a change and I am ready to smoke my own brand that will truly represent me.

Interviewer: I read your whole CV.

Samir Modi: I hope that you have.

Interviewer: You work for them.

Samir Modi: Yes I do and I am proud of it.

Interviewer: Over time you rose to a high position in the company.

Samir Modi: I rose to a position due to the faith and trust my father gave me. Because he gave me the opportunity to be who I am and do what I want. He taught me how to be an entrepreneur. This along with my philosophy, my belief had brought me where I am today. In fact it is not about the position you hold in the family business but about what value you bring to it. I believe that one should not be bound by the society and its norms. Believe in yourself, be true to yourself and do what your conscience and belief allows you to be. Then only can you soar high and touch the stars.

Interviewer: This is truly the case because everybody knows that smoking is bad and here you are launching a new cigarette brand.

Samir Modi: Can’t help it. I am hooked line and sinker and now I am just taking it to the next conclusion.

Interviewer: And here you are launching cigarette that is supposedly bad for your health, and then you call it “sm” with the tag line dare to dream. Talk about oxymoron?

Samir Modi: it’s has nothing to do with being bad or good. It’s about my philosophy in life and what I believe in.

Interviewer: Regardless of the fact that cigarette smoking is bad.

Samir Modi: A lot of things are bad for your health in life. Too much chocolate is not good for you, coffee with its caffeine is not good for you.

For me I know and realize that things are bad for me but I want to live my life to the fullest. My belief is bad or not when I gotto go I gotto go. Nothing in the world can stop that because my time here on earth is over. I have the minutes assigned to me by God. When I smoke, I smoke my own brand. I don’t care about some else’s brand.

Interviewer: So some would accused you of being narcissistic won’t it?

Samir Modi:  You can accuse me of anything and that is your prerogative. I can’t influence that. But I can make you see the true Samir and what I am if you let me.

Interviewer: You don’t care.

Samir Modi:  The day you accuse me of not being Samir, then I will truly stand up and care.

Interviewer: That’s when you have a problem.

Samir Modi:  Yes that will be judgement day because I would not have done what I was willed to do. I’m 45 years old, I keep on telling myself that I will retire at 50.

Interviewer: And will you?

Samir Modi: Inshallah, I hope.

Interviewer: Inshallah.

Samir Modi: At the same time I wonder about what I will do after that, when I retire at 50, I’m a guy who cannot sit at home. I do a lot of research. My phone camera has two thousand photographs. I click everything everywhere, these pictures give me ideas and fuels my passion. When I create then I feel really alive. Therefore I need to create. That is the only way I can be who I am.

Samir Modi:  I only know that if I am true to myself as a businessman, as an entrepreneur, as a father, as a boss, as a colleague, as long as I’m true to myself and I have not harmed you, then I’m in a good place. My parting shot to all entrepreneurs and businessmen – anyone can open a shop and be a business man. But give him a million dollars and if he can make a difference and along with that make it a billion – that’s entrepreneurship.

SAMIR MODI BIOGRAPHY

Samir Modi, as Executive Director of Godfrey Phillips India (GPI), the group’s flagship company he is credited with many firsts. He launched Colorbar Cosmetics, a world-class colour cosmetic company. He also is the brain behind India’s first of its kind convenience store – Twenty Four Seven Retail Stores.

Samir Modi is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, USA and graduated from the
Hindu College, Delhi University. He completed his formative education from Doon School in Dehradun.

HIV / AIDS is a cause very close to Samir’s heart. In 1996, he established the Modicare Foundation to prevent the spread of AIDS. In 1998 he published and compiled a book called ‘The Positive Side’ that would raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. The Foundation won the President’s Award for its exceptional work in gender related issues in India.

Executive Director – Godfrey Phillips India Limited

President – Twenty Four Seven Convenience Stores

Managing Director – Colorbar Cosmectics Pvt. Ltd.

Executive Vice Chairman – Modicare Pvt. Ltd.

