About NMCC

It was in 1952 that a group of nine prominent Traders and Industrialists of Kannur formed an Association for protecting and promoting the interests of the business community and registered it under the Indian Companies Act in the name and style of The North Malabar Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, the Chamber has evolved and redefined its role from espousing the causes of traders and industrialists to becoming a prime mover for transforming the North Malabar region through developmental initiatives.

The Chamber’s relentless focus on removing the backwardness of this region has culminated in many projects which have either been commissioned or are in different stages of completion. The Kannur International Airport, Azhikkal Port, Textile Centre at Nadukani, Inland Container Depot, NIFT Centre, GI Registration for Cannanore Home Furnishing Products are some of these. In addition, NMCC is actively following up the Kannur Power Project, Thalassery-Mysore Railway Link, National Highway Development, Bye-pass Roads, Express Highway, Agri Food Park, Tourism Development, Permanent Exhibition Centre for Handloom Products, Central University in Kasargod District etc. NMCC has played a key role in getting Kannur recognised as a “Town of Export Excellence” by the Union Ministry of Commerce. In recent times, with a directed intent to bring about an increased visibility of North Malabar with innovative programs like “Invest in North Malabar”, “Kannur Beach Run”, North Malabar Travel Bazar” and “Chamber Gold Cup Football”. In addition, we have been instrumental in promoting the formation of clusters with the intent to give local manufacturing a fillip and allow them to compete nationally and internationally with new machinery and equipment with the support of the Central and State Governments.

The North Malabar Chamber of Commerce started becoming truly global by organizing an event “North Malabar Calling” in Dubai with the aim of attracting foreign investment for the development of North Malabar. The programme which was held on the 8th and 9th of June 2012 in Dubai highlighted the products and services from this region and the opportunities it has to offer for foreign investors. This was followed by a path-breaking visit of an NMCC delegation to the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the 10th of June which has resulted in the establishment of warm ties with the Abu Dhