ASSOCIATED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
OF INDIA
(ASSOCHAM)
"The Knowledge Chamber: Serving the Nation since 1920"
About assocham:
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) is one of the
apex trade associations of India. The organization represents the interests of trade and commerce
in India, and acts as an interface between industry, government and other relevant stakeholders
on policy issues and initiatives. The goal of this organization is to promote both domestic and
international trade, and reduce trade barriers while fostering conducive environment for the
growth of trade and industry of India.
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History of assocham:
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) is one of the
apex trade associations of India. The organization represents the interests of trade and commerce
in India, and acts as an interface between industry, government and other relevant stakeholders
on policy issues and initiatives. The goal of this organization is to promote both domestic and
international trade, and reduce trade barriers while fostering conducive environment for the
growth of trade and industry of India.
ASSOCHAM was established in 1920 by promoter chambers, representing all regions of India.
The Association's head office is located in New Delhi and regional offices are located in the
cities of Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Kolkata. As of 2012, ASSOCHAM covers a membership
of over 400,000 companies and professionals across the country.
It marked the culmination of a historical process reflecting an age of tumultuous change, a
logical, sequential development of the coming together of associations priarily representative of
British commercial interests in different parts of the country.
ASSOCHAM members represent the following sectors:
Trade (national and international)
Industry (domestic and international)
Professionals (e.g. CAs, lawyers, consultants)
Trade and Industry Associations and other Chambers of Commerce
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Vision:
Empower Indian enterprise by inculcating knowledge that will be the catalyst of growth in the
barrier-less technology driven global market and help them upscale, align and emerge as
formidable player in respective business segments.
Mission :
As a representative organ of Corporate India, ASSOCHAM articulates the genuine, legitimate needs and
interests of its members. Its mission is to impact the policy and legislative environment so as to foster
balanced economic, industrial and social development. We believe education, IT, BT, Health, Corporate
Social responsibility and environment to be the critical sucess factors.
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Objectives :
To foster strategic partnerships with other national/ international partners and stakeholders for
good corporate citizenship collaboration.
To establish and give awards in recognition of outstanding work by institutions and individuals
in the areas of interest to ASSOCHAM Foundation for Corporate Social Responsibility.
To facilitate the creation of business partnerships between corporate and enterprises owned and
promoted by SC/ST and other weaker section of the society. Also to adopt and directly manage a
few major Corporate Social Responsibility activities at the Group level.
To arrange and organize seminars, conferences and to conduct course to train SC/ST and other
backward people and to assist, open, find and establish institutions or research centers imparting
skills /education.
To assist the policy making agencies in the formulation of constructive policies for the
development of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and programmes.
Assocham's Contribution and Purpose:
India's seed industry to grow by 53% by 2015:
The country's seed industry is expected to grow by 53 per cent to Rs 10,700 Crore by 2015 on
increased demand for high-yielding varieties to ensure food security, according to industry body
Assocham.
Awareness about high-yielding varieties among farmers and public private partnership (PPP)
with a strong regulatory framework and collaborative research would be key measures to ensure
smooth growth of the seed industry.
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Presenty, size of the domestic seed industry is about Rs 7,000 crore with a production of 40
million quintals of various kinds of seeds, it said in a statement.
"Limited availability of agricultural land, subsidies by the government to use high-yielding
varieties to increase yields and other factors are driving growth of Indian seed industry,"
Assocham Secretary D S Rawat said.
Hybrids have about 20 per cent share in the total seed market, of which cotton has the biggest
share followed by rice (15 per cent), wheat and vegetables (over 10 per cent each), it said.
While there are a handful of state seed corporations engaged in production, distribution and
marketing of high volume low value public varieties, there are about 350 seed companies in
private sector, it added.
The leading commercial seeds producing states in India include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat,
Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and
West Bengal.
Assocham- The knowledge Architect of
Corporate India:
Evolution of Value Creator
ASSOCHAM initiated its endeavor of value creation for Indian industry in 1920. Having in its
fold more than 400 Chambers and Trade Associations, and serving more than 4,50,000 members
from all over India. It has witnessed upswings as well as upheavals of Indian Economy, and
contributed significantly by playing a catalytic role in shaping up the Trade, Commerce and
Industrial environment of the country.
Today, ASSOCHAM has emerged as the fountainhead of Knowledge for Indian industry, which
is all set to redefine the dynamics of growth and development in the technology driven cyber age
of ‘Knowledge Based Economy’. ASSOCHAM is seen as a forceful, proactive, forward looking
institution equipping itself to meet the aspirations of corporate India in the new world of
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business. ASSOCHAM is working towards creating a conducive environment of India business
to compete globally.
ASSOCHAM derives its strength from its Promoter Chambers and other Industry/ Regional
Chambers/Associations spread all over the country.
Members :
ASSOCHAM represents the interests of more than 4,50,000 direct and indirect members across
the country. Through its heterogeneous membership, ASSOCHAM combines the entrepreneurial
spirit and business acumen of owners with management skills and expertise of professionals to
set itself apart as a Chamber with a difference.
Currently, ASSOCHAM has more than 100 National Councils covering the entire gamut of
economic activities in India. It has been especially acknowledged as a significant voice of Indian
industry in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility, Environment & Safety, HR & Labour
Affairs, Corporate Governance, Information Technology, Biotechnology, Telecom, Banking &
Finance, Company Law, Corporate Finance, Economic and International Affairs, Mergers &
Acquisitions, Tourism, Civil Aviation, Infrastructure, Energy & Power, Education, Legal
Reforms, Real Estate and Rural Development, Competency Building & Skill Development to
mention a few.
Three types of members:
Parton members:
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This category has large companies MNCs, PSUs and financial institutions maximum number is restricted
to 50. Besides regular services, special privileges are effeted to parton members.
Corporate associates:
Firms, Sole proprietary concerns, companies, Corporate bodies, public sector undertakings, societies or
any other body engaged in trade, commerce, agriculture, services or profession are eligible for
Corporate membership.
Direct membership allowed for organisations having of Rs. 20 crore or more. There is no restriction on
the members in this category.
Ordinary members :
Chambers of commerce, trade of industry associations with a minimum annual gross income of Rs. 50,
000 and with at least 5 years of continuous existence are eligible for Ordinary membership.
No restriction on number of members in this category.
Structure of assocham:
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References:
*Weblinks
http://www.assocham.org/
http://tradeportalofindia.com
http://www.assocham.org/assocham-csr/index.php?page=objectives.
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