The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) is one of the apex trade associations of India, representing the interests of trade and industry across the country. It functions as a non-governmental, not-for-profit body that engages with policymakers, regulators and the international business community on behalf of its member chambers and corporate members.
| ASSOCHAM | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India |
| Type | Apex trade association (not-for-profit) |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| Area served | India |
| Membership | Chambers of commerce, industry associations and corporate members |
ASSOCHAM is among the oldest apex chambers in India, formed by the federation of regional chambers of commerce that had been established during the colonial era to represent business interests. It works alongside other national bodies such as FICCI and the Confederation of Indian Industry in shaping industry positions on national economic policy.
The chamber's principal activities include policy advocacy, industry research, and the organisation of conferences, summits and bilateral business interactions. Its work spans a wide range of sectors covered through dedicated councils and committees, including:
ASSOCHAM is led by an elected leadership comprising a President, Senior Vice-President and Vice-President drawn from industry, supported by a Secretary General who heads the secretariat. Its membership is built around a federation of state and regional chambers of commerce together with direct corporate members, ranging from large enterprises to small and medium businesses. Specialised national councils, expert committees and task forces drive its sectoral work and policy submissions to the central and state governments.
The chamber regularly submits pre-Budget memoranda to the Ministry of Finance, recommendations to the NITI Aayog and inputs to various ministries on draft legislation, taxation, foreign trade policy and regulatory reform. It also serves on a range of consultative committees constituted by the Government of India.
ASSOCHAM maintains cooperation agreements and joint business councils with chambers of commerce and trade promotion organisations in several countries. It facilitates incoming and outgoing trade delegations, partners on country-focused business summits and supports Indian companies in exploring overseas markets.
As an apex industry body, ASSOCHAM plays a notable role in articulating private-sector views on India's economic policy, taxation, ease of doing business and trade negotiations. Its publications, sectoral studies and conferences contribute to public discussion on industrial competitiveness, investment climate and regulatory reform in India.