ASSOCHAM, Headquarters, Councils, Contributions, Chambers

ASSOCHAM Full Form is the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Considered to be the oldest industrial organisation, this organisation collaborates with businessmen and the government to ensure both get the maximum benefits. All types of industries are covered by this ASSOCHAM Organisation including Micro, Small and Medium industries. 

ASSOCHAM Full Form

ASSOCHAM stands for Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The foundation of the organisation was laid down in the year 1920 with the headquarters located in New Delhi. The goal was to work in the interest of the trade and commerce sector of the country. ASSOCHAM has been actively promoting international and domestic all over India and has managed to reduce the barriers for the businessmen and traders who have helped them expand the business internationally. 

ASSOCHAM Historical Background

In 1920, ASSOCHAM was founded. During this british era, around 4,50,000 members were part of this organisation and focused on micro, small and medium industries. Over the years, ASSOCHAM has managed to collaborate and bring under 400 organisations and regional businesses under itself through its dedication and excellence. 

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ASSOCHAM Councils

ASSOCHAM has built its impact through its reliability and credibility has gained the position of acting like a bridge in between the people and the government. To make the trade and business practices smoother, the council initiates dialogue between organisations and helps to club them together. 

More than 100 councils of all the sectors, be it national or regional sectors, are associated with Assocham. All the councils are led by well-known industrialists who are a part of the Assocham. The big industrialists and top academicians, professionals, and philanthropists are part of Assocham.

ASSOCHAM Strategic Priorities 

Assocham has strategic strengths to work with full-fledged efficiency. The strategies include: 

1. Sustainability
2. Empowerment
3. Entrepreneurship
4. Digitization

These four above are called the pillars of Assocham as it helps proper functioning. These pillars of strength were chosen for their effectiveness, with the belief that focusing on these four aspects would enable the organization to grow stronger and effectively serve both the Government and traders.

ASSOCHAM Contributions 

Since its establishment in 1920, Assocham has played a pivotal role in transforming Indian business. Founded during British rule, its creation was a historic milestone, addressing the need for an Indian-led organization in a commerce sector dominated by the British, who were profiting immensely from Indian trade. While the foundation of Assocham was laid by the Calcutta Trades Commerce, the Madras and Bombay Commerce Chambers, being more commercially advanced at the time, significantly influenced its formation. British traders maximized their gains from Indian businesses, with Calcutta serving as a major trade hub and Bengal as the legislative seat. Key commodities like indigo, tea, jute, and cotton attracted British investment, leading to large-scale exports and profits. However, business dynamics shifted after the Partition of Bengal, causing disruptions. Twelve years after the war ended, a renewed push for a national business organization led to Assocham becoming fully functional and operational, marking a significant step in India’s economic evolution.

ASSOCHAM Chambers 

ASSOCHAM has twelve chambers. They are: 

1. Bengal Chamber of Commerce
2. Bombay Chamber of Commerce
3. Burma Chamber of Commerce
4. Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
5. Chittagong Chamber of Commerce
6. Cochin Chamber of Commerce
7. Cocanada Chamber of Commerce
8. Karachi Chamber of Commerce
9. Madras Chamber of Commerce
10. Panjab Chamber of Commerce
11. Narayanganj Chamber of Commerce
12. Tuticorin Chamber of Commerce

The Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India has helped in the expansion of Indian businesses all over the globe. Thanks to the organization's relentless efforts, India has excelled in the global trade market, setting a benchmark for both the quality and quantity of its reliable goods and products.