Under the aegis of its State Development Council and Chhattisgarh State Chapter, and in association with Visa Inc., PHDCCI organised the second edition of the India Business & Public Policy Forum on 19 November 2025 at Hotel Sayaji, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The initiative seeks to provide a platform where businesses and communities can meaningfully engage with state governments and the policy-making process.
“A fast-changing international business landscape is offering both extraordinary opportunities and complex challenges. India, now the world’s fourth-largest economy, holds immense potential and remains a dynamic arena where business expertise must align with global fundamentals. Today, public policy is a critical enabler of robust government–industry engagement, examining the challenges and opportunities facing governments and organisations, while delving into everything from business strategy and geopolitics to trade law and sustainability,” said Atul K. Thakur, Senior Secretary, PHDCCI, in his opening remarks.
Chief Guest Rajeev Agrawal, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC), Government of Chhattisgarh, emphasised the significance of global awareness for both public and private sector stakeholders. “Understanding the ins and outs of cross-border trade and global governance is invaluable. Chhattisgarh is known for its progressive investment policy backed by a single-window system and other supportive mechanisms. Whether it is infrastructure, connectivity, or the commitment to sustainable industrial development, the state offers unique policy advantages for investment and business,” he said.
He added, “We must value our own capabilities, and recognise that global challenges also present opportunities. India’s track record shows that it emerges stronger from every crisis. Chhattisgarh’s New Industrial Policy will elevate the state to new heights, generating quality employment and ensuring balanced economic growth. PHDCCI’s initiative in creating a public policy dialogue platform is commendable.”
Mehul Gupta, Head, Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs, Visa India, highlighted Visa’s efforts in strengthening digital payments and supporting MSMEs across states through safer payment solutions, skilling, and technology enablement.
With a sharper understanding of the global business environment—and the ways in which governments and private organisations can drive lasting social and economic change across India—PHDCCI’s State Development Council has launched a new policy dialogue and government–industry outreach series titled India Business & Public Policy Forum.
The programme, attended by senior policymakers and business leaders, aimed to bridge the gap between business and public policy and empower stakeholders to create impact within and beyond India’s borders.
Speakers at the Raipur Forum included:
- O. P. Banjare, General Manager & Incharge (IPPD Cell), CSIDC
- Bharat Bajaj, Chair, Chhattisgarh State Chapter, PHDCCI & Partner, Medichem
- Lt. General Ashok Jindal (PVSM, AVSM, YSM – Retd.), Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Raipur
- Dr Hulas Pathak, Professor & Head (DABRM); Head & PI-CEO, RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri-Business Incubator (IGKV R-ABI), Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur
- Lokesh Kumar Parganiha, Joint Director & HoO, MSME DFO-Raipur, Government of India
- R. Sridhar, Vice Chancellor, Kalinga University
- Jaspreet Singh Bhatia, President, Chhattisgarh Travel Trade Association (CGTTA) / Vice President, Tourism India Alliance (TIA) / Chair – Chhattisgarh, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO)
- Debabrata Chakraborty, Regional Sales Manager, Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd.
