Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH – Global Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), a non-profit organization, apprised Non Resident Indian (NRIs) about opportunities in India, particularly Telengana, as a form of assist for returning NRIs who hope to set up start-ups, SMEs or businesses during a recent meeting here.

GCCI has been established to provide a platform for prospective entrepreneurs, existing businesses and expatriate returnees to promote their enterprise within Telengana.

Shameem Kausar has been made the Overseas Advisor for GCCI. Founder member of Indian Engineers Forum (IEF) Saeed in his address said, “The time has come for the minority community to step up efforts in establishing businesses and industry and take advantage of several incentives provided by the state government for minorities.”

Ahmed Abdul Hakeem, in his speech, said, “A lot of Gulf returnees become complacent after returning to India. They need to maintain their schedules as they do in a foreign country and with single-minded devotion should try to establish themselves at the earliest on their return. Organizations like GCCI can provide the right guidance and skill development for the Gulf returnees.”

Dr. Mohammed Haseebullah, general secretary GCCI, was the keynote speaker. Dr. Haseebullah, an NRI till 1999, ventured into several corporate training, coaching and education consultancy business on his return. He also established an MBA College in Hyderabad and is associated with several community service projects including Khak E Taiba Trust.

Dr. Haseebullah recited a couplet of Alama Iqbal, which states, “Change is the essence of life, and communities which appose change will find hurdles in the way to progress.”

Citing his example as to the challenges he faced when he returned, he said, “Unfortunately at that point of time there was limited opportunities and lack of information.” He agreed quite a few charitable organizations in KSA and India are doing wonderful work, but GCCI is an organization with a difference. “This is an NGO to help entrepreneurship development, offer direction and advice, create opportunities, provide skill development and network for minority community to become self-reliant. It acts a guide to coordinate with various government departments, legal advice, planning and operational issues,” he said.

One of the major focuses of GCCI is to assist returnees from Gulf States in setting up enterprise or business in their homeland.

Dr. Haseebullah said, “We all believe that Allah is the provider and sustainer, however, God help those who help themselves. The mindset of adhering to conventional thought process needs to change. The world is undergoing a 360-degree transformation and so is India — challenges and hurdles are to be faced headlong — consider these as opportunities. If a door is closed on you there are a million others that open up by the will of Allah. The key is to take the first step towards adapting to change and challenges. A journey of a million mile begins with the first step.”

Kausar informed the gathering that he had several interactions with the key members of GCCI, which comprises industrialists, businessmen, legal experts coming together to offer a one stop information hub and essential services for minorities in Telengana and NRIs.

He said very soon GCCI would come up with a list of probable small and medium scale industry and business proposals to be disseminated to people intending to set up start-ups in India. He mentioned that GCCI does not seek any investment nor does it involve in the financial aspects of any business. It is an advisory body, which will provide information and assistance, resolve legal issues, advise on government incentives being offered and tax rebates provided by various departments. It will also advice and assist on import/export to SMEs managed by minority community.

The program was conducted by Imran Kausar, who added his own take on the need for such an organization considering the work/job conditions in KSA. He mentioned that the Telengana Minorities Finance Corporation, under the leadership of Shafiullah and A.K. Khan, has done pioneering work for minorities in setting up residential schools and has planned several business and industry related schemes for minorities.

“An organization like GCCI can play a major role in guidance and assistance to minorities specially those who wish to return to their country and set up business or industry,” he said.