A milestone: FTAPCCI turns 100, still going strong

In 1917, three energetic businessmen named Raja Parmandass, Dewan Bahadur Ramgopal and Hormusji, got together to start a professional organisation to discuss trade and allied subjects. They christened it the Hyderabad (Deccan) Chamber of Commerce in Hyderabad.

In a quick span of time, the Chambers started attracting big industry players. By the 1930’s established industries like the Vazir Sultan Tobacco Ltd., Nizam Sugar Factor, Indian Hume Pipe Company, National Foods, Sirpur Paper Mills, Hyderabad Potteries etc., joined the ranks and bolstered its activities.

This steady inflow of industry members by 1950 and formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1956 brought about a drastic change in the outlook and necessitated a change in the nomenclature. Consequently, the organisation was renamed the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI).

Today, it is celebrating its centenary year. Along its journey starting in the erstwhile princely State of Hyderabad, it has seen the country’s Independence, formation of Andhra Pradesh, the bifurcation of AP into Telangana State and AP.

It continues and grows as the Federation of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chambers Commerce and Industry (FTAPCCI), one of the oldest in India with a strength of 3500 members. To commemorate the hundredth year, a fitting event called the Annual Day will be held on December 23, with the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, as the chief guest.

FTAPCCI is the apex body representing the interests of industry, trade & commerce in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It constitutes large, medium, small industries, traders, professionals as members. There are also about 160 trade and industrial associations as members expanding the indirect membership base to almost 25,000 and makes it one of the biggest Federations in the country.

In its efforts to contribute to the development of the industrial sector in both the Telugu States, the Chambers has released documents on their socio-economic vision. “They are being used by both the governments as base for chalking out the respective industrial development plans”, says Ravindra Modi, President.

The Chambers opened an office in Vijayawada in July 2015. Further, to reach the grassroot levels, it has appointed District Coordinators in both the States to understand and analyse the various problems/issues that are a hindrance to industrial and economic growth of the districts and bring them to the notice of the government.

It has not always been a smooth ride for the Chambers. It faced its share of flak for not attracting enough members from the new economy, especially the IT sector, over-emphasis on traditional sectors and falling short in influencing government policy on some occasions.

Nevertheless, it has made conscious efforts to restructure and adapt. Among the more recent initiatives which are in tune with the long-term policies of the Centre are in promoting and encouraging the start-ups. An incubation centre is planned for start-ups in an innovative way where the existing member will provide a hand-holding support to the start-ups and share their experiences to guide the start-ups, Modi told BusinessLine .

Forging linkages between industry and academic institutions is one of its objectives. It has acted as a bridge between government and academic institutions for various surveys & research. FTAPCCI is also supervising and managing 9 government ITIs in the implementation of skill development programmes and working closely with the government in placing them at suitable jobs.

To expand its footprint, it has taken up promotion of trade relations between various countries. It facilitates interaction between its members and foreign delegations, invites foreign delegations to the Chamber for discussions, and deliberations on trade and investment opportunities as well as taking delegations to other countries.

Through its sustained efforts with the government, the Chambers has been able to bring the Office of Regional Directorate known as the South Eastern Region of Ministry of Corporate Affairs at Hyderabad and also in setting up of a Bench of Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) in the city.

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