CICU-Axis Bank ‘Trade Connect’ brings 150+ Ludhiana Exporters together; Focus on global trade challenges, new FTAs and export growth

Ludhiana, November 14, 2026: With global trade undergoing significant changes amid evolving international policies, new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and geopolitical uncertainties, the Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU), in collaboration with Axis Bank, organised ‘Trade Connect – Ludhiana’ at Hotel Park Plaza, Ludhiana, bringing together more than 150 exporters, industrialists and business representatives for an insightful interaction on strengthening India's export competitiveness. The event provided an important platform for the industrial fraternity to interact directly with senior banking professionals, government representatives and industry experts on emerging international trade opportunities, export financing, foreign exchange management, digital banking solutions and the challenges confronting exporters.
Upkar Singh Ahuja, President, CICU, emphasised that Punjab's industrial sector has immense potential to expand its international footprint, provided exporters receive timely institutional support, policy facilitation and access to global markets. He stated, "Punjab has the manufacturing strength, entrepreneurial spirit and industrial capabilities to emerge as a much stronger player in international trade. Our objective should be to double exports from Punjab to global markets. However, achieving this vision requires close coordination between industry, government and financial institutions. Platforms like Trade Connect are extremely important as they bring all stakeholders together, help exporters understand emerging opportunities and provide practical solutions to their business challenges. CICU will continue to work towards creating an enabling ecosystem where even small and medium enterprises can confidently explore international markets."
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Didarjit Singh, Vice President, CICU, who welcomed the distinguished speakers and participating exporters and highlighted the importance of industry–banking partnerships in facilitating trade and supporting the growth of businesses. Prashanth T.S., Group Head – Large Corporates, Mid Corporates and Medium Enterprises Group, Axis Bank, addressed the gathering on ‘Growing Together with Ludhiana's Industry’, highlighting the importance of strengthening relationships with the industrial sector through comprehensive banking solutions. Adding the industry's perspective, Dr. Ravinder Verma, Chairman and Managing Director, Ganga Acrowools Ltd., shared his client testimonial, while Ratul Mukhopadhyay, Group Head – Small Enterprises Group, Commercial Banking, Axis Bank, discussed the opportunities and challenges faced by MSMEs in the evolving business environment.
A major highlight of the event was a panel discussion on ‘Global Trade Challenges, India's New FTAs and Government Initiatives’, which generated considerable interest among participating exporters. The panel featured Dr. S.B. Singh, Joint Seceretary, CICU; Sarvajit Singh, Convenor, Exports Committee, CICU; Vishal Mehra, Group Head, Large Corporates (North & East), Axis Bank; and Darpan Gandhi, Regional Head, Mid Corporates, North, Axis Bank. The discussion was moderated by Ajay Bharti, Finance Secretary, CICU.
The panel deliberated on the changing dynamics of international trade, global market uncertainties, India's expanding network of Free Trade Agreements, government initiatives for export promotion and the need for Indian manufacturers to diversify their export destinations. The discussion also provided exporters an opportunity to understand the practical implications of evolving trade policies, explore government support mechanisms and identify opportunities for expanding their international business operations.
Moving beyond conventional banking and financing, the event also focused on the growing role of financial institutions in supporting exporters through efficient cash flow management, forex solutions, digital services and supply-chain financing.
Reynold D'Souza, Group Head – Branch Banking, BCU and TASC, Axis Bank, spoke on the ‘Role of Branch Banking in Managing End-to-End Cash Flow for Companies’, highlighting the importance of effective banking support in ensuring smooth business operations.
Jai Balasundaram, Group Head – Wholesale Banking Services, Axis Bank, shared insights on ‘How AI Is Bringing Effective Change in Trade Branch Services’, explaining how technology and artificial intelligence are transforming banking processes and improving service delivery.
Another significant session was a panel discussion on ‘Beyond Financing: How Banks Can Help Businesses Manage Forex and Global Disruptions and Strengthen Supply Chains’, which also covered Axis Bank's Trade and Digital Solutions and key highlights of FEMA 23.
The panel included Prashanth T.S., Group Head – LC, MC & MEG; Reynold D'Souza, Group Head – Branch Banking, BCU and TASC; Abhishek Jain, Head – Trade Product; Pooja, Head – Treasury Sales (North & East); and Mukta Malik, Trade Sales Segment Head, Axis Bank.
The discussion focused on the increasing importance of foreign exchange risk management, international payment solutions, digital trade services and supply-chain resilience, particularly at a time when exporters are navigating currency fluctuations and disruptions in global markets.
Sarvajit Singh, Convenor, Exports Committee, CICU, highlighted the importance of continuous engagement between exporters, government departments and financial institutions to address practical challenges in international trade. He emphasised that awareness of government policies, export procedures and banking solutions is essential for enabling MSMEs to become globally competitive.
The programme concluded with Honey Sethi, General Secretary, CICU, delivering the vote of thanks. He appreciated Axis Bank for its collaboration and acknowledged the valuable contributions of all speakers, government representatives, industry leaders and participating exporters. He reiterated that CICU remains committed to providing meaningful platforms for knowledge-sharing, policy interaction and business networking, enabling the industrial community to stay informed about changing global trade requirements and emerging opportunities. The event concluded with a networking dinner, allowing exporters, industry representatives and banking professionals to exchange ideas, explore business associations and strengthen professional relationships.