Vice Chairman – Modicare Foundation

Member – Retailer’s Association of India

Senior Vice President- Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce

Member – National Executive Committee, FICCI

Member – PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Member – All India Management Association

Interview with Sergey Katyrin, The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation President

Sergey Katyrin, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation (CCIRF) President

Can you name another chamber that serves as your inspiration? How and Why?

My Russia is vast enough for me; the source of my inspiration, as you have put it, is the national system of chambers of commerce and industry. This is a unique structure. In “a vertical way,” it represents the interests of all business strata – small, medium and large. And in “a horizontal way,” it embraces every sphere of enterprise – industry, trade, both domestic and foreign, agriculture, the financial system and services.

Its multifaceted nature and the multidirectional, multifactoral tasks the CCI system addresses on a daily basis are the main motivation for action. Of course, this does not mean we refuse to take a look at practices of chambers in other countries. We do, and we use their best practices in our work. This is the way it should be.

What are the most important decisions you make as a leader of your chamber?

These are the decisions aimed at reforming the Chamber: the elaboration and execution of the so-called Strategy 2020 and the creation of an Electronic CCI. These are also decisions to improve the management of CCI of Russia’s assets –the consolidation of core assets, the controlling stakes in the JSC Expocentre and JSC World Trade Center Moscow, and governance of their collegial executive bodies.

What is most important to your chamber – its mission, core values or vision?

These three notions are interrelated, so I think it would be wrong to view each of them as separate. The entire work of the Chamber is helping the Russian economy develop and integrate with the world economic system and to assist in the creation of favorable conditions for every type of entrepreneurial activity. We represent and stand for business interests in relations with the authorities. Yet, there is one important exception: while it is true that we are entrusted with defending, protecting and representing the interests of small, medium and large businesses, there is one essential condition: they must not run counter to public interests.

How do you motivate the chamber staff to share your vision?

The recipe is simple – openness and feedback. We plan and work to implement approved decisions as a team.

How do you encourage creativity in your chamber?

The most interesting and significant projects for the system are brought to life utilizing the financial capacity of the Fund for Support and Development of Chambers of Commerce and Industry under the CCI of Russia.
In my opinion, seeing creative ideas, projects and proposals come to fruition is what employees of the CCI system and member entities find most rewarding.

What is the biggest challenge facing the chamber today?

Responding in a prompt and timely manner to the rapidly changing business environment in Russia and worldwide; suggesting to business and the authorities practical ways of overcoming unfavorable entrepreneurial conditions.

Can you explain the impact, if any, that social networking has had on the Chamber?

I would classify other Russian business associations and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives to Promote New Projects as CCI’s social network. Certainly, we deal with the majority of issues concerning domestic business together, while learning from one another and borrowing positive practices.

The CCI system maintains permanent contact with the authorities.
The focal point is business, member entities united by chambers, and constant two-way communication between them. It is the interests of businessmen that determine the vector of operation of the system of chambers of commerce and industry.

What advice would you give other chambers?

Let’s be more active in our interactions. Russia is a big country. Please, work more actively with our territorial chambers and Russia’s regional business communities, and you will see enormous opportunities unfold for you and your businessmen.

What are you doing to ensure that the chamber continues to grow?

The development of our chamber fully reflects the developmental level of entrepreneurship; the chamber is a mirror of the economy of the region and the country. This is why we aspire to create the most advantageous business climate. This naturally includes providing new services that are in demand by the business community and expanding the geographic presence of the CCI.

What legacy do you want to leave behind?

There is, perhaps, no such legacy. There are problems that need to be solved. This is part of the daily routine.

What the CCI of Russia and its leaders have always done has met the spirit of a particular period of time and always served the interests of business and the benefit of Russia.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenge in operating the chamber?

To maximally provide for the interests of all our member entities, irrespective of what sector they belong to, the area in which they operate or their size.

What can the chamber do to widen its membership base?

In fact, just one thing: to become the place – or home, if you wish ­– where a businessman will feel needed and can receive support, services and protection. But this is not an easy thing to do.

What makes your chamber so unique?

– The people who work here.