A Dialogue with Mr. Kamlesh Varshney, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Government of India and EY Tax Partners to Discuss the Recent Amendments in the Finance Bill 2020 w.r.t to ‘Key Amendments in the Finance Bill 2020: Extension of Scope of Equalization Levy to Cover e-Commerce Supply or Services 31st March 2020

American Chamber of Commerce in India
Apex Chamber of U.S. Industry in India

A Dialogue with Mr. Kamlesh Varshney, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Government of India and EY Tax Partners to Discuss the Recent Amendments in the Finance Bill 2020 w.r.t to ‘Key Amendments in the Finance Bill 2020: Extension of Scope of Equalization Levy to Cover e-Commerce Supply or Services – 31st March 2020

On March 31st, AMCHAM India collaborated with EY India on a dialogue between Mr. Kamlesh Varshney, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Government of India and EY Tax partners to discuss the recent amendments in the Finance Bill 2020 w.r.t to ‘Key Amendments in the Finance Bill 2020: Extension of Scope of Equalization Levy to Cover E-Commerce Supply or Services’ (via concall). The session commenced with EY India welcoming participants on the call and setting the stage for the discussion.

Through his remarks Mr. Kamlesh Varshney, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, shared insights on the scope of the Equalization Levy which will cover e-commerce supply or services w.e.f. 1st April 2020. The Q&A session addressed key concerns of companies with regards the Equalization Levy. In his final comments Mr. Varshney stated that further updates and clarifications on the Equalization Levy would be shared by the Government of India.

Membership

By joining AMCHAM India, you become part of an active and dynamic Apex Chamber of U.S. Industry in India with a membership base of more than 400 American companies in India. AMCHAM is an important voice for policy advocacy, a critical source for business intelligence, a vibrant platform for networking and expanding your business.

Karnataka Chapter Interaction with Consul General Robert G. Burgess and Mr. Manoj Desai, Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Consulate General Chennai 31st March 2020

American Chamber of Commerce in India
Apex Chamber of U.S. Industry in India

Karnataka Chapter Interaction with Consul General Robert G. Burgess and Mr. Manoj Desai, Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Consulate General Chennai – 31st April 2020

The Karnataka Chapter of AMCHAM hosted an interaction on March 31st with Consul General Robert G. Burgess and Mr. Manoj Desai, Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Consulate Chennai, on the recent COVID-19 crisis. Members were briefed on the steps taken by the U.S. Consulate during the lockdown period and members shared their challenges and concerns with the Consulate. Consul General Burgess talked about the initiatives being taken by the U.S. Consulate for U.S. citizens and for companies doing business in India by the Commercial Service. Company leaders from Timken, Saggezza, Collins Aerospace, PwC, Synopsys, GE and others shared their concerns with the Consulate.

Membership

By joining AMCHAM India, you become part of an active and dynamic Apex Chamber of U.S. Industry in India with a membership base of more than 400 American companies in India. AMCHAM is an important voice for policy advocacy, a critical source for business intelligence, a vibrant platform for networking and expanding your business.

Taxation, Tariff & Regulatory Affairs Committee Meeting 30th March 2020

American Chamber of Commerce in India
Apex Chamber of U.S. Industry in India

Taxation, Tariff & Regulatory Affairs Committee Meeting – 30th March 2020

AMCHAM’s Taxation, Tariff & Regulatory Affairs Committee met over a con-call on March 30th to discuss steps to be taken towards discussions with members and possible representation from AMCHAM on the new Equalisation Levy proposed in Finance Act 2020. The discussion was led by Mr. Naveen Agarwal, Designate Chairman – Taxation, Tariff & Regulatory Affairs Committee, AMCHAM and Partner International Tax and Partner in Charge U.S. Corridor, KPMG in India and Ms. Neeru Ahuja, Designate Co-Chairperson – Taxation, Tariff & Regulatory Affairs Committee, AMCHAM and Partner – Global Business Tax, Deloitte Haskins & Sells.

The committee decided to make a representation to the Hon’ble Finance Minister bringing out concerns of AMCHAM members on the issue of Equalisation Levy. The committee also decided to host a webinar for members on this issue as well as other Finance Act 2020 points. Representation to the Finance Minister has since been made and can be viewed HERE. A webinar on the concerns in issue has been planned for April 6th.

Membership

By joining AMCHAM India, you become part of an active and dynamic Apex Chamber of U.S. Industry in India with a membership base of more than 400 American companies in India. AMCHAM is an important voice for policy advocacy, a critical source for business intelligence, a vibrant platform for networking and expanding your business.

Webinar on COVID-19 in India – Updates and Strategies: An HR Perspective 27th March 2020

American Chamber of Commerce in India
Apex Chamber of U.S. Industry in India

Webinar on COVID-19 in India – Updates and Strategies: An HR Perspective – 27th March 2020

In the wake of COVID-19 and its massive impact on businesses, in particular HR aspects, AMCHAM’s HR Committee, in collaboration with Sannam S4, organized an interactive webinar on ‘COVID-19 in India – Updates and Strategies: An HR Perspective’ on March 27th. The panelists included Ms. Susmita Sen, Head of HR Advisory, Sannam S4, Mr. Abhinav Sood, Head of Client Relations & International Projects-Financial Consulting, Sannam S4 and Ms. Ranjana Khanna, Director General CEO, AMCHAM. The webinar focused on pertinent issues like retrenchment, appraisals, employee motivation and engagements, leadership and remote working situations, amongst others. The panelists touched upon important points needed in the prevailing challenging times. They informed participants about the three pillars as dictated by the International Labor Organization – protecting workforce, stimulating economy and supporting jobs.

They also spoke about the importance of proper appraisals that should be done in isolation from the present timeframe and the importance of identifying key performers. The importance of proper documentation and compliance was also brought up during the discussion. The leaders were asked to show dynamism in this rapidly changing scenario. Issues and challenges in remote working were discussed along with some suggestive measures to overcome them. Around 80 participants attended the webinar. The webinar concluded with a vote of thanks by AMCHAM India and Sannam S4.

Membership

By joining AMCHAM India, you become part of an active and dynamic Apex Chamber of U.S. Industry in India with a membership base of more than 400 American companies in India. AMCHAM is an important voice for policy advocacy, a critical source for business intelligence, a vibrant platform for networking and expanding your business.

Hyderabad Chapter supported TiE Talks: Complete Lockdown – All You Need To Know 27th March 2020

American Chamber of Commerce in India
Apex Chamber of U.S. Industry in India

Hyderabad Chapter supported TiE Talks: Complete Lockdown – All You Need To Know – 27th March 2020

AMCHAM’s Hyderabad Chapter supported a webinar by TiE (The Indus Entreprenuers) Hyderabad on ‘TiE Talks: Complete Lockdown – All You Need to Know’ on March 27th. The webinar featured the following speakers: Mr. Jayesh Ranjan IAS, (IT & Industries), Mr. VC Sajjanar IPS, (Cyberabad Commissioner of Police) and Dr. G Srinivasa Rao (Public Health Dept.) in conversation with Mr. Viiveck Verma, Board Member of TiE Hyderabad. was held on March 27th from 3:00 p.m. onwards. The webinar started off with Mr. Viiveck Verma introducing the panelists. Dr. G Srinivasa Rao, Director, Public Health Dept, Govt of Telangana, said that of the 47 cases 35 were cured. There were about 1,600 foreign returnees and the lockdown has been initiated to break the chain of transmission. He said that things were under control now and being closely monitored.

Mr. Jayesh Ranjan said that 95% of the IT workforce was working from home and the remaining 5% were given passes for the critical resources they handle. The SCSC could be contacted for passes and after due verification, the passes would be issued by the concerned officer. Broadband uptake has gone up by at least 30%. All four carriers have identified high demand areas and willing to work with the neighborhoods to get the additional infrastructure up and running. There seems no major complaints about broadband speeds. DSCI cybersecurity would be working on strengthening security.

Mr. V C Sajjanar requested members to abide by the rules and ensure that public do their shopping for groceries etc. only within the 3 km range of their residence, that was specified. He also requested that others stay at home and stay safe. A COVID-19 control room has been set up and public could contact them for anything. He request the public not to panic but follow the instructions of the Healthcare Department and take whatever precautions needed.

Membership

By joining AMCHAM India, you become part of an active and dynamic Apex Chamber of U.S. Industry in India with a membership base of more than 400 American companies in India. AMCHAM is an important voice for policy advocacy, a critical source for business intelligence, a vibrant platform for networking and expanding your business.

Discussion on Business Challenges and Best Practices of Western Region Companies in the Times of COVID-19 26th March 2020

American Chamber of Commerce in India
Apex Chamber of U.S. Industry in India

Discussion on Business Challenges and Best Practices of Western Region Companies in the Times of COVID-19 – 26th March 2020

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.

Membership

By joining AMCHAM India, you become part of an active and dynamic Apex Chamber of U.S. Industry in India with a membership base of more than 400 American companies in India. AMCHAM is an important voice for policy advocacy, a critical source for business intelligence, a vibrant platform for networking and expanding your business.