» This is SGCCI

• Incorporated on 21st October 1940.
• Apex organization for Trade and Business.
• Nodal point for trade and business in South Gujarat.
• 5000 direct members inclusive of individuals and companies, 94 associations members.
• 26 Centralized Committees, 68 Specialized Committees, 12 Administrative Groups covering all Industries.
• An ISO 9002 organization.

» The Past 69 Years

The original predecessor body was "The Surat Chamber of Commerce" which was set up on 21st October 1940, which was changed on 4th October 1965 to "The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SGCCI)", to widen its scope covering entire South Gujarat.

After 69 years of its inception, SGCCI is the oldest Chamber of Gujarat and holds its place of pride at the national scenario.

SGCCI discharges its responsibilities not only to the trade and industry but also to the social upliftment and well being of the people of the area.

» Management

Office Bearers
President, Vice-President, Hon. Secretary and Immediate Past President are the Office Bearers of SGCCI. They receive guidance on policy matters from the Managing Committee, which meet every month.

The Managing Committee consists of Elected Members, Past Presidents, Senior Members, Co-opted Members and Invitees. The secretariat is headed by Secretary General.

Specialized Committees
A specialized committee consists of Managing Committee members and experts in respective field. These committees meet frequently to discuss matters of importance and submit specific proposals and recommendations to the Managing Committee for consideration and action.

Focus Areas

The SGCCI specialized committees on individual subject present industry perspective and other issues of importance to the government and appropriate bodies and play a vital role in policy formulation and redressal of problems related to wide range of issues.

» Membership

Criteria
Any person, firm, company, co-operative society, association, institution or organization engaged in mercantile pursuits or interested in trade, commerce or industry is eligible for the membership.

• Chief Patron Members
• Patron Members
• Life Members
• Annual Members

Profile

Invaluable contribution of the SGCCI by way of multifarious activities resulted in steady growth of membership. In the Golden Jubilee Year (1990), the membership was 2500 which has now reached upto 5000.

About 94 Associations of Trade, Professionals, Industry and Organization are affiliated with the Chamber. Thus, the Chamber is having an indirect membership of 60000 and is the premier body of trade and industry in South Gujarat region.

» Affiliation

The SGCCI affiliated to several national level organizations and participates actively by maintaining close relation with them. The principal organizations are:
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), New Delhi
The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), New Delhi
Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), New Delhi
The Indian Merchants' Chamber (IMC), Mumbai
Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry, (GCCI), Ahmedabad.
Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, UK

Wide Recognition

The Chamber is recognized by Government of India, Government of Gujarat and several Semi-Government bodies and is given representations on many Central and State Government Committees. Some of these Committees are listed below:
Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC)
Divisional Railway Consultative Committee (DRUCC)
State Industrial Advisory Committee, Ahmedabad.
State Ancillary Development Committee, Ahmedabad.
Gujarat Kamdar Board
Rozgar Nirman Committee
Regional Employment Exchange Committee
Gujarat Circle Postal Advisory Committee
Telephone Advisory Committee
Regional Commercial Tax Advisory Committee
Regional Income Tax Advisory Committee
Central Excise Regional Advisory Committee
Indextb Governing Body
S. E. C. - Local Consultative Committee
Local Port Advisory Committee
University Employment & Information & Guidance Committee
Income-Tax Regional Direct Taxes Advisory Committee
Gujarat Electricity Board - Utran Circle
Gandhi Labour Institute Committee, Ahmedbad.
Minimum Wages Advisory Committee, Labour Commissioner, Ahmedabad.

Infrastructure

Presently SGCCI's office is operating on a spacious fourth floor of it's own "Samruddhi" Building, since 1990. The office is equipped with all modern electronic gadgets for effective and efficient communication and operation. Chamber offers service of a full fledged "Business Centre" for the benefit of its members and others.

The chamber has an air conditioned seminar hall of the capacity of 250 persons on the first floor with all the audio-visual facilities and perfect acoustics. Another air conditioned meeting hall to accommodate about 100 persons is available on the fourth floor with all modern amenities. Yet another committee room for about 40 persons is also available on the same floor.

A space of nearly 4000 sq.ft. is available on the ground floor of the chamber's building suitable for exhibitions and symposia.

The chamber is running various professional and training courses of short and medium duration. The classes for such courses are conducted in well equipped class rooms situated on the third floor. Soon three more air conditioned class rooms cum hall will come up on same floor.

Business Library
The Chamber is having a good collection of books, periodicals and magazines as well as bulletins of other Chambers of Commerce, Foreign Embassies and Business Houses in its "Fatehsingh Rao Gaekwad Library".
This Business Reference Library is open to the members and non members for the benefit of trade and industry in South Gujarat region.

