FKCCI - Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry

ಈ ದೀಪಾವಳಿ ಹೊಸ ಆರಂಭಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಸುಂದರ ನೆನಪುಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಬೆಳಕು ಚೆಲ್ಲಲಿ!

ಸಾಧುಂಗೆ ಸಾಧು ಮಾಧುರ್ಯಂಗೆ ಮಾಧುರ್ಯನ್ ಬಾಧಿಪ್ಪ ಕಲಿಗೆ ಕಲಿಯುಗ ವಿಪರೀತನ್ ಮಾಧವನೀತನ್ ಪೆರನಲ್ಲ... ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರಿಗೂ ಕನ್ನಡ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವದ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು

May the festival of lights fill your home with joy, prosperity, and endless happiness. Happy Diwali!

Curtain Raiser for the launch of the FMCG Manufacturing Ecosystem at Aequs Infra's Hubballi Cluster Hubballi FMCG ecosystem to foster sustainable growth for diverse industry players: MB Patil Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil unveiled the FMCG manufacturing ecosystem developed by Aequs Infra at the Hubballi Cluster on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in Karnataka’s efforts to become a premier destination for manufacturing and industrial investments in India. This initiative is set to position Karnataka as a leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, enhancing its well-established reputation across various industries. Speaking at the event, Patil emphasized the pivotal role of the FMCG sector in driving India's economy, highlighting its substantial contribution to GDP and its extensive employment generation across the supply chain. “Karnataka aspires to expand beyond its established sectors like aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and technology. The FMCG ecosystem in Hubballi will foster both large corporations and SMEs, creating a sustainable growth model for diverse industry players,” he said. The Hubballi Cluster offers advanced infrastructure, optimized logistics, and sustainable practices, providing a competitive edge for companies entering or expanding within the FMCG sector. This inclusive approach aligns with Karnataka's vision of supporting businesses of all sizes, reinforcing the state's commitment to a balanced and dynamic industrial landscape, he noted. Patil also referenced the Karnataka Industrial Policy 2020-25, which offers various incentives and a robust support framework for MSMEs and startups. He highlighted the state’s commitment to pro-business policies, streamlined approvals, and investor-friendly initiatives, all of which enhance Karnataka’s appeal as one of India’s top destinations for ease of doing business. He added that a new Industrial Policy is in development to further strengthen these objectives. He noted that Karnataka’s strong educational ecosystem produces thousands of engineering, management, and technical graduates each year, ensuring a skilled talent pipeline to support the demands of the manufacturing and FMCG sectors. Patil expressed confidence in Karnataka’s emergence as a leading manufacturing hub, commending Aequs Infra for its pioneering role in establishing this FMCG ecosystem. He extended his best wishes for the Hubballi Cluster to serve as a model for future industrial growth. Among the dignitaries present were Arvind Melligeri, Chairman of Aequs Inc.; Ullas Kamath, Chairman of FICCI Karnataka Council; Nikhil Vora, Founder and CEO of Sixth Sense Ventures; Sameer Kothari, MD of The Venice Group of Companies; Dr. S. Selvakumar, Principal Secretary; and Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner of the Department of Industries, Shri M G Balakrishna, President and Smt Uma Reddy, Sr. Vice President, FKCCI participated in this programme

Shri M G Balakrishna, President along with Shri T Sairam Prasad Vice President, Shri B T Manohar, Chairman, State GST Committee, CA Rajesh Kumar, Director, FKCCI & Shri Shekar, Member, FKCCI made a Courtesy call with Smt. C Shikha, IAS, Commissioner, Commercial Taxes Department, GoK at Bengaluru.

FKCCI President, Sri M.G. Balakrishna, had the honor of meeting and greeting Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for MSME & Labour and Employment, Government of India, on the occasion of her birthday along with Sri. A. Deviprasad Shetty, the Chairman of District Coordination Committee of FKCCI After successful conduction of 1st Edition, they discussed the 2nd edition of the FKCCI MSME Conclave, that set to take place in June 2025 in Bengaluru, with the support Ministry of MSME, Government of India, and Government of Karnataka. Minister Madam Karandlaje graciously assured her full support for the event.

Shri M G Balakrishna, President, FKCCI had a meeting with Krishna Byre Gowda Hon’ble Minister for Revenue, GoK at his home office along with Uma Reddy Sr. Vice President, Shri T Sairam Prasad Vice President, Sudhakar S Shetty Past President and Shri Arvind Burji, Director, FKCCI. The President appraised the Hon’ble Minister regarding Government Departments in Karnataka such as Urban Development Department, District Planning Authorities, Town Planning Authorities, Town Municipal Council, Village Panchayat etc., are acquiring lands by attaching conditions that require the land owners to relinquish their legal rights without offering fair and just compensation. President also informed about the difficulties obtaining E-khata for MSME’s. FKCCI requested the Hon’ble Minister to support in issuing directions to the concerned Departments to refrain from imposing any conditions in land allotment that violate citizens legal and constitutional rights. The Hon’ble Minister was very supportive and assured his assistance in this regard.

Shri M G Balakrishna, President, FKCCI had a meeting with Dr M Veerappa Moily Hon’ble Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and Union Minister at his residence along with Shri T Sairam Prasad Vice President, FKCCI. The President briefed regarding the MSME and Industry status and the issues faced by them. Dr. M Veerappa Moily was supportive for the issues raised by the President and suggested to have a Core Committee of Members with expertise on the MSME and Industry issues and bring out a detailed note along with suggestions. He assured the President that he will present the paper and the suggestions to the Union Government for implementations of the suggestions which could help the MSME and the Industries.

Mr. M G Balakrishna, President FKCCI made a courtesy call on Mr. Luke Coates, A/g Consul General - Australian Consulate-General, Bengaluru on 18th October 2024 along with Ms. Uma Reddy Sr. Vice President, Mr. T Sairam Prasad Vice President of FKCCI, Mr. M Lokaraj, Secretary General. The President and Office Bearers had a detailed discussion with Mr. Luke Coates, A/g Consul General - Australian Consulate-General on the issues relating to bilateral trade between Karnataka and Australia. Members also Exchanged views on Business Practices, Regional, Cultural, and common interests of the respective Countries. President invited Mr. Luke Coates, A/g Consul General to FKCCI to address the FKCCI Members.

Shri M G Balakrishna, President, FKCCI had a meeting with Dr. S Selvakumar, IAS, Secretary, C & I Department at his office in Vikas Soudha along with Ms. Uma Reddy, Sr. Vice President, Shri T Sairam Prasad, Vice President and Secretary General. The President briefed the Secretary about the functioning and organization structure of FKCCI and its role in interacting with Government in resolving various problems that arise in the business and economic sphere. The President submitted to the Secretary on the need for FKCCI to be a Member of the State High Level Committee of Invest Karnataka for the Global Investors Meet scheduled in February, 2025 which will enable FKCCI to contribute to the deliberations with inputs of Trade, Industry & Service Sectors for the success of the invest Karnataka Global Investors Meet as well as to associate FKCCI in the Roadshows being conducted by Industry Department, Government of Karnataka. The Secretary received the proposal with a positive response and assured FKCCI that Commerce & Industry Department will extend its support for its events and programs and wished all success for the new team.