The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India

The birth of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of India (ASSOCHAM) and Ceylon in 1920 was more than an event – it marked the culmination of a historical process reflecting an age of tumultuous change, a logical, sequential development of the coming together of associations primarily representative of British commercial interests in different parts of the country. While the seed of such a formalised structure was evidently sown by the Calcutta Trades Association, as British trading interests tried to weave themselves into a body, on the lines of the more sophisticated business chambers back home, the Bengal Chamber of Commerce, duly supported by Madras and Bombay chambers, was the prime moving force in the establishment of first-ever apex chamber in India.

ASSOCHAM's maiden conference opened at the Royal Exchange, Calcutta, January 8, 1920. Lord Chelmsford inaugurated it with the Governor of Bengal, the Earl of Ronaldshay anon, in the presence of the commercial and official elite.

ASSOCHAM was more than a chamber for its members; it served as stimulant to other business groups to close ranks. Primarily, it inspired the "Indian" sector, which looked at ASSOCHAM as an example of British business interests lobbying on a national scale and creating the wherewithal for smooth progress.

Association of Chambers of Commerce of India and Ceylon started with 13 Chambers as its original members. These were from Bengal, Bombay, Burma, Ceylon, Chittagong, Cochin, Cocanada, Karachi, Madras, Narayangang, Punjab, Tuticorin and Upper India. PHD Chamber of Commerce Industry (PHDCCI), working since 1905, joined ASSOCHAM as its promoter chamber in the year 1922. The Indian Merchants' Chamber, Bombay, then in its eightieth year, joined ASSOCHAM as one of its promoter chambers in 1987.

Not only large industry and trade but also small and medium industrial enterprises, engaged in agriculture and transport, as well as professional bodies and several new industry associations entered ASSOCHAM's fold. Today, ASSOCHAM has emerged as the fountainhead of Knowledge for Indian industry, which is all set to redefine the dynamics of growth and development in the technology driven cyber age of 'Knowledge Based Economy'.

ASSOCHAM derives its strength from its Promoter Chambers and other Industry/Regional Chambers/Associations spread all over the country. Its vision is to empower Indian enterprise by inculcating knowledge that will be the catalyst of growth in the barrierless technology driven global market and help them upscale, align and emerge as formidable player in respective business segment’s. Its mission is to act as a representative organ of Corporate India, ASSOCHAM articulates the genuine, legitimate needs and interests of its members. Its mission is to impact the policy and legislative environment so as to foster balanced economic, industrial and social development. It believes education, IT, BT, Health, Corporate Social responsibility and environment are the critical success factors. ASSOCHAM represents the interests of more than 3,00,000 direct and indirect members.