The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI) is the apex organisation for industry, trade and the service sector in Karnataka. In order to celebrate 100 years of its establishment, FKCCI organises the FKCCI-International Renewable Energy Show (IRES-2013) at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru, from January 4-6, 2013, in partner with Triune Exhibitors Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru.
In an interview with Srabani Sen of Electronics Bazaar, K Shiva Shanmugan, president, FKCCI, and Ramesh S, executive chairman, Renewable Energy Committee, FKCCI speak about the objectives of the exhibition and FKCCI’s role.
EB: What is FKCCI’s objective and role in the industry?
KSS: The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI) is the apex organisation for the industry, trade and service sectors in Karnataka. FKCCI was established in 1916, by Bharat Ratna, Sir M Visvesvaraya. It is affiliated with national bodies like FICCI, ASSOCHAM and the International Chamber of Commerce and other such organisations in India. FKCCI has entered into MoUs with many trade chambers outside the country, for the betterment of local trade and industry. The Federation also has representations in several institutions, boards and advisory committees of both the state and Central governments, working on behalf of the business and industrial community of Karnataka.
The objective of the Federation is to broaden the outlook of industrialists and traders in the areas that affect them, and also assist in the growth of the economy of the state and the country. The Federation has members from across all sections of industry, trade and services, and plays a catalytic role in policy-making at the state and Central levels.
EB: Please tell us about some of the recent achievements of FKCCI.
KSS: The present team of office bearers and the managing committee members took charge in July 2012 and have conducted 74 events that are aimed at the socio-economic development of Karnataka. For the first time, a PG Students Capacity Building Conference was organised covering Bengaluru, Mysore and Tumkur universities. FKCCI, in its flagship events, has recognised the services of Sri Sri Ravishankar Gurudev in the field of developing the MSME sector and has awarded him the coveted Sir M Visvesvaraya Award. The Federation has maintained excellent and cordial relations with the state and Central governments, with ministers and senior bureaucrats periodically coming to FKCCI to address the members of the trade and industry community. As a regular feature, FKCCI is conducting knowledge workshops on state and Central taxes, and is spreading awareness about the various rules and regulations.
EB: What are the projects you are working on currently?
KSS: Currently, we are working on several projects, some of which are:
The FKCCI-International Renewable Energy Show-2013, scheduled from January 4-6, 2013
The Kodagu Business Summit, scheduled on Dec 18, 2012
Manthan-2012 in May
The 2013 International Women’s Day Business Conference on March 8, 2013
The South India Tourism Fair
Apart from these, we have regular interactive meetings and workshops, which are held at FKCCI.
EB: How is the solar industry doing in Karnataka?
KSS: Bengaluru, also known as the Electronic City of India, is performing well in the field of electronics. Karnataka was the first state to implement the Solar MW project in India. We have reputed solar PV manufacturers, integrators and designers based in Karnataka. Bengaluru is also known as the solar city of India on account of the widespread usage of rooftop solar water heaters. FKCCI is working hard to make Karnataka a hub for renewable energy.
EB: Please suggest some ideas on how Karnataka could be made a manufacturing hub for electronics.
KSS: Karnataka is already a manufacturing hub for electronics. In order to compete in the international market, the government should encourage the MSME sector, which will lead to the improvement of the manufacturing sector also.
EB: With what objective is the International Renewable Energy Show-2013 being held?
RS: FKCCI’s basic objectives are the social and economic development of the country. The Renewable Energy Committee of FKCCI has the following objectives: energy independence; to reduce carbon emissions; to encourage indigenous renewable of manufacturing facilities in the country; to encourage renewable energy research and development activities; and to create platforms for policy makers, investors, industrialists and consumers to effectively implement the renewable energy policies of the country.
EB: Since when has this show been organised and how many exhibitors are participating this time?
RS: This show and conference is being organised for the first time this year by FKCCI.
We are expecting more than 200 exhibitors this year, and around 200 delegates for the conference. We plan to organise this event every year and create a platform for investors to discuss challenges, and also exhibit new innovations.
EB: How is FKCCI trying to influence the market and policy makers in the state?
RS: FKCCI has already conveyed to the government of Karnataka the challenges faced by the industries. This platform has been created for industry specialists, leaders and policy makers to understand the challenges and arrive at proper solutions. Based on the inputs from all, FKCCI will prepare the vision policy for Karnataka, which will be submitted to the state government after the event.
EB: How is FKCCI making efforts to explore investment opportunities for the renewable sector in the state?
RS: Investors basically look for a stable policy and evaluate how effectively it is being implemented. The renewable energy certificates (REC) trade has been declining in the last few months. In November 2012, it fell by 40 per cent as compared to the previous month. A reduction of 40 per cent in demand clearly reflects that no new obligated entities are participating or willing to participate in the market. The obligated entities who have been buying RECs so far have stopped doing so for their remaining requirements for renewable purchase obligation (RPO) as their counterparts are not willing to even ‘give a thought’ to RPO compliance. This clearly indicates that the policies are not being implemented effectively by the government. FKCCI is trying to bridge these gaps.
EB: What other activities would you undertake in 2013 for the benefit of the industry?
RS: We look forward to getting feedback from all investors, policy makers and manufacturers from the renewable energy industry, during the upcoming conference. Based on the inputs, the Renewable Energy Committee will chalk out the plans for 2013.
