In July and August 2023, the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce conducted a series of networking & exchange events across India to illuminate the path toward sustainable business growth through responsible business practices.
Focusing on the growing need for due diligence processes and grievance mechanisms, the events served to empower Indian companies to secure and grow their business potential in foreign markets in light of the new German and EU laws.
As part of the initiative ‘FairVoice’, the series of events on ‘Supply Chain Integrity: Safeguarding Business Models with Inter-Company Grievance Mechanisms’ were conducted by IGCC SustainMarkets and Alliance for Integrity with knowledge partner Ernst & Young India.
Participants gained valuable insights through expert discussions, company best practices, and interactive sessions. Technical experts Indras Ghosh, Head – IGCC SustainMarkets, Seema Choudhary, Network Manager India & Digital Coordinator – Alliance for Integrity/GIZ, and Poorva Grover, Director – Forensic & Integrity Services, Ernst & Young (EY) India shed light on the global shift towards due diligence, including legal requirements and the business case for the ‘inter-company’ grievance mechanism.
Promoting ‘Supply Chain Integrity’ in three vibrant cities – Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Chennai – the events were conducted in collaboration with our respective regional partners.
Kolkata
On 27 July 2023, the roadshow kicked off in West Bengal. The event in ‘the City of Joy’ was conducted in collaboration with the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCC&I).
The inauguration was done by Manfred Auster – Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Kolkata, Gautam Ray – President Designate BCC&I, and Tom Reiner – Regional Director of IGCC, Kolkata. The esteemed guests remarked on the consumer-driven regulations and competitive opportunities for not only quality but also human rights and environmental standards. IGCC’s newly appointed regional director in Kolkata also highlighted the Indian context-tailored and practice-proven approach to the development of FairVoice and initiatives to promote a responsible business culture.
The technical session facilitated knowledge sharing by inputs from IGCC and EY India as well as best practice insights. Anil Kariwala, Founder and CEO – Kariwala Industries Limited shared his unique perspective on the potential of holistic grievance mechanisms for worker protection and satisfaction. The session was closed by Angana Guha Roy Chowdhury, Assistant Director General - BCC&I.
Ahmedabad
The session in Ahmedabad was conducted with the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) on 4 August 2023. The intimate set-up of the event shifted the focus to responsible business practices and their impact on sourcing, export potential, and sustainable growth in Gujarat.
Anil Jain, Executive Committee Member GCCI and Ute Brockmann, Deputy Director General – IGCC inaugurated the session, highlighting the value of strong international relationships and cooperation to drive sustainability.
In addition to the technical input from IGCC, Alliance for Integrity and EY India, an engaging session by Rakesh Nathwani, Director – Deutz Engines India Pvt. Ltd. shed light on best practices for operating a grievance mechanism. A Q&A was followed by closing remarks from Sandeep Engineer, Sr. Vice President – GCCI.
Chennai
The event in Chennai on 10 August 2023, conducted in collaboration with the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), emphasised the value of a proactive business culture that goes beyond compliance to sustain reputation and growth.
The welcome and opening remarks were given by Gabriele Manig – Deputy Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai, Naveen Kolathur, Co-Chair – SICCI Supply Chain Management Committee and VP Head – Service Quality of DHL IT Services, and Mallikarjuna Shivasharanappa – Regional Director of IGCC, Chennai.
The event showcased the significance of well-functioning grievance mechanisms to ensure long-term business growth through regional best practices shared by Bharath Mohandass Gandhi, Senior Manager – Daimler Truck and Niranjan Kumar, Chief Operating Officer – Blaermotors Pvt. Ltd. Following a lively and interactive Q&A session, the event was closed by Capt. K.G. Ramakrishnan, Director – Ben Line Agencies India Pvt. Ltd. and Member of SICCI.
Prospects
The discussions and takeaways from West Bengal, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu cut across industries and emphasised the need for continuous improvement of responsible business practices, and the integration of ethical considerations into business operations and the supply chain to remain competitive and compliant.
Accordingly, FairVoice aims to support the Indo-German business community in realising its sustainable growth potential. FairVoice is an ‘Inter-Company’ Grievance Mechanism handled by subject matter experts that provides a clear, formalised mechanism to address human rights, environmental and business integrity concerns across the supply chain.
If your company is interested in joining FairVoice free of cost this year, please click here to apply or write to us at sustainmarkets(at)indo-german.com to know more.
This initiative was undertaken in collaboration with the Business Scouts for Development programme, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
