On March 26th, AMCHAM organized a discussion on business challenges and best practices of Western Region member Companies in the times of COVID-19 via concall. The session was well attended by regional members. The call began with opening remarks by Ms. Surabhi Wahal, Regional Director – Western Region, AMCHAM. This was followed by a welcome address and setting the scene by Mr. Sudhir Shenoy, Chairman – Western Region, AMCHAM and CEO, Dow Chemical International. Mr. Shenoy stated that during this time of adversity U.S. companies should collaborate together as a fraternity to support each other, learn from each other’s experiences, best practices and also find ways to support and give back to society.

Through their remarks, Ms. Brenda VanHorn, Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Consulate General Mumbai and Mr. Christopher Grossman, Chief Economic & Political Affairs, U.S. Consulate General Mumbai, shared the commitment of the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai in providing support to U.S. companies in India on their concerns and challenges. They are also shared that in the present situation essential services – medical, IT, transportation, supply chain and financial service sectors were of top priority for both governments. In the open discussion that followed, members discussed key challenges, experiences, success stories, updates on notifications, etc.

Members were encouraged to share a note on challenges/concerns with AMCHAM for suitable representations with the state and central government. The session concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks by Mr. Sarthak Ranade, Vice Chairman – Western Region, AMCHAM and Managing Director – Janssen India, Johnson & Johnson. Mr. Ranade concluded by emphasizing that member companies should come together to support the government through these unprecedented and challenging times through their CSR initiatives.