» Activities

Government Representations
Over the years the SGCCI has made a deep impact on the economic scene in South Gujarat region. By making representations to persuade to government at local, state and central level to resolve the issue related to Customs, Excise, Income Tax, Sales Tax, Octroi, Law & Order, to interacting with senior diplomats, it has indeed come up a long way. Yet a lot need to been done because Commerce, Trade, Industry and Governance are dynamic and change is the only unchanging law. Therefore chamber takes utmost care in appropriately representing the causes of its members and people of the area before competent authorities for furthering the trade and business.

Timely representations and suggestions to the ministers and concerned government departments for protecting and enhancing the interests of the business community have become an important function of the Chamber.

Certificate of Origin
The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry is authorized by Government of India, Ministry of Commerce, Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics vide letter No. 14(1) 74EAC dated 14th May 1974 to issue Certificate of Origin in prescribed Performa to exporters as per requirement of Article 11 of International Convention relating to customs.

Certificate of Origin is essential document for Exporters as a proof certifying that the goods are of Indian Origin. The office bearers of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry have been nominated to authorize to sign the Certificates of Origin as and when requested and such certificates are validly accepted by custom departments as well as by the Consulate General of over-seas countries. Every year the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry is issuing around 7000 Certificates of Origin to Exporters of this region.

Exhibition
Ever growing industries over entire South Gujarat region, in GIDCs, Industrial Estates and Complexes etc, offer a wide range of products, Chamber long back realized the importance of organizing industrial exhibitions to provide show window of the products and services available in the region.

First Exhibition was organized in 1957, when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited the Chamber. Thereafter several exhibitions have been arranged which evoked appreciation from all concerned and Government as well.First Mega Exhibition "Udyog -98" organized in 1998 proved to be a harbinger and was a remarkable success in true sense by volume, by business and by participation. Infact, it enthused later presidents to follow the suit in the year 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010.

Organising such mega exhibitions shall continue to be on important feature of chamber's activities.

Seminar & Workshop
Every year the Chamber holds meetings, arranges Seminars, Workshops and Symposia on subjects like Taxation, Management, Marketing, Import-Export and Finance etc. Experts and subject matter specialists are invited to share their views and experiences with members through seminars workshops.

Leaders of trade and industry, ministers, MPs, M.L.A.s, foreign dignitaries and experts from various fields enlighten the business community on aspects of vital importance. Every effort is made to solve the problems and create conducive climate for the economic development of the region.

Business Tours & Visits
Although physical movements have been much restricted because of easy access to communication facilities and media, tours and visits remain an important component of business promotion. The chamber organizes visits to near and far off industrial units for the benefit of its members.

The chamber organizes foreign visits as well for its members. In the year 2002 a delegation of 35 industrialists is to visit China, Hong Kong, Bangkok in South East Asia.

Business Information Cell
Business Information Cell was established in 1999 for dissipation of information related to products & services offered by the industrialists of South Gujarat. Still in its infancy, this cell has really been helpful in serving the business community. In addition business data is being collected, updated and distributed to the user members.

Training & Education
The chamber is running various professional and training courses of short and medium duration and imparts training in the area of HRD, Exports, Income Tax, V.A.T. etc. This training prepares members in facing challenges arising out of impact of W.T.O. apart from local and international competition.

Publication
The Chamber keeps its members informed by publishing a monthly viz. "Samruddhi". It publishes important Government Notifications, Trade Notices and other topical matters. Every issue of "Samruddhi" is devoted to a core industrial / trade sector of the region. It has proved a valuable medium of communication between Chamber and its members.

Social Responsibilities
The chamber has also been on the forefront of discharging its social responsibilities. Be it the natural calamities like flood, earthquake or be it man made communal disturbance, the chamber contributed its lot in providing food and financial assistance to the affected people in all such situations.

The chamber successfully pleaded burning issues like power tariff with the State Government bring solace to the consumer of electricity in Surat. On several other issues of public interest the chamber has always stood by them and spearheaded the movement for its logical and fruitful solution.

» Other Organs of SGCCI

Ladies Wing
The Chamber has formed a Ladies Wing to promote acquaintance among the lady members and carry the activities suitable for their development. The wing is organizing training courses for women entrepreneurs; assist them to start new business and industry, offer guidance to secure finance from the banks and financial institutions.

Permanent Settlement Commission (Kayami Samadhan Panch)
Kayami Smadhan Panch was established in 1987 with District & Sessions Judge as the Chairman, assisted by a committee of eminent lawyers, social workers, representatives of ladies organization, President and members of the Chamber.

The Chamber holds meeting of the commission twice every month. The commission resolves the prelitigation and under litigation matters, to avoid hardship, high cost and delays of litigation.

Since its inception over a thousand disputes have been amicably settled. Chamber's contribution to the society is highly appreciated by all concerned.

Golden Jubilee Endowment Trust
To commemorate the Golden Jubilee, the Chamber settled a trust in June 1990. This trust declares annual Award of Excellence for outstanding contribution to individuals and institutions in the field of Exports, Import Substitution, Productivity, Research & Development, Energy conservation and social welfare.

