On May 7th 2020, AMCHAM organized an exclusive webinar interaction with senior leadership of Department of Industries, Government of Maharashtra, on ‘COVID-19 Operational Challenges During Lockdown and the Way Forward.’ The session commenced with Mr. Sudhir Shenoy, Chairman – Western Region, AMCHAM and CEO, Dow Chemical International, who set the context of the discussion through his welcome address. This was followed by an address by Mr. David J. Ranz, Consul General, U.S. Consulate General Mumbai, who appreciated the support that U.S. companies have received from the state government by the timely interventions and guidance.

Through his keynote address Mr. B. Venugopal Reddy, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries, State Government of Maharashtra, spoke of the measures undertaken by the state government to enable an ease of doing business and urged AMCHAM members for their support in researching solutions that can enable business continuity in the event of an increased intensity of COVID-19. Dr. P Anbalgan, CEO, MIDC, shared an overview of the resolution of macro issues especially with respect to facilitation of movement of goods and manufacturing of essential commodities in the state.

Mr. Bhushan Gagrani, Principal Secretary, State Coordination, COVID Response Team and Industrial Investments, urged members to reach out to the government authorities who will try to resolve individual company issues in the best way possible. The interactive Q&A touched upon crucial challenges faced by various industry sectors. 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 Private Limited.