The Tibetan Chamber of Commerce

By Demay Tsering / April 9, 2014;

Members during the general meeting, Dharamshala
Photo: DIIR/Tenzin Phende

The Tibetan Chamber of Commerce (TCC) held its ninth Annual General Body meeting in early April. The three-day meeting was held at the Library Works and Archives hall located at Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala, with many members of the Chamber from various parts of the world, including India and Nepal, taking part.

The inaugural session was attended by Tibetan Prime Minister Dr Lobsang Sangay; Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament Penpa Tsering; Finance Minister Tsering Dhondup and the President of the Indo Tibetan Friendship Association Ajay Mankotia.

Addressing the inaugural session, Dr Sangay spoke about unity, innovation, self-reliance: the three principles of the 14th Kashag. Sikyong also added that in the field of business, education plays an important role in success and urged the Tibetan people to invest in education. He also acknowledged the massive contribution that His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his generation have made towards sustaining the Tibetan community, and for bringing Tibet’s issues onto the world stage.

Speaker Penpa Tsering, Tibetan Parliament-in-exile addressing at the inaugural session of the meeting
Photo: DIIR

Speaker Penpa Tsering said, “Business is not only aimed for personal financial growth, it is also important to take social responsibilities” and added that Tibetan business people should uplift the poor section of the Tibetan community and create awareness about Tibet. He also reminded people that while conducting business in India it is necessary to uphold the rules and regulations of the Indian Constitution.

Mr Kesang Norbu, President of the TCC, presented an overview of the association, and Thupten Jampa, the Joint Secretary, reported on the previous year’s activities, highlighting improvements and opportunities.

A magazine with reports of TCC activities, membership data and the aims and objectives of the Chamber of Commerce was released. Souvenirs and certificates were presented to current and former members of the Chamber.

The Tibetan Chamber of Commerce was established in 2005 with the object of enhancing and benefiting the business interests of Tibetans in exile as well as supporting new and aspiring Tibetan entrepreneurs. It currently has over 233 members.