Bhubaneswar: In a high-stakes meeting addressing the economic ramifications of U.S. tariffs, the Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd. (UCCIL) today convened an Interactive Workshop on the “Tariff levied by USA on India” at its conference hall.
The workshop, steered by UCCIL President Dr. Prabodh Mohanty, saw key industry leaders and experts deliberate on the path forward amidst a challenging global trade landscape.
The meeting was coordinated by Dr. Sanjeev Mahapatra, Hony. Secretary of UCCIL, and featured a distinguished lineup of speakers and dignitaries, including Vice Presidents Shri J.K. Rath and Shri Murali Jamula, and board members such as Shri S.S. Mohanty, Er Ali Kishore Patnaik, and Shri Monoj Prusty.
Former Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha, Shri Asit Tripathy IAS (RETD), delivered the keynote as Chief Guest, providing a compelling analysis of India’s economic history. He underscored the severity of the U.S.’s 50% tariff levy on India and urged a strategic shift, emphasizing that “the time has come to reopen the Look East policy.” His lucid deliberation provided crucial context for the discussion.
The event featured a series of expert presentations on the impact of tariffs on specific sectors:
- Steel and Metal: Shri S.S. Mohanty, CEO of Essar Minmet and Additional Director UCCIL.
- Seafood: Shri Anjan Mohanty, Head of Operations of Falcon Marine Exports, and Dr. Kamlesh Mishra, President of the Seafood Association.
- Textiles: Shri Raghunath Panda, CFO of MGM Group.
- Gems and Jewelleries: Shri Krishendu Sen, Executive Director of Khimji Group.
- Indian Economy (Overall Impact): Brig L.C. Patnaik, Think Tank of UCCIL, and CA L.G. Shah, Chairman Taxation Committee UCCIL.
- Aerospace: Shri Udaybhanu Das, CEO of Kristeeler Aerospace, who also discussed potential solutions.
A notable moment was the release of CA L.G. Shah’s book, “GST Appellate Tribunal.”
The workshop, organized with the meticulous support of Hony. Treasurer UCCIL Shri Narayan Kumar for food and logistics, concluded with a vote of thanks and final remarks by Vice President Industry Shri J.K. Rath.
The gathering was unanimously deemed a “very fruitful endeavour,” providing a crucial forum for industry-wide collaboration and strategic planning in response to the U.S. trade measures.