Report on EXIM Conclave 2026
The EXIM Conclave 2026 was organised on Saturday, 7th March 2026 in Bharuch. It was a collaborative effort by the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) and the Bharuch District Management Association (BDMA), supported by the Industries Commissionerate, Government of Gujarat, and the Quality Council of India (QCI). Around 35 students from the second year MBA programme of NCM along with two faculties, namely Ms. Iram Khan and Ms Rakhi Thakkar participated in this event. The conclave aimed to address the strategic growth of the Bharuch-Dahej-Ankleshwar industrial belt and its role as a global export-import cluster.
The inaugural session commenced at 10:00 AM with a welcome address by Mr. Devang Thakore, President of BDMA, followed by Dr. Sunil Bhatt, Vice President HR at GFL, who also shared his insights during the opening ceremony. The morning sessions transitioned into a detailed discussion on the development of the Dahej SEZ as a high-efficiency corridor, led by Mr. Anupam Kumar (ITS Development Commissioner). This was followed by a technical panel discussion featuring Ms. Manisha Thaker (Vice President, Trialliance Global Solutions) and Ms. Pooja Sant (Manager, Logibeats Freight Services Pvt. Ltd.), who explored methods for optimizing port and multi-modal logistics within the surrounding industrial areas.
After a networking lunch, the afternoon sessions focused on compliance and financial frameworks. Dr. Bhumi Rajyaguru Joint Director (NABL), Quality Council of India highlighted the strategic benefits of NABL accreditation for local exporters. Subsequently, Mr. Vaishal Shah, Senior Vice President at India EXIM Finserve, provided a deep dive into trade finance, risk management, and various export incentives available to businesses. These sessions provided the audience with practical tools for navigating the complexities of international trade.
The final segment of the conclave focused on human capital, with a panel discussion on building future-ready talent for the regional industrial belt. Key insights were provided by Dr. Chetna Makwana, Professor & In-charge Director, Narmada College of Management, and Dr. Hitesh Bhatia, Dean & Professor, Business & Law at Navrachana University.
The event successfully bridged the gap between industry requirements and academic preparation, reinforcing Bharuch’s position as a vital hub for Gujarat’s international trade ambitions.
