Many Small Scale Industries (SSIs) are sick in the State. For instance take the SSIs at the Peenya Industrial Estate. Is the FKCCI making any efforts to help them?

In the changing scenario of trade and commerce in the state, what kind of role does FKCCI play?

FKCCI plays a pro-active role in the trade and commerce of the state. We help the state in the preparation of its budget. We take the problems of traders to the notice of the concerned ministers in the State and at the Centre.

What are the major problems faced by the trading community in the state?

Infrastructure (roads, power, transportation, etc.) is the major problem the trading and industrial community is facing. To mention few other major problems, faced by the traders are: Finances, Bangalore Mahanagara Palike taxes, and the Sales Taxes that are being levied by the State.

How is the response from the State Government?

The response to the plea of traders for any help is encouraging from the government, especially from the Chief Minister, S.M. Krishna and Minister for Industries, R.V. Deshpande.

Considering the backdrop of the IT revolution in Bangalore, what are the organizational changes made to FKCCI?

FKCCI office has been computerised completely. However, no direct influence has been caused to FKCCI due to the IT revolution in Bangalore.

Where are the FKCCI branches in the state? Any more branch expansion plans in the near future?

No. FKCCI has no branches. But the district chambers of commerce and industries are our associates. FKCCI is the apex body among the trade bodies in the state. There is no such necessity of establishing branches of FKCCI.

Compared to the other states' chambers of commerce, where does FKCCI stand
(which rank)?

To tell in the words of the immediate past president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mr Sudhir Jalan, "FKCCI is the best chambers in the south of India." Nobody gives ranks to Chambers of Commerce in the country.

Apart from IT industry, in which areas is Karnataka emerging as a contender?

Karnataka has a leading edge in the country in the sectors of bio-technology, pharmaceuticals, floriculture, horticulture, education, management studies, medical education and food processing sectors.

Does FKCCI have members from the IT sector?

Yes. 50 or 60 members of FKCCI are from IT sector.

Any further expansion of FKCCI in Bangalore city?

Yes. We want to move out to the suburbs of the city to have a spacious and modern building including conference halls and other modern trade facilities. We are looking for a suitable site for the same.

What is the total number of members of FKCCI?

FKCCI has 2,100 members, which includes 150 trade associations and chambers of commerce.

FKCCI was at the forefront in beautifying Bangalore and responding to the civic problems. Now how are you working on that front?

Once the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike completes its current beautification programme (the BMP is currently on the city beautification programmes like installing modern bus-shelters) we will take it up and continue.

Can you mention the activities of FKCCI outside of Bangalore?

We have conducted trade meets in rural areas like in the districts of Mysore, Hubli, Dharwad, Gadag, Gulburga and Mangalore in the state. FKCCI has focussed on the infrastructure especially, roads in Karnataka.

How does the FKCCI help the member-traders? What is the advantage for a trader if he becomes a member?

FKCCI receives trade delegations from within the country and other countries to have tie-ups with the traders in the state. We provide information about general trade and conduct training programmes for the member traders in trade-related activities. Recently, we have started a Helpline on direct and indirect taxes for our members. Mysore Commerce is a monthly journal brought out by the FKCCI to herald general trade information to its members.