The 2nd Meeting of the Association of Indo-Pacific Chamber of Commerce (AIPCC) took place on 25th January 2024 at Hotel Holiday Inn, Silom, Bangkok. The meeting saw participation from prominent business leaders and representatives from various chambers of commerce in the Indo-Pacific region. The event was marked by discussions on fostering cross-border trade, simplifying logistics and payment systems, and expanding bilateral cooperation across member countries.

Key attendees included:

• Mr. Indronil Sengupta, Chairman of the Indian Business Chamber, Hanoi, and Chairman of the Vietnam Chapter, ASEAN-India Business Council (AIBC)
• Mr. Ravi Kumar, Member of the Indian Business Chamber in Vietnam (INCHAM)
• Ms. Raisa Mahbub, Vice President, Chittagong Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Mr. Dato’ Ramesh Kodammal, Co-Chair (ASEAN), ASEAN-India Business Council and Chairman of Goldtex Group of Companies
• Mr. K M Singh, Director General, Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI)
• Mr. Saibal Ghosh, Vice President, Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI)

A major focus of the meeting was the ongoing registration process of AIPCC, which was agreed upon as a top priority. The process requires detailed mapping and documentation to ensure a smooth and efficient registration. It was agreed that participation from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India would be crucial in the next steps.

The cooperation and active participation of all Chamber partners were deemed essential to ensuring timely completion. The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCC&I) will keep all members updated and coordinate guidance and support from the Chambers.

The discussion highlighted the need to simplify bilateral trade, especially in terms of logistics and payment systems. There was a consensus that addressing these operational challenges would greatly enhance cross-border trade efficiency among AIPCC member countries.

Members also suggested that Indian food franchises be encouraged to expand into other countries within the AIPCC framework. This initiative would not only promote cultural exchange but also provide opportunities for business growth.

All associated Chambers expressed their commitment to continue organizing bilateral initiatives, events, and programs on a collaborative basis. These efforts would run parallel to the registration process, reinforcing partnerships and fostering mutual economic growth across the Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting reflected a strong spirit of cooperation and alignment among Indo-Pacific Chambers, with a shared vision of fostering economic growth and bilateral trade. 

The members committed to updating the registration status at the 3rd AIPCC meeting, with concerted efforts to expedite the process.