Surat Citizens' Council Trust
Since its inception, the Chamber has been rendering useful service to the society. Foodgrain Relief Committee (Anaj Rahat Samiti) of the chamber undertook the responsibility of distribution of food grains during the famine of 1942.

Chamber stood in forefront for service during the floods of 1959, 1968, 1994 and 1998 when devastating floods in river Tapti destroyed lives and property. Financial assistance, food and fodder were provided. Relief measures were co-ordinated with other agencies and philanthropic institutions.

It was felt that a separate body should be formed to undertake all activities affecting the citizens. Deteriorating public utility services and other problems harassing the public in daily life required intensive efforts to lessen the difficulties of the people. Hence, the Surat Citizens' Council trust was established on 27th March 1990.

A Citizen's Council consisting of members from social organizations, chamber and political parties etc., was formed under the trust to handle day-to-day matters. The Citizen's Council has stood the test of time on several occasions. The Council is housed in its own premise.

South Gujarat Productivity Council (SGPC)
South Gujarat Productivity Council was launched by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry on 25th May 1992. It is the SGPC is 49th Council in India affiliated to National Productivity Council, New Delhi.

The aim and object of the South Gujarat Productivity Council is to create quality consciousness amongst manufacturers and workers by arranging seminars and workshops. The Council also offers consultancy services to the industry for Total Quality Management, adoption of Efficient Production Methods and Energy Conservation Programmes.

» The Past Presidents

(1941-1943)                 Late Diwanbahadur Shastri

(1944)                           Late  Rao Saheb Vrindavan Chotalal Jadav

(1945)                           Late Raibahadur Shri Maneklal G. Kapadia

(1946, 1950, 1965)       Late Ranchhoddas T. Popawala

(1947)                           Late Amichand C. Shah

(1948)                           Late Bhagubhai N. Jariwala

(1949)                           Late Nagindas Harkishandas Kharwar

(1951)                           Late Kanchanlal C. Kapadia

(1952)                           Late Jaikishendas Lallubhai Vakharia

(1953)                           Late Vinayaklal D.Jariwala

(1954)                           Late Chunilal C. Reshamwala

(1955)                           Late Mohanlal V. Bunki

(1956)                           Late Manchharam M. Jariwala

(1957)                           Late Ashwinbhai S. Mehta

(1958, 1961)                Late Jayantilal G. Vakharia

(1959)                           Late Chandrakant Parekh

(1960)                           Late Babubhai R. Solanki

(1962)                           Shri Jayantilal B. Jariwala

(1963)                           Late Niranjanlal Hiralal Shishwawala

(1964)                           Late Morarbhai Kalidas Jariwala

(1966, 1967)                Shri Surajram Bachhkaniwala

(1968)                           Shri Pravinchandra K. Choksi

(1969)                           Late Manilal B. Chevli

(1970)                           Late Prabhudas Bhaichand Modi

(1971)                           Late Bhupendra Kanchanlal kapadia

(1972)                           Late Bhagwandas K. Lekhadia

(1973)                           Late Sanmukhlal G. Mehta

(1974)                           Late Vrajlal M. Dhamanwala

(1975)                           Late Hasmukhlal Dahyabhai Reshamwala

(1976)                           Shri Dahyabhai J. Patel

(1977)                           Shri Arunbhai Jariwala

(1978)                           Late Pranlal Bachhkniwala

(1979)                           Shri Nanalal Gajjar

(1980)                           Late Nagindas Bardoliwala

(1981)                           Shri Mohammed Safi K. Chamadia

(1982)                           Shri Chaturlal N. Singapuri

(1983)                           Late Nareshchandra Jagmohandas Patwa

(1984)                           Shri Ishwarbhai J. Desai

(1985)                           Shri Chimanlal S. Patel

(1986)                           Late Jayantibhai Chokhawala

(1987)                           Late Champakbhai Mody

(1988)                           Late Keshavbhai J. Patel

(1989)                           Shri Rajnikant Marfatia

(1990)                           Shri Jayvadanbhai Bodawala

(1991)                           Shri Sharadbhai Kapadia

(1992)                           Late Rameshbhai Gajiwala

(1993)                           Late Hirabhai C.Gandhi

(1994)                           Shri Mahendrabhai R. Kajiwala

(1995)                           Shri Rupin R. Pacchhigar

(1996)                           Shri Vasantbhai Bachchkaniwala

(1997)                           Shri Premkumar Sharda

(1998)                           Shri Rajendra N. Chokhawala

(1999)                           Shri Amarnath Dora

(2000)                           Shri Bharat Gandhi

(2001)                           Shri Praful Shah

(2002)                           Shri Nayan Bharatia

(2003)                           Shri Ashok Shah

(2004)                           Shri Dinesh Mandlaywala

(2005)                           Shri Dilip Chasmawala

(2006)                           Shri Pravin Nanavati

(2007)                           Shri Arvind Kapadia

(2008)                           Shri Chetan Shah