Industry body FTAPCCI turns 100

Hyderabad: The Federation of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTAPCCI), the industry body that represents interests of the industry and trade in two Telugu states, has turned 100 this year. The FTAPCCI will kick off its centenary celebrations on Monday.

Founded in the year 1917 as Hyderabad (Deccan) Chamber of Commerce, the industry body took care of the industry and trade in Nizam’s Hyderabad State which comprised parts of present day states of Karnataka and Maharashtra states, in addition to Telangana.

The industry body has been in existence since the times of Nizam, protecting the interests of the industry and trade. Initially, it started as a traders’ body. After industries started coming up in the Hyderabad State in 1930s, it began serving the industry as well,” Ravindra Modi, President, FTAPCCI, told The Hans India.

He however said the FTAPCCI would henceforth act as a knowledge centre and help the governments in formulating industrial policies. “Besides being a link between the industry and governments, we also need to play an advisory to the governments in shaping policies and fuel economic growth. That’s going to be the way forward for the entities like ours,” he said.

The industry body changed its name to Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) in the year 1958, nearly two years after the Andhra Pradesh state was formed in 1956, and extended its activities to Andhra and

Rayalaseema regions. Gradually, it evolved into an organisation, representing large, medium and small scale industries, besides the trade and commerce.

In addition to taking up issues of the industry and trade with governments, it has the credit of organising several seminar, workshops and industry-related events for the benefit of its 3,100-odd members and others. The industry body instituted FTAPPCI Excellence Awards as well to honour successful entrepreneurs, businessmen, scientists and physically-challenged persons.

Besides, the FTAPPCI also focused exports by setting up International Trade Facilitation Centre (ITFC) in 2007 in association with the government of undivided Andhra Pradesh. However, it faced some sort of uncertainty in 2014 after Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated, leading to the creation of Telangana State. But, with a view to carry out its activities and serve its members in both the states, the industry body again rechristened itself as FTAPCCI on January 14, 2015.

“Our industry body played key role in the growth of Hyderabad State and united Andhra Pradesh. Now, it will also play an important role in the growth of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states,” said Anil Reddy Vennam, former FTAPCCI president, and chairman, Committee for Centenary Celebrations.

By:P Madhusudhan Reddy