PHDCCI Launches Telangana Chapter; Gautam Jain Appointed Chairman of PHDCCI Telangana State Chapter

The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), one of India’s oldest apex industry bodies, announced the launch of its Telangana Chapter with Mr. Gautam Chand Jain, Chairman & Managing Director of Pokarna Group, appointed as its first Chairman of Telangana State Chapter in a program held on Thursday late evening function at Hotel Avasa in Madhapur. Mr. Jain brings over five decades of experience in the fashion and stone industry and is widely recognised for his leadership and business acumen.

To mark this milestone, PHDCCI hosted a panel discussion titled “Impact of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement on Indian Business and Trade”. It was moderated by Mrs. Khyati Amol Naravane, is Vice President of Quantra, part of the Pokarna group.

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom (UK), expected to be signed by the end of this year or early next year, is going to lead to at least 50 per cent jump in bilateral trade which at present stands at around £43 billion. This was shared by Mr Gareth Wynn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner for Telangana, Hyderabad. He was speaking on the Impact of India-UK FTA on Indian businesses and trade, organised by the Telangana chapter of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI).

Present on this occasion were Mr. Akshay S C, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce, Hyderabad; Mr Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI; Mr Gautam Chand Jain, Chair, Telangana chapter, PHDCCI; Dr Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI; Prof. Chetan Srivastava, Director, Office of International Affairs, University of Hyderabad; Ms Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI; Ms Khyati Amol Narvane, Vice President, Quantra Quartz and Dr Subhash Mehta, Deputy Secretary, PHDCCI.

PHDCCI is one of India’s oldest industry bodies, headquartered in New Delhi and celebrating its 120^th anniversary this year, had set up its Telangana chapter

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Akshay SC stressed that the Government did not look only at income from exports as an outcome of the FTA. An equal focus, he said, was on job creation and skill development as the expansion of trade would automatically create more employment and in turn spur skill building. He identified pharmaceuticals, textiles, IT services, gems & jewellery as key sectors likely to benefit from the agreement.

Mr. Hemant Jain outlined PHDCCI’s vast national presence across 30 states and UTs, covering 55 industry verticals and over 1.5 lakh members. He emphasised the importance of chambers in shaping policies and noted that the IT sector, through its representative industry body, had succeeded in getting a clause amended through the FTA, which related to social security contributions by IT professionals who go from India to work in the UK. Similarly, he said, other industry verticals could make use of bodies such as PHDCCI to get their grievances addressed by relevant policymakers.

Prof traced the historical trajectory of India-UK relations and reflected on the evolving geo-economic dynamics likely to shape the coming decades.

Dr. Ranjeet Mehta underscored India’s demographic advantage and English-speaking workforce. He said, “Despite global disruptions, India remains one of the fastest-growing economies. The FTA offers a golden opportunity for our 65 million MSMEs.” He highlighted that the UK’s advanced technologies could help India achieve its Net Zero commitments by 2070.

Over 150 industry captains participated in the programme.

About the India–UK FTA

Finalised on May 6, 2025, after three years of negotiations, the India–UK Free Trade Agreement aims to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030. It includes tariff reductions, enhanced access, smoother mobility for professionals, and alignment of standards, providing a new framework for cross-border trade.

About PHDCCI

Founded in 1905, PHDCCI is a 120-year-old national apex chamber fostering economic growth, entrepreneurship, and policy advocacy. With a strong MSME focus, the Chamber plays a vital role in shaping India’s trade landscape. Its Telangana Chapter aims to empower local industries and promote innovation-led growth.