The Indo-Spanish Chamber of Commerce (ISCC) celebrated a significant milestone by surpassing 100 members. Founded in 2018 and with only a brief pause during the pandemic, this achievement marks a remarkable success for ISCC in a short timeframe.
The festivities took place before the highly anticipated Annual General Meeting on September 20, 2024, at The Roseate Resort in New Delhi. The event featured an impressive array of distinguished guests, including the Ambassadors of Spain, Peru, Chile, and Uruguay, as well as nearly 100 senior representatives from various member companies in Spain and India. This gathering underscored the strengthening bilateral relations between India and Spain and highlighted the Chamber's role in fostering international business connections. A key moment of the evening was the signing of a partnership agreement between ISCC and the IMC Chamber of Commerce & Industry, one of India’s oldest chambers, founded in 1907.
H.E. Mr. Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain, delivered an engaging speech that focused on the deepening strategic and economic ties between India and Spain. He discussed areas for cooperation, particularly in technology and sustainable development, and emphasized the need for ISCC to expand its geographic reach and establish an Ibero-America chapter. He expressed his hope for the Chamber to exceed 200 members by 2025.
Additional speakers included Ms. Sonia Prashar, Secretary General of the newly established Federation of European Business in India (FEBI), who shared insights on the vital role of European businesses in India’s economic landscape and praised ISCC’s support in launching FEBI.
Mr. Victor Hugo Sinovas, Economic & Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of Spain, provided an in-depth analysis of the Indian economy and highlighted investment opportunities for Spanish companies, reaffirming the Spanish Embassy’s ongoing support for ISCC.
The presence of the Ambassadors from Peru, Chile, and Uruguay, along with Mr. Kriti Das Thokchom, Under Secretary (Europe West) from the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized ISCC's role in facilitating global partnerships and business diplomacy, as well as the increasing interest from Latin American countries in enhancing trade relations with India.
A highlight of the evening was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ISCC and IMC Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mumbai. This agreement represents a significant step toward promoting cross-border trade and investment between India and Spain, fostering collaboration across various industries and facilitating connections between Spanish and Indian companies in Mumbai.
IMC Chamber of Commerce & Industry, established in 1907, has a rich history of supporting the Indian business community and played a role in significant political movements pre-independence. Mahatma Gandhi accepted honorary membership in 1931, a unique distinction for the Chamber. Today, it serves over 5,000 direct members and represents more than 400,000 businesses across diverse sectors, advocating for industry interests and economic growth.
Conversely, ISCC is the official Chamber of Commerce for the Government of Spain in India, recognized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise. It serves as a vital forum for Spanish companies operating in India and those seeking to enter the market, as well as for Indian firms looking to engage with Spanish businesses.
The celebration concluded with a lively networking session featuring gourmet food and signature cocktails, providing attendees the opportunity to connect and discuss potential business ventures. The event not only celebrated the Chamber’s achievements but also set the groundwork for continued growth and international cooperation in the future.