M C Suresh Kumar Chairperson – Finland Chamber of Commerce in India & Managing Director – Cargotec India Pvt. Ltd.
Distinguished Finnish Companies in India/ Dear Colleagues,
After a challenging yet productive year, today, I am delighted to assume the role of Chairperson, FINCHAM India, from Mr. Amit Gossain (Managing Director, KONE Elevator India). It has been a pleasure to support and contribute to his efforts during these unprecedented times, along with the support of the Board Members and members of FINCHAM. We have made some good strides this past year, and I hope to continue on this journey of the Chamber’s growth and expansion in the coming year as well.
2021 is the year of hope. It will be my earnest hope and endeavour to build upon the success of my predecessors and create greater value for our members through our activities and initiatives. In doing so, I look forward to work with our new Vice-Chairperson, Mr. Sanjay Aggarwal (Managing Director, Fortum India Pvt. Ltd.), who has been an integral member and Board Member of FINCHAM from its inception, and has always ensured requisite support to the Chamber every step of the way.
Despite being unable to hold any physical meetings or events in the year gone by due to pandemic related restrictions, we have had the opportunity to connect with you through regular virtual meetings and events. Through the expertise of the cross-functional committees set up last year, we have accomplished new initiatives such as submission of a pre-budget memorandum, releasing FINCHAM’s first publication �?Undaunting India: A Guide to Doing Business in India’, made significant progress towards the launch of the FINCHAM STEP Program, and many others. It was a pleasure to interact with all of you at the Virtual Coffee Morning, Knowledge Sessions, collaborative activities with other chambers, associations & CII, Members Meetings, Virtual CEO Roundtables, all that have helped us strengthen our presence and visibility among the business community and we intend to continue the same. FINCHAM has also been efficiently using the EEG platform to raise industry concerns and recommendations.
FINCHAM’s efforts to build and foster growth of a synergetic business climate for the Finnish business community in India has been achieved with the constant support and encouragement from our Honorary Board Members. I would like to thank the Ambassador, H.E. Ritva Koukku-Ronde, Mr. Mikko Potsonen, Counsellor, (Economic & Commercial), Embassy of Finland, and Dr Jukka Holappa, Country Manager, Business Finland, and look forward to their continued cooperation going forward.
Looking ahead, I am happy to increase the scope of initiatives in existing programs namely, HR Forum, Tax forum, STEP Program. Start a new joint CSR initiative for FINCHAM members, a panel of Professional experts to support the next step to Guide to Doing Business in India and sessions on �?Know our member companies’. We intend to scale up the social development footprint of Finnish companies towards relevant social and environmental concerns. The Chamber will further collaborate with CII for the Sustainability Summit scheduled in September 2021. It will be FINCHAM’s priority to facilitate purposeful sessions with domain experts and key government officials to assist our member companies navigate through the implications of policy and regulatory changes. I am confident that the additional companies will enlist with FINCHAM who will add to the value, expertise and vibrancy of the Chamber.
Today, I assume this important responsibility of leading FINCHAM as we emerge from the peak of the pandemic, and hope for a steady recovery. With the vaccination drive underway, and remaining mindful of safety measures, we eagerly look forward to organising a more physical events/meetings during later part of this year. It will be our constant endeavour to assist and support your business requirements and remain connected with you. Looking forward to your continued cooperation and support, and wishing you all the best of health.
Yours Sincerely,
M C Suresh Kumar
Chairperson – Finland Chamber of Commerce in India &
Managing Director – Cargotec India Pvt. Ltd.
