Networking platform for new entrepreneurs – K. Saraswathi, Secretary General, Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The current secretary of the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), K. Saraswathi, is known for dynamically managing the numerous events of the chamber, and also coordinating with media. Prior to MCCI, she was a manager in Bharat Overseas Bank Ltd (1978 – 1992), director at TANSTIA FNF Service Centre (1999-2008), and senior trade and investment adviser in the British Deputy High Commission (2008-2010). During a brief interaction with YourStory, Saraswathi speaks about how new entrepreneurs benefit from MCCI.Networking

Primarily, for the new members, this is a networking platform. Where else will they get such expertise in a variety of forms? They can interact with, and learn from, so many entrepreneurs who have had a proven trajectory of success. They have a platform to network, and discuss with them. Many times, there can also be a business opportunity for them, such as the potential to become a supplier of a component, or to collaborate.

When new entrepreneurs come, they tend to be very timid initially. The chamber events help them to open up, and get to know how to interact. This is also, I would say, a learning place for them.

Discussion

We are imparting a lot of information about new policies, especially through the chamber’s expert committees, such as on taxation and company law. We get speakers from the government, too. The level of discussion is in-depth, with veterans participating in the meetings.

For a newcomer, therefore, this is one place to learn these technicalities at such depth. (Usefully, for members, there is the ‘Ask the experts’ service of MCCI, on company law, taxation, economic affairs, energy, environment, pollution prevention and control, financial sector, HRD, CSR, industrial development, logistics, legal affairs, manufacturing, and so on.)