Pune International Business Summit 2025 By MCCIA Kicks Off, Showcasing Global Trade and Investment Opportunities

Pune, February 24, 2025

The Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture (MCCIA) successfully inaugurated the 6th edition of the Pune International Business Summit today at JW Marriott, Pune. Bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and business delegates from around the world, the summit reaffirms Pune’s position as a key hub for international trade and investment.

With a 90-year legacy, MCCIA represents 3,000 members across 17 sectors, playing a vital role in fostering economic growth, trade, and innovation in Maharashtra. The summit continues MCCIA’s commitment to promoting Maharashtra as a global business destination, supporting exporters, and strengthening international partnerships.

Sanjay Kirloskar, President, MCCIA, delivered the opening remarks, setting the stage for discussions on India’s evolving economic landscape.

Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, addressed the summit via an exclusive video message, emphasizing India’s economic resilience, global partnerships, and business-friendly policies. He highlighted key government initiatives, including:

• ₹10,000 Cr Fund of Funds for startups
• Deep Tech Fund to drive innovation
• ₹20,000 Cr investment for the National Research Foundation (NRF)

He also reaffirmed India’s strengthening ties with global partners such as the U.S., France, Switzerland, Norway, Israel, and Qatar, paving the way for enhanced trade and investment. Commending MCCIA for organizing the summit, he emphasized the role of SMEs and trade in India’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 and expressed confidence in India’s emergence as a global leader in trade, technology, and industry.

Dr. Janmejaya Sinha, Chairman – India, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), delivered the Inaugural Address, highlighting:

• India’s sustained GDP growth of 6.5% or more
• The impact of domestic investors, GST reforms, and infrastructure development
• India’s growing global influence, with 67 Indian-origin CEOs leading major U.S. companies
• India’s trajectory towards becoming a $7 trillion economy by 2030, despite challenges such as urban congestion, labor inefficiencies, and geopolitical complexities

B. V. R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog, presented the Keynote Address on Viksit Bharat@2047, outlining India’s long-term economic vision. He highlighted:

• India’s achievements in literacy, life expectancy, infrastructure, and poverty reduction
• The shifting global economic power toward Asia, with India projected to account for 12% of the world’s working-age population by 2047
• The six strategic pillars driving India’s transformation:
  • Macroeconomic stability
  • Citizen empowerment
  • Economic growth
  • Technology leadership
  • Global partnerships
  • Strong governance

However, he also acknowledged challenges such as income inequality, climate change, and global uncertainties, stressing the need for sustained reforms and strategic initiatives.

Praveen Pardeshi, CEO, Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), provided a regional perspective on Maharashtra’s economic acceleration through major investments:

• $188 million from the World Bank for district development
• $500 million from ADB for tertiary healthcare
• $2 billion from AIIB for infrastructure projects like the Damanganga-Naal Paar initiative
• Asset Monetization Policy to optimize idle land and infrastructure

He also highlighted Maharashtra’s labor reforms and skill development initiatives, aimed at creating 30 lakh jobs annually, with a target of 1.5 crore new jobs by 2028.

Pune’s development roadmap focuses on key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, tourism, transport, health, education, and financial services, reinforcing Maharashtra’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2028.

The inaugural session concluded with remarks from Mr. Prashant Girbane, Director General, MCCIA, who outlined the summit’s agenda for the next two days.

Key Discussions & Panels

The event featured:

• Fireside Chat with Mr. Ravi Pandit, Co-Founder and Chairman, KPIT Technologies Ltd., hosted by Mr. Pradeep Bhargava, Chairman, MCCIA Electronic Cluster Foundation (MECF), focusing on Pune’s readiness and opportunities in the automotive sector.
• Diplomatic Dialogue with representatives from Israel, Singapore, Finland, and Australia, chaired by Mr. Prashant Girbane, DG, MCCIA, discussing bilateral trade, investment collaborations, and sectoral opportunities.

Additionally, industry leaders explored key topics through dedicated panel discussions, including:

• ‘Pune – A Home for Innovation in Services and Processes by Global Capability Centres’ – Pune’s role as a strategic hub for global corporations
• ‘Evolving Role of the CIO/CTO in the Era of AI Transitions’ – The impact of AI on technology leadership
• ‘Trade Facilitation’ – Strategies to streamline trade processes and improve ease of doing business
• ‘Legal Aspects, M&A, and Investments in International Business’ – Insights on navigating global business complexities
• Special Address: ‘Connecting Maharashtra through Collective Efforts’ – Emphasizing regional collaboration to enhance trade and industry growth

Summit Participation & Buyer-Seller Meet

• 400+ participants, including MSMEs from manufacturing, electronics, defense, and food processing sectors
• 60+ international delegates from 14+ countries, including diplomats and trade commissioners
• 17 booths representing various industries

The Buyer-Seller Meet featured:

• 32 international buyers
• 100+ Maharashtra MSMEs showcasing their products and services

These sessions provided a platform for business matchmaking and export opportunities, strengthening global trade connections.