Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI)

There is a lot we can learn from Kerala’s port strategy – when the project is strategic, politics must step aside. The Vizhinjam International Seaport faced its share of opposition over transparency, choice of private partner, environment, and politics. Yet, the project has gone ahead in favour of economic growth, job creation and national interest. Goa must take note. We have many critical industry projects, education facilities, infrastructure and transport expansions that have stalled. Debate is necessary, but endless delays, vested interests and politics stop growth and we risk losing our brightest youth and best businesses to other states. A Goan model of development must balance heritage and ecology with livelihoods and growth. 

To unlock the next phase of growth in Goa, we must embrace an industry-led, multi- stakeholder dialogue. Let us bring together government leaders, industry captains, and changemakers across sectors – tourism, manufacturing, education, environment, logistics, health, technology, entertainment, etc. These conversations will help provide strategic clarity and actionable outcomes. We believe it is time for industry to not only participate in such inclusive and open dialogues but lead such initiatives for helping create a development model for Goa that is of the people, for the people and by the people. I firmly believe this continuous dialogue will help us achieve Inclusive and Sustainable Growth for Goa.