CII President Sanjiv Puri emphasized the need for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the streamlining of customs tariff structures at the CII Conference on Catalysing Growth of Eastern Region in Kolkata. He stated that India’s projected 6.5 percent growth rate is a reasonable expectation, considering the complex geopolitical landscape.
Puri advocated for allocating 6 percent of the national GDP to the education sector and highlighted the importance of the EU free trade agreement for India, anticipating that several FTAs will be established soon. He further noted that achieving an 8 percent national growth rate in India requires the activation of all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, services, manufacturing, private investments, and the facilitation of the Ease of Doing Business (EODB).
Shashwat Goenka, Vice Chairman of RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, has been elected as the Chairman of CII Eastern Region (ER) Council for the year 2025-26, while Mehul Mohanka of Tega Industries has been elected as the Deputy Chairman. Other key points discussed included the need for a revival in manufacturing, increased momentum in labor-intensive industries, enhancing the competitiveness of MSMEs, collaboration with state governments, regulatory reforms, promoting agritech adoption, and implementing next-generation reforms in various sectors.