Category Archives: Business

SIMEST and Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Sign MoU to Boost Italy–India Economic Ties

SIMEST, the CDP Group company supporting the international growth of Italian enterprises, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), one of India’s oldest and most influential industry bodies. The agreement was formalised during the Italy–India Business Forum in Mumbai, marking a significant step towards deepening bilateral economic engagement between the two nations.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, and India’s Minister of Commerce & Industry, Sh. Piyush Goyal, by Regina Corradini D’Arienzo, CEO, SIMEST, and Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC.

This strategic partnership aims to strengthen collaboration between Italian and Indian businesses, accelerate cross-border investments, and foster new avenues for industrial and commercial cooperation. The agreement outlines a collaborative framework built around:

• Promoting joint initiatives between Italian and Indian enterprises
• Supporting bilateral investments, leveraging SIMEST’s dedicated financial instruments
• Facilitating knowledge and information exchange, including insights into investment opportunities, M&A prospects, industrial projects, and emerging startups
• Building a long-term, structured network connecting both business communities

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Regina Corradini D’Arienzo, CEO, SIMEST, said:

“The signing of this agreement with the Indian Chamber of Commerce confirms SIMEST’s clear commitment to supporting the investments of Italian companies in a key market for Made in Italy such as India, providing them with dedicated financial tools and specialised know how. The MoU forms part of the wider action of the Italian System led by the Foreign Ministry together with CDP SIMEST ICE and SACE which supports the international expansion of our productive sector and expands opportunities for economic cooperation in countries offering the highest added value for Made in Italy and ICC is happy to partner.”

Rajeev Singh, Director General, Indian Chamber of Commerce, added:

“India is one of the priority countries of the Foreign Ministry’s Export Action Plan, and SIMEST has taken concrete steps to consolidate commercial relations between the two nations. In addition to today’s agreement, in 2025 SIMEST opened an office in Delhi and launched a dedicated measure to promote Italian investments in the country.”

The agreement reinforces the shared vision of Italy and India to expand trade, investment, and industry partnerships, contributing to long-term economic growth and enhanced global competitiveness for businesses on both sides.

Tata Steel and constructsteel unveil a Steel-Based Zero Energy Building in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Chandigarh, Dec 13: Tata Steel, in partnership with constructsteel – the steel construction market-development programme of the World Steel Association – today inaugurated a pioneering steel-based Zero Energy Building (ZEB) constructed using advanced Light-Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF) technology.

T V Narendran, CEO & Managing Director of Tata Steel, inaugurated the 1,836 sq. ft. facility in the presence of Dr Edwin Basson, Director General of the World Steel Association (worldsteel). Built in just 3.5 months, the facility represents a significant step in India’s move towards net-zero, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

“The steel-based zero energy building reflects the future of construction,” commented T V Narendran. “Our partnership with constructsteel showcases how modern, energy-efficient, and low-carbon solutions can be replicated at scale across India and integrated into mainstream infrastructure.”

The LGSF technology, where precisely manufactured steel sections are assembled like a frame, allows the building to achieve a tight envelope with minimal air leakage, better insulation, and reduced energy loss. Steel makes the structure lighter, faster to build, and highly durable, while its recyclability ensures lower long-term environmental impact.

Designed to produce as much energy as it consumes, the steel-based ZEB combines ultra-low operational energy demand with on-site renewable energy generation, achieving annual net-zero energy use. The building uses high-performance glazing, well-insulated walls & roof panels, and natural ventilation wherever possible. To generate clean power on-site, it uses rooftop solar panels and Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). The building also includes rainwater harvesting and low-flow fixtures to optimise water consumption.

Rungta Tea Reports 92% Distributor Retention Over 24 Years, Announces Expansion Plans

New Delhi, Dec 13:- Rungta Tea, one of India’s leading regional tea brands, celebrates 24 years of operations with a rare achievement in FMCG distribution – they have maintained a 92% retention rate of its distributor network since launching operations. A retention rate, the company says is unusual in India’s fast-moving consumer goods sector.

Headquarters in Delhi since 2004-05, the company currently operates across North and East India with the same distributor partners it signed at inception.

“Quality, commitment, and relationships – these three principals have guided every decision for 24 years,” said Girjesh Rungta, Founder and Managing Director of Rungta Tea. “We approach all distributors as if we approach family, not channels. When you’ve sat in the distributor’s chair yourself, you understand their challenges before they even voice them.”

