AMCHAM’s Manufacturing Committee and Supply Chain & Logistics Committee held a joint meeting on November 23rd over Webex. Ms. Surabhi Wahal, Regional Director – Western Region, AMCHAM opened the meeting and moderated. Ms. Ranjana Khanna, Director General CEO, AMCHAM welcomed participants and talked about the disruptions in the supply chain throughout the pandemic, global brand India and harmonization of standards. Mr. Sanjay Koul, Chairman – Manufacturing Committee, AMCHAM and Chairman & Managing Director, Timken India, in his opening remarks touched upon how companies across the world have mastered the art of continuing operations throughout the pandemic, road vs. rail transport and inefficiencies in the supply chain. Ms. Shilpa Ramanathan, Co-Chairperson – Supply Chain & Logistics Committee, AMCHAM and Supply Chain Leader, Becton Dickinson Private Limited, in her remarks, talked about the ease of processes, digitization and building resilience. She urged both committees to deliberate and brainstorm solutions to present to the government.

Members shared inputs and concerns around harmonization of standards, incentives/schemes, sustainable technologies, customs and shipping delays, raising freight costs and block chain, among other topics. Some topics for best practice sharing session in the future were discussed. The committees decided to create a whitepaper going forward and to continually share ideas and solutions to address manufacturing and supply chain challenges in India. AMCHAM reiterated the commitment to take up company specific challenges that members face with DPIIT. The joint committee meeting was well attended with more than 25 participants.