News

Digital Marketing Techniques for Business Growth

November 30, 2021 - The first session of the workshop on digital marketing techniques for business growth was held with Mr. Subhobroto Chakraborty, Founder, thedigitalfellow.com as the speaker. He explained the basics of search engine optimization, email marketing, social media marketing, mobile marketing, online video marketing, web analytics etc. Mr. Chakroborty listed the skills required to perform digital marketing. He pointed out that that traditional marketing methods are very different from digital. The approach used to reach out to potential customers during awareness, consideration and conversion stages are entirely different. He explained the process of off site and on site search engine optimization and why both need to be done separately. He also shared his observation that in India, most websites are viewed on mobile devices and a UI expert in addition to the website designer has to be assigned to this task. He also added that it is not possible to see results overnight with processes such as process understanding, competition analysis, person interview, buyer’s journey, brand roadmap, website, social media, campaigns etc. taking over a year to complete. The event was an opportunity for the participants to clear their queries. Read More

The Shift to Electric Vehicles: Are We Ready?

November 30, 2021 - We organized a panel discussion on “The Shift to Electric Vehicles: Are We Ready?” in association with Kerala Startup Mission and WTC Barcelona. Panelists included – Polash Das, Head eMobility, Convergence Energy Services Limited; Prity Singh, Managing Director, Elocity India; Irfan Khan, CEO, Ebikego and Sandith Thandasherry, CEO, NavAlt. Krishna Kumar, Author & Strategic Thinker; CEO, GreenPepper moderated the session Polash Das spoke about the government’s strategy to act as a facilitator to promote growth of the EV industry rather than be an active player. State governments have taken specific policies on demand, supply, infrastructure, battery disposal et. There are specific incentive schemes like performance link incentive scheme, advanced chemistry PLI scheme and the already established subsidy given to EV buyers. Prity Singh explained how the authorities are providing assistance to private manufacturers so that EVs would be made in India. She also added that in India there is more demand for 2 wheelers and now more players are emerging in that field. EV vehicles also has a lower operational cost. Sandith Thandasherry applauded the government’s efforts in mobilizing EVs and the PLI scheme that would enable Lithium cells to be built in India. Ancillary services and parts manufacturing is an opportunity for MSMEs. He also pointed out the lack of finance options for the electric boat industry. Vivek George, Manager World Trade Center and Sandeep Raj, Coordinator, WTC Kochi also spoke. Read More

Wellness through Mental Health

October 29, 2021 - We organized a webinar “How to Improve Wellness through Mental Health” in commemoration of the World Mental Health day. Dr. Jaya Sukul, Clinical Psychologist; Ms. Niharika Gurung, Career Counsellor; Ms. Ria Aggarwal, Certified NLP Practitioner were the speakers. Mr. Atul Kishore, Chief Revenue Officer, Seva At Home was the moderator. Dr. Jaya Sukul spoke about the impact of mental health on physical health. Wellness does not only mean the absence of diseases. Wellness is a holistic concept that comprises of social, physical, emotional, mental, environmental and spiritual well-being. She is of the opinion that organizations are also responsible for mental health of its employees. Ms. Niharika Gurung spoke about mental health of children. She listed some mental health issues that have their roots in childhood like – autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity etc. A common factor that occurs to most children is to worry about their future. Their traits and skills can be identified through psychological tools and appropriate career paths can be suggested. Ms. Ria Aggarwal spoke about few factors that can help people lead a more happy and balanced life. This includes – a proper sleep pattern, nutritious food, physical activity, and controlled screen time. She also demonstrated a creative visualization technique that would help relieve one of stress. This was an opportunity for participants to clear their queries with the speakers. Mr. Sandeep Raj, Coordinator, World Trade Center Kochi also spoke. Read More

Webinar series on SEZ Policies and Procedures

October 29, 2021 - We organized the second session in the webinar series on SEZ policies and procedures in association with Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs (EPCES). Mr. K.K. Pillai, Chairman, EPCES was the Keynote Speaker. Mr. Krishna Barad, Partner – Customs & International Trade, Indirect Tax – BDO India was the speaker. Mr. K.K. Pillai in his keynote address provided an overview of the services provided by EPCES. He also spoke about the initiatives taken by EPCES at Cochin SEZ. Mr. Krishna Barad explained the process of SOFTEX filing. He touched upon the Work from home guidelines adopted by SEZ authorities and key requirements for STPI/SEZ units engaged in service exports. He explained the procedures a unit should follow during its exit from SEZ, de -bonding, relocation etc. He also listed the suggestions of Baba Kalyani committee that aims to integrate employment and economic activities supported by quality infrastructure. Mr. Hrishikesh Nair, President, World Trade Center; Dr. Bose K. Nair, Regional Director, EPCES Bengaluru and Mr. Sandeep Raj, Coordinator, WTC Kochi also spoke. Read More

Plantation drive at WTC Kochi

September 30, 2021 - A plantation drive was conducted at World Trade Center Kochi campus as a part of the “Green and Swachh SEZs” campaign. The activity was held in line with the ‘’Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’’ of the Ministry of Commerce to commemorate 75th year of Indian independence. About 50 saplings of different varieties were planted around the WTC landscape. Ms. Vinitha V. Assistant Development Commissioner, Cochin Special Economic Zone and Ms. Sree Rajmohan, Regional Director, Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs were the Chief Guests. Representatives from the tenant companies also participated actively. The program was held with support of the office of the Development Commissioner, Cochin SEZ. Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs also partnered. Read More

Vaccination drives at WTC Kochi

September 30, 2021 - Multiple vaccination drives were conducted at WTC Kochi from 9 th through 13 th September 2021. Vaccinations were provided to employees as well as family members. A total of 2942 vaccines were administered. More than half of the total employees at WTC have received their second dose of the vaccination. Read More

Branding Strategies for SMEs

September 1, 2021 - World Trade Center Kochi organized an online session on “Branding Strategies for SMEs”. Mr. Ambi Parameswaran, Brand Strategist & Author was the speaker and Mr. Karnvir Mundrey, Founder & Chief Ideation Officer, Atharva Marcom moderated the session. Mr. Parameswaran spoke about how branding and marketing are closely related and interconnected. He used numerous case studies and explained how a brand can be established with limited resources and proper targeting. He opined that the pace of change in marketing has been higher than any other sector of business. A brand guarantees stickiness with the customers, better profit margins. He touched upon the concept of employee branding and how crucial it is to attracting good talent. He also busted a few myths about digital marketing. The programme was conducted in association with Indo American Chamber of Commerce (IACC). Dr. Bose Nair, Vice President, World Trade Center; Mr. Ambarish Saraf, Chairman, IACC and Mr. Vivek George, Manager, World Trade Center spoke at the event. Read More

WTC Kochi Celebrates 75th Independence Day

September 1, 2021 - The 75th Independence day was celebrated at the WTC Kochi campus. Mr. Pradeep Rajan, Manager – Facility, Word Trade Center Kochi hoisted the national flag. There was also a ceremonial march past by the security team. Read More

Trust at Workplace: The Changes and Challenges

September 1, 2021 - World Trade Center Kochi conducted a panel dicussion on Clubhouse event on “Trust at Workplace: The Changes and Challenges” in association with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Mr. Ashish Varerkar – Head-Cloud Native – L&T Infotech, Pune; Mr. Augustus Azariah, HR Leader- IBM, Bangalore; Ms. Rajasree Shenoy, HR Head – TCS Kochi; Ms Dedeepya Ajith John, Director – South & Advisory Services, APAC & India, SHRM India, Bangalore were the panellists. Mr. Anish Aravind, Co-founder, SS Consulting and NetSta Minds Pvt Ltd, Kochi was the moderator. Panelists discussed topics like trust quotient and the ways it can be improved. Trust is a trait that is gained by long term interactions. Trust goes both ways – ie the trust the organization place on the employees on delivering the KPIs as well as the trust that the employees place on the organization in protecting their interests. The speakers also dwelled upon the many methods adopted by organizations to project their top leadership as approachable, trustworthy, and employee friendly. They also stressed that the HR department is not solely responsible for establishing trust, but they merely act as facilitators. The panel also took questions from a few participants. They also discussed the ways in which they could monitor and enhance performance of the employees while they are working from home. Mr. Vivek George, Manager, World Trade Center also spoke. Read More

WTC Kochi observes World Environment Day

July 16, 2021 - The World Environment day was observed at WTC Kochi. The WTC staff planted saplings around the campus. Mr. Pradeep Rajan, Manager – Facility, WTC Kochi spoke about the importance of preserving the environment. Read More

Vaccination drive at WTC Kochi

June 28, 2021 - Multiple vaccination drives were conducted at WTC Kochi campus. These drives were held with the objective of vaccinating the employees, supporting staff and their families and thereby control the spread of the disease. A total of 3700 shots were administered during these period. Covid protocol was observed throughout the process. More camps will be held in the coming days. Read More

Recent Changes under GST, Customs and Income Tax

June 28, 2021 - The World Trade Center Kochi in association with Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Attorneys organized a webinar on Recent Changes under GST, Customs and Income Tax. Mr. Ravi Raghavan, Senior Partner; Ms. Neethu James, Partner; Mr. Rahul Jain, Joint Partner; Mr. Kalirajan D., Principal Associate and Ms. Lakshmi Ratna, Joint Partner were the Speakers. The programme discussed various changes that have been made to the GST Law as well as the decisions of the Courts/AARs/AAARs. The Speakers also explained the various relaxations and extensions offered by the Central Government and SEZ/EOU Authorities for various compliance requirements under Customs & FTP viz., APR/QPR, SOFTEX filing, MEIS/SEIS Application due date, etc. Dr. Bose Nair, Vice President, World Trade Center; Dr. Ravindranath P., Regional Chairman, IACC, Mr. Vivek George, Manager, World Trade Center also spoke. Read More