The seminar highlighted India’s growing export potential and the vital role of artisans. KCCI Vice President Shri Divakar Pai Kochikar, Vice President emphasized the sector’s contribution of over ₹33,000 crore in exports and its support to more than 70 lakh artisans, while also showcasing the rich craft heritage of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.

Chairman, Startups Sub-committee, KCCI Shri Vishwas Shishir described the initiative as a long-term effort to support entrepreneurs and artisans, and Shri K. L. Ramesh Chairman, Handicrafts & Carpet Sector Skill Council stressed the importance of quality and market access. Technical sessions by Smt. P. L. Sreedevi Southern Regional Head (EPCH), Shri Vikash Kumar Prasad Branch Head – ECGC Mangalore, and Shri Suraj Prasanna Das Zonal Manager, Indian Bank, Mysore provided insights on export support services, risk coverage, and financial assistance.

The event witnessed active participation from entrepreneurs, students, and stakeholders, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Ashwin Pai Maroor Hon. Secretary, KCCI.

The Chief Guest for the occasion was Capt. Brijesh Chowta, Member of Parliament, Dakshina Kannada District.

KCCI President P.B. Ahmed Mudassar and Secretary Jeethan Allen Sequeira credited MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for these improvements, noting they are attracting new investments in renewables and pharmaceuticals. Treasurer Abdur Rahman Musba also urged industries to utilize the Chamber’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre for faster conflict resolution.

Recognising the challenges of executing infrastructure projects in the difficult Shiradi Ghat terrain, several key contributors were felicitated by KCCI in the presence of Hon’ble MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta, Shri Nandakumar Pillai, Director Refineries, MPRL and Capt. Manoj Joshi, Dy. Conservator, NMPA, for their exemplary service.

KCCI felicitated Project Directors Shri Praveen Kumar, Shri Syed Amanullah, and Shri Abdulla Javed Azmi, along with JSW’s Shri Nownith Kumar, Shri Dilip Shetty, and Shri Ramanathan L., for their exemplary service in managing the challenging Shiradi Ghat terrain.

MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta shared major updates, including the completed Mangaluru–Bengaluru railway electrification, progress on the Mangaluru bypass, and plans for a new railway station between Padil and Jokatte. He also highlighted his “Back to Ooru” initiative, efforts to establish an Indian Maritime University campus, and a proposal to shift regional rail operations to the South Western Railway for better efficiency.

The forum was gracefully moderated by Past President Smt. Vathika Pai. Present on the dais were Vice-President Shri Divakar Pai Kochikar and the Directors of KCCI, who joined in the discussions with industry leaders. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Hon. Secretary Shri Ashwin Pai Maroor, expressing gratitude to the MP and all stakeholders for their commitment to the region’s progress.

KCCI President Shri P. B. Ahmed Mudassar emphasised the need for MSMEs to leverage NITK’s technical expertise and infrastructure to remain competitive.

A major highlight of the programme was the session by Dr. Bijuna C. Mohan, Coordinator the MSME Implementing Agency initiative at NITK, outlined how the institute supports MSMEs through technical guidance, packaging design, and branding.

Prof. K. V. Gangadharan, coordinator of the Centre for System Design, NITK and Shri Vedha Prakash, Designer – Aktis Engineering covered the design lifecycle, prototyping, and value engineering.

An informative session was delivered by Ms. Sruthi G. K. Assistant Director, Br. MSME Development and Facilitation Office (DFO), Mangaluru briefed participants on the MSME Innovative Scheme and available funding opportunities.

The programme concluded with an interactive Q&A, fostering a roadmap for design-led innovation in the regional manufacturing sector. Dr. Rahul Sivarajan, Coordinator, Design Awareness Program, NITK, proposed the vote of thanks.

The Kanara Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), in association with Ocean Centres India—hosted by the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation—organized a Stakeholders’ Workshop titled “Stepping Stone towards a Safe & Sustainable Ocean Economy in India” on 6 February 2026 at Hotel Ocean Pearl, Mangaluru. The workshop focused on the thematic areas of Fisheries & Aquaculture and Shipping & Ports.

Shri Ratnesh, Executive Director, UNGC India, delivered the welcome address and set the context for the event, highlighting the importance of collaborative action for building a resilient and sustainable ocean economy. Shri Ravi Raj Atrey, Country Lead, Ocean Centres India, briefed the participants on the scope of Ocean Centres and outlined the benefits and privileges of membership.

Addressing the gathering, Shri P. B. Ahmed Mudassar, President, KCCI, spoke on the scope and challenges faced by the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, while also emphasizing the critical need for mental wellbeing initiatives for seafarers. He reiterated that one of the Chamber’s core mandates has been to educate and inform SMEs and MSMEs about emerging trends, global developments, and future opportunities.

The event also featured addresses by other distinguished delegates, followed by panel discussions on Socio-Economic Challenges of Fisheries & Aquaculture and Mental Wellbeing of Seafarers, with insights shared by expert speakers. Members from various marine and allied industries, along with academicians, actively participated in the deliberations, contributing to meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange. Shri Divakar Pai Kochikar, Vice-President – KCCI and Shri Jeethan Allen Sequeira, Hon. Secretary – KCCI were present on the occasion.

Shri M. N. Girish, Senior Director, FICCI, delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives of the program. Shri P. B. Ahmed Mudassar, President, KCCI, also addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of sustainable and energy-efficient building practices.

As part of the technical sessions, Shri M. N. Girish presented an in-depth session on “Introduction to the ALCBT Project, Energy Scenario, and Building Energy Efficiency Program.” Shri Govind Patel, Master Trainer, FICCI, conducted a detailed session on “Fundamentals of GHG Accounting, GHG Protocol, Scope 1, 2 & 3, and Understanding Embodied Carbon and Life Cycle Assessment.”

The program aimed to enhance awareness and capacity building among stakeholders on low-carbon building practices and climate-responsive construction. Shri Divakar Pai Kochikar, Vice-President – KCCI, Shri Ashwin Pai Maroor, Hon-Secretary-KCCI and Shri Dasharath N Shetty, Director – KCCI attended the event. Members from various industries participated in the training program.