The Indo-Japan Chamber of Commerce Keralam (INJACK) has elected CJ George, chairman and managing director of Geojit Financial Services Ltd., as its honorary president for the 2026–2028 term, as the organisation prepares to step up efforts to strengthen Kerala-Japan business ties.
George succeeds Viju Jacob, chairman of Synthite Group. The new governing council is expected to focus on creating greater opportunities for trade, investment and institutional collaboration between businesses and organisations in Keralam and Japan.
The governing council for 2026–2028 comprises:
President: C J George, CMD, Geojit Financial Services
Vice-president: Alex K. Ninan, partner, Baby Marine International Group
Immediate past president: Viju Jacob, chairman, Synthite Group
Secretary: Beby Mathew, CMD, Mathewsons Group
Joint secretary: Jeevan, Samudra Shipyard
Treasurer: CA Jacob Kovoor, Kovoor Consultants
Council members include Dr. S. Ratnakumaran, Joseph Philip, Suraj Moothedath, Paul P. Thomas, Davis Sebastian, Ramesh Ranganath, Hari Krishnan Nair and Noble M. Jacob.
T Balakrishnan (IAS, retd.), Sajiv Menon and Madhu S. Nair will serve as advisors.
One of the first major initiatives under the new council will be a visit by a high-level Japanese business delegation to Kochi.
A 20-member delegation is scheduled to visit the city on November 4 and 5, to explore trade, investment and collaboration opportunities with Kerala businesses.
The visit is expected to provide companies in the State with an opportunity to engage directly with Japanese businesses and explore potential partnerships.
Key areas of interaction are likely to include:
Trade and investment opportunities
Business-to-business partnerships
Technology and institutional collaboration
Opportunities for Japanese companies in Kerala
Market access for Kerala businesses in Japan
INJACK is inviting interested businesses and organisations to explore participation and collaboration opportunities associated with the delegation.
The initiatives assume added significance ahead of the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations in 2027.
Japan is already an important economic partner for India, with cooperation spanning manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, mobility and investment. For Kerala, stronger engagement with Japanese businesses could open opportunities in areas where the State has established capabilities, including food processing, marine and shipbuilding industries, healthcare, tourism, technology and services.
The new INJACK council is expected to use the anniversary year as an opportunity to deepen business-to-business engagement and build longer-term institutional relationships.
With senior business leaders from financial services, marine products, manufacturing, shipping and other sectors represented on the council, INJACK aims to provide a broader platform for companies looking to enter or expand in the Japanese market.
The chamber's focus will be on moving beyond cultural and diplomatic engagement towards commercially viable partnerships, investment and trade opportunities.
Businesses and organisations interested in engaging with INJACK can contact the chamber at indojapanchamberofcommerce@gmail.com or 98470 55577.
