The Federation of European Business in India (FEBI), the official Chamber of EU businesses in India, marked a significant milestone by holding its first Annual General Meeting (AGM). Supported by the EU Delegation in India and the Embassies of EU Member States, FEBI formalized its Board of Directors with 14 elected members and confirmed key office bearers during the AGM held in New Delhi on July 4, 2024.
Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus in India and South Asia, will lead FEBI as its inaugural President. Sanjay Tiwari, Public Affairs Advisor to Maersk India., was elected as Vice-President, and Oscar Esteban, President of the Indo-Spanish Chamber of Commerce, will serve as Treasurer. The establishment of FEBI represents a new chapter in fostering stronger business ties between the European Union and India.
Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the EU to India and Honorary President of FEBI, highlighted the importance of EU-India relations, which have seen a growing economic footprint. He noted that over 4,500 European companies operate in India, providing 6.5 million direct and indirect jobs. The EU is India’s largest trading partner in goods, with trade amounting to EUR 123 billion in 2022-23, and ranks among the top three investors in India. Delphin expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and India, which could further enhance trade flows and economic cooperation. He stated, “FEBI will bring a very much needed business perspective that will contribute to the further expansion and bringing together of the EU-India economic and trade ecosystem. It will be a true force multiplier.”
FEBI aims to maintain close and constructive relations with Indian and European authorities, acting as a credible intermediary between governments and businesses. It will advocate for pro-business policies and solutions, supporting a diverse membership of 73 companies from various sectors, including Aerospace, Automotive, Agri-food Products, Chemicals & Pharma, Consumer & Luxury Goods, Finance & Insurance, Telecom & ICT & Digital Trade, Machinery & Capital Goods, Energy & Renewables, and Transportation & Logistics. Many more companies are in the process of joining FEBI.
Rémi Maillard, upon his confirmation as President of FEBI, emphasized the organization’s role in deepening bilateral trade and investment between Europe and India. He remarked, “It is as much an honour as a responsibility to helm FEBI as its inaugural president. FEBI will serve as a bridge between Europe and India to deepen bilateral trade and investment. India’s rapid expansion holds significant potential for European companies to grow here in a symbiotic way. We will work with our Indian and EU stakeholders and industrial partners to ensure that trade opens more opportunities, thereby helping both regions to grow and thrive together.”
FEBI’s Board of Directors includes notable industry leaders such as Sayeed Ahmed (CEO/Director, Biesse India Pvt. Ltd.), Aditya Narain Sinha (Vice President & Director, ALAR Group), Stefan Leser (Managing Director, Groz Beckert Asia Private Limited), Susanne Gun Elisabeth Pulverer (CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA India Pvt. Ltd.), Shekhar Bhide (VP–Customer Services & Corporate Affairs, Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd.), Ashutosh Sharma (Executive Director, Mondragon Corporation, India), and others.