CEAMA organizes its 38th Annual Function

Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers’ Association (CEAMA) has concluded their 38th annual function focused on “The Champions of Change – Moving Towards a Dollar Positive”. Industry experts here voiced their opinions on policy changes, and shared their recommendations to propel growth within the segment. The occasion was graced by Sarvashri Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation; Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog; Ajay Prakash Sawhney, Secretary, MEITY; Rituparno Mukhopadhyay, Partner, PwC; Somick Goswami, Partner, PwC, along with Manish Sharma, President, CEAMA; Sunil Vachani, Vice-President, North CEAMA; Kamal Nandi, and other CEAMA dignitaries.

Chief Guest Shri Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, said, “The last few months have been bad for world trade owing to turbulence in the global geopolitical scenario. However, India’s trade has grown significantly during this time period while exports have risen by 17-18% overall due to the various strategies the government has put in place. In order to expand our export potential as an industry, we have to robustly support the notion of entrepreneurship and manufacture goods for Indian market in line with the global standards. Only then will we be able to achieve our vision and become a $5- trillion economy.”

Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog, said, “The appliance and consumer electronics (ACE) sector offers immense growth opportunities, not only in terms of consumption with its export capabilities as well. India’s economy cannot sustain without exports, and while they have grown tremendously lately there is still ample room for growth. With the continual expansion of consumer’s aspirations and buying propensities, the durable industry potentially can contribute significantly to India’s aspirations of enhancing its export propensity by significant proportions."

Manish Sharma, President, CEAMA, said, “As representatives of the industry, it is our responsibility to collectively voice our opinions on matters that we believe will have a transcending impact on the sectors future. Our core focus this time around was to put the industry right in the centre of dialogue that explores its export potential, and puts into context the varied impacts it can have collectively on the Indian commerce industry. This will help spur the policy ecosystem for the segment and support the continually evolving business dynamics, especially regulatory reforms.”

Additionally, a panel discussion was held to discuss the importance of divulging into expanding the export framework for the ACE industry, and how a right policy structure can help create economies of scale and the right FTAs. The panel comprised of industry stalwarts like Shri Ajay Prakash Sawhney, Secretary, Meity; Kamal Nandi, Business Head & Executive Vice-President, Appliances, Godrej & Boyce; Ashok Taneja, MD, Shriram Pistons and Rings Ltd; Vinod Sharma, MD, Deki Electronics; and Shashi Arora, CEO, Havells India, Llyod Division.

The session was moderated by Rituparno Mukhopadhyay, Partner, PwC. Commemorating 39 glorious years of the ACE industry, CEAMA also felicitated its industry members for their outstanding contribution to the durable industry in India. It bestowed upon the “Man of Electronics Award” to A.D.A. Ratnam, President, Personal Health, Philips India Subcontinent, and the “Man of Appliances Award” to Jasbir Singh, Chairman & CEO, Amber Enterprises India.