Chennai: The Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has announced its new office bearers following its 116th Annual General Meeting held in Chennai.
Mr. V. N. Shiva Shankar, Founder of VNS Legal, has been elected as the President of SICCI for the upcoming year. Mr. AMPA. Palaniappan, Managing Director of AMPA GROUP, has been elected as Senior Vice President, while Dr. J. Rafiq Ahmed, Executive Chairman, Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited (KICL), has been appointed as Vice President.
With extensive experience spanning logistics and industrial manufacturing, Dr. J. Rafiq Ahmed has played a key role in KICL’s revival and diversification across non-leather footwear manufacturing, drone technology, geospatial solutions, fertilizers and hospitality, while also driving initiatives focused on rural employment and skill development across Tamil Nadu.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr. J. Rafiq Ahmed said, “India is looking to grow into an economic superpower, and SICCI will try to contribute as much as possible. MSMEs are very important, and I believe doing is better than talking. I will try to do something good for society.”
The new leadership at SICCI is expected to further strengthen industry–government collaboration, support MSMEs and promote sustainable economic and industrial development across Southern India.