The company plans to accelerate expansion over the next two years, targeting growth rates that would match its 24-year trajectory, according to Mr. Rungta. He cited existing infrastructure capacity as a key enabler.

“The work we accomplished in 24 years will be replicated in the next two years,” Mr. Rungta stated. “Our infrastructure is built for companies five times our current size. We’re not building for today, we’re prepared for ten years ahead.”

Rungta Tea, operates a manufacturing facility in Siliguri with family oversight of quality control processes. The company reports testing approximately 2,000 tea samples to approve 15-20 for its premium product lines.

Known primarily through its flagship Real Gold brand, the company has expanded from its Bihar origins to serve markets in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Delhi NCR. Rajasthan has shown strong uptake for the company’s premium offerings, Mr. Rungta said.

“The business model relies on transparency and zero-cash transactions,” Mr. Rungta said. “When distributors trust the business practices, retention follows.”

Westing Management Solutions Expands into Moldova with Modern Renewable & Smart Energy Solutions

Westing Management Solutions Enters the Moldovan Market: Modern Solutions for Renewable Energy, Storage, and Smart Digitalization

Chișinău, Republic of Moldova, Dec 12:  The Republic of Moldova’s energy market continues to attract international investors. The newest player is Westing Management Solutions — a company with mixed capital from Hungary, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, part of the international Westing Management group. The investor is entering the local market with an initial investment of EUR 130,000.00 allocated for organizing and operationalizing the administrative processes in the country.

With over 15 years of experience in solar projects, BESS storage systems, and microgrids across over 10 countries, Westing Management Solutions aims to become a strategic partner in modernizing Moldova’s energy infrastructure.

Digitalization a core pillar of Westing Management Solutions’ strategy in Moldova

A distinctive element of the company is the introduction of the intelligent i-EMS platform to the Moldovan market, an integrated digital solution that offers several essential components for modernizing businesses. This includes the digitalization of technological and operational processes for industrial, commercial, and logistics companies, as well as real-time dispatching of energy consumption, production, and storage (PV + BESS + load). In addition, the platform integrates smart metering solutions for electricity, gas, water, heat, and steam, as well as modern SCADA systems compatible with existing IT infrastructure. The i-EMS solution also includes AI-powered predictive analytics, enabling the estimation of consumption and production, demand optimization, and energy trading management. The system provides complete energy management services — monitoring, incident prevention, automatic optimization, and loss reduction — as well as digital energy auditing, identifying savings potential, and recommending automated solutions.

Through these technologies, Moldovan companies can achieve 15–30% energy efficiency improvements, reducing losses and aligning their operations with European standards.

The company’s operations in the Republic of Moldova are led by Marianna Bejenar, Country Director, who coordinates relations with authorities, investors, the business environment, and technology partners, with the mission of aligning local activity with the group’s international standards.

Marianna Bejenar, Country Director of Westing Management Solutions in the Republic of Moldova:

“The Republic of Moldova is becoming increasingly attractive for energy investments due to its accelerated integration into the European market and strong commitment to the green transition. Energy market liberalization, infrastructure upgrades, and the adoption of European standards create a predictable and competitive environment for investors. At the same time, rising demand for renewable solutions and energy efficiency creates vast opportunities for innovative projects. All these factors position Moldova as an emerging market with strong potential in the energy sector.”

Future plans in the energy sector

According to Westing Management Solutions, the Republic of Moldova has the potential to become a key hub for digital solutions and renewable energy in the region.

Marianna Bejenar, Country Director of Westing Management Solutions in the Republic of Moldova:

“Our plans focus on expanding projects in the renewable energy sector and accelerating the integration of modern energy-efficiency solutions. We are committed to developing smart infrastructure capable of supporting a flexible and competitive market. At the same time, we aim to strengthen strategic partnerships and attract advanced technologies that can transform the energy sector into one that is sustainable and future-oriented.”

The company estimates sales of approximately EUR 5 million in its first year a strong signal of the potential of the country’s energy market. In the future, the company aims to develop commercial and industrial solar projects, implement BESS storage systems and smart microgrids, digitalize the energy infrastructure of medium and large companies, and create a regional hub for i-EMS solutions and dispatching. Another strategic direction involves attracting investments in green projects and digital energy infrastructure, as well as launching partnerships with authorities, companies, and institutions to accelerate the energy transition.

Mangesh Chauhan Leads Sky Gold from INR 100 Crore to INR 5,000 Crore Market Cap, Setting New Benchmarks in Jewellery Innovation

By:-  Mangesh Chauhan, Managing Director, Sky Gold & Diamonds Ltd.

Mangesh Chauhan is the Managing Director of Sky Gold & Diamonds Ltd., a market leader in lightweight gold and diamond jewellery. An entrepreneur and financial strategist, Mr. Chauhan has over two decades of experience in the gem and jewellery industry, defined by innovation, disciplined growth, and a commitment to quality.

His journey began in 2000 at Mumbai’s renowned Zaveri Bazar, where he gained hands-on exposure to the intricacies of the jewellery trade. After a formative three-year stint with a jewellery firm, he launched his own venture in 2005 with limited capital and a clear goal to transform the way jewellery is manufactured and distributed in India. By 2008, his company evolved into Sky Gold Private Limited, pivoting to in-house manufacturing and design to enhance precision, consistency, and craftsmanship.

Recognizing early the need for structure in a traditionally unorganised sector, Mr. Chauhan pioneered India’s first organised B2B business model in jewellery manufacturing. He was also quick to identify emerging shifts in consumer behaviour, entering the chain store and corporate jewellery segments well before they became industry trends. Between 2008 and 2010, he strategically positioned Sky Gold as a reliable, large-scale manufacturer, earning the trust of leading retail clients across the country.

In 2018, under his leadership, Sky Gold Ltd. was listed on the NSE SME platform at a market capitalization of ₹100 crore. The company’s performance and sustained growth led to its upgradation to the NSE main board in 2023, with a current market cap exceeding ₹5,000 crore—a reflection of Mr. Chauhan’s unmatched ability to drive long-term shareholder value.

Over the years, he has successfully led multiple rounds of equity and bank funding (2018–2024), securing the resources required for expansion. He has also driven strategic inorganic acquisitions, broadening Sky Gold’s product portfolio and integrating them seamlessly into the group to build a more diversified offering.

Mr. Chauhan has played a dual role in shaping the company’s strategic direction and financial architecture. His blend of operational insight and fiscal prudence has enabled Sky Gold to grow sustainably in a competitive market. His interpersonal skills have fostered enduring relationships with investors, clients, and employees’ alike, making trust and transparency central to the company’s ethos.

Under his leadership, Sky Gold has embraced the philosophy of “Make in Bharat for the World,” reflecting his commitment to blending Indian craftsmanship with global standards. As the company enters new global markets, Mr. Chauhan continues to inspire the next generation of jewellery entrepreneurs to pursue scale with integrity, quality, and innovation.

From ₹100 crore to ₹5,000 crore in market value, Mangesh Chauhan’s journey is a powerful testament to foresight, resilience, and the impact of purpose-led leadership in transforming an industry.

Bamboo-based kids brand Kidbea to open 100 outlets in next 24 months, eyes Rs 500 crore revenue

 Noida, Dec  12: Kidbea, India’s first bamboo-based and leading kids’ apparel and accessories brand, has announced plans to open 100 exclusive stores across the country within the next 12 to 24 months, signaling a strategic pivot from a digital-first model to becoming a full-fledged omnichannel retail presence.

The rollout follows the successful launch of the company’s first offline store at C21 Mall in Indore. The company plans to invest between Rs 50 crore and Rs 60 crore to expand its outlets, which will include both company-owned and franchise model.

Founded in 2021 by engineers-turned-entrepreneurs Swapnil Srivastav, Mohammad Hussain, Ankita Rani, and Aman Kumar Mahto, Kidbea has carved a niche by offering organic, spill-proof, and antibacterial clothing for infants and young children. The Noida-based brand is backed by early-stage investors Venture Catalysts, Agility Ventures, and BestVantage Investments, as well as noted angel investors including Nitish Mittersain, Ritesh Malik, and Japanese actor Hiro Mizushima.

As part of its broader rollout strategy, Kidbea plans to open multiple store clusters across North and West India, even as it gears up for aggressive expansion in southern markets, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Coimbatore, and Madurai.

Beyond flagship stores, the company intends to expand its reach through partnerships with over 200 multi-brand outlets, targeting both Tier 1 and Tier 2– 3 cities.

“With this expansion, we are moving beyond being a digital brand. We want to meet parents where they shop and build deeper relationships with families across India,” cofounders said in a joint statement.

The growth drive is expected to generate around 500–700 new jobs nationwide, particularly in smaller cities and towns, to build local retail teams and strengthen regional manufacturing through a network of partner factories across Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and West Bengal.

Kidbea operates a small in-house manufacturing facility and works with over 25 partner units to meet demand, maintain quality control, and keep lead times short.

India’s childcare market is expanding and is currently valued at USD 33.5 billion, of which sustainable apparel accounts for 68% of spending. Factors like urbanization, rising incomes, and a new generation of parents favoring organic fabrics are driving this trend. As per industry estimates, 67% of Indian parents factor sustainability as a major purchase decision, which is driving and the sustainable fashion market to reach USD 9 billion by 2026.

Kidbea’s products are primarily manufactured using bamboo fibre, addressing the growing demand among eco-conscious parents for safe, chemical-free, and comfortable clothing for newborns and toddlers.

The offline expansion comes at a time when Kidbea’s business is gaining momentum, with the brand currently posting a monthly revenue run rate of ₹ eight crore, translating to an annual run rate of ₹100 crore.

In FY25, it delivered ₹42 crore in revenue while remaining EBITDA-positive. Building on this foundation, Kidbea aims to scale to ₹500 crore in annual revenue while laying groundwork for an eventual IPO by 2030.

The first exclusive store in Indore showcased Kidbea’s core line, featuring bamboo rompers and nightwear, as well as newborn essentials and gifting sets, in a clean, child-friendly space designed to reflect the brand’s ethos of comfort, trust, and quality.

Backed by strong consumer appetite for sustainable kidswear and a clear retail roadmap, Kidbea’s ambitious offline push positions it at the forefront of a rapidly evolving children’s apparel market in the country.

Fed Cuts Rates to 3.5–3.75 Percent, Offering Opportunities for Indian Investors in US Assets

By:-  Subho Moulik, CEO at Appreciate.

“The Fed has been cautiously navigating a soft landing. Core PCE is at 2.8% yoy, and the labor market is gradually cooling, employment gains have slowed to 110-120K monthly, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. Consequently, the Fed delivered a third and final cut of 25 bps on 10th December to bring the federal funds rate to the range of 3.5 to 3.75%. In September and October, the Fed had decreased the repo rate by 25 bps each in two consecutive policy meets to support the economy and the markets.

With the Fed funds rate at 3.5-3.75%, even US treasury yields (10Y) are likely to stabilise around 4% which is approximately 10% in INR terms in one of the lowest risk asset classes. Even as the Fed’s forward guidance on 10th December signalled a tougher road for further reductions, the market expects one to two policy rate cuts of 25bps each in 2026, dependent on labor market and inflation checks, in line with Fed’s dual mandate of maximum employment and stable prices. 

For Indian investors, the structural depth in terms of global AI infrastructure, energy transition, biotech, cybersecurity, consumer platforms with worldwide moats that the US equity market provides, is hard to match. A healthy mix of US-large cap, quality and AI adjacent exposure should be able to balance currency, sector and policy risks while still taking part in global innovation and earnings growth. Also, the INR depreciation trend vs the dollar means US assets could be a long-term hedge against wealth erosion, especially for future US linked costs like education, travel, global consumption.”

Digital Eryndor Wins International SEO Mandate for Dubai’s Fin-Wiser Advisory

Digital Eryndor Bags International Mandate, To Drive Strategic SEO for Dubai-Based Fin-Wiser Advisory

Mumbai, Dec 12: Digital Eryndor, a dynamic and fast-growing digital marketing agency based in Mumbai, has proudly announced a pivotal international client win: the appointment as the exclusive SEO partner for Fin-Wiser Advisory. Fin-Wiser Advisory, a specialist firm headquartered in Sharjah, Dubai, offers high-level corporate financial advisory solutions and rigorous financial modeling training. The firm has entirely outsourced its organic growth strategy to Digital Eryndor with a clear objective: to significantly enhance its global discoverability and strengthen its digital authority among key financial decision-makers worldwide.

SIMEST, Indian Chamber of Commerce Ink MoU to Deepen Italy–India Economic Partnership

Mumbai, Dec 12: SIMEST, the CDP Group company dedicated to supporting the international expansion of Italian enterprises, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), one of India’s oldest and most respected business bodies. The agreement aims to bolster bilateral economic cooperation and unlock new investment opportunities between Italy and India.

The MoU was signed during the Italy–India Business Forum in Mumbai, in the presence of Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, and India’s Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal. The signatories were Regina Corradini D’Arienzo, CEO of SIMEST, and Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General of ICC.

According to both organisations, the partnership will strengthen collaboration between Italian and Indian companies through joint initiatives, improved access to business opportunities and targeted support for cross-border investments. The agreement provides for coordinated efforts to promote investment flows using SIMEST’s financial instruments, deepen information sharing on mergers and acquisitions, industrial projects and startups, and establish long-term networks to connect business communities in both countries.

The collaboration is positioned as a key step in enhancing commercial and industrial linkages between Italy and India at a time when both economies are seeking to boost bilateral trade and investment.

In a joint statement, Corradini D’Arienzo and Dr. Singh said, “The signing of this agreement with the Indian Chamber of Commerce confirms SIMEST’s clear commitment to supporting the investments of Italian companies in a key market for Made in Italy such as India, providing them with dedicated financial tools and specialised know-how. The MoU forms part of the wider action of the Italian System led by the Foreign Ministry together with CDP, SIMEST, ICE and SACE, which supports the international expansion of our productive sector and expands opportunities for economic cooperation in countries offering the highest added value for Made in Italy and ICC is happy to partner.”

They added that India has been identified as a priority market in the Italian Foreign Ministry’s Export Action Plan. SIMEST has strengthened its presence in the country by opening an office in Delhi in 2025 and introducing a dedicated measure to promote Italian investments in India.

The agreement is expected to act as a catalyst for new partnerships, industrial ventures and business collaborations, marking a strengthened phase of cooperation between the two nations.

Avaada Group Honoured India’s Rural Changemakers at the Millionaire Farmer of India Awards 2025

New Delhi/Mumbai, Dec 11:  Avaada Group, a diversified clean energy conglomerate, participated in the Millionaire Farmer of India (MFOI) Awards 2025, held from 7–9 December at IARI, Pusa, New Delhi. The event celebrated visionary farmers who have built thriving agri-business ventures and brought together progressive farmers, agritech innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders shaping the future of Indian agriculture.

Through its participation, Avaada Group reinforced its dedication to rural empowerment, sustainable development, and clean energy adoption—from solar-powered irrigation to strengthening local agricultural ecosystems.

As part of its long-term vision to enhance farm productivity, efficiency, and scale, Avaada has been solarising farms across Maharashtra under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0 (MSKVY 2.0).

The initiative has ensured reliable daytime electricity for thousands of irrigation pumps, eliminating the need for night-time irrigation and enabling farmers to plan their crop cycles more efficiently. Sarpanch and farmers from different districts were recognised at the Awards for their exemplary achievements in agriculture.

Reflecting on Avaada’s participation, Mr. Vineet Mittal, Chairman, Avaada Group, said:

“Being part of the MFOI Awards 2025 gave us the opportunity to celebrate India’s most progressive farmers. At Avaada Group, we have been demonstrating how reliable and clean energy can accelerate rural development while supporting India’s green energy mission. From Pune to Yavatmal and Solapur to Nashik, our renewable energy projects are illuminating the lives of farmers across Maharashtra. Each solar and hybrid installation deepens our engagement with rural communities—boosting agricultural productivity, enhancing livelihoods, and empowering lakhs of villagers with a future powered by the sun.”

As part of its expanded commitment to sustainable agriculture in Maharashtra, Avaada Group has been executing over 1,132 MW of solar power projects across districts including Nashik, Pune, Sangli, Yavatmal, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Amravati, Hingoli and Beed.

These deployments underscore the company’s strong support for MSKVY 2.0 and its role in transforming rural energy access.

In villages such as Bhenda, Ranjangaon, Najik Chincholi, and Mhasale, Avaada’s clean energy interventions have already helped thousands of farmers reduce diesel dependency, improve irrigation efficiency, and increase agricultural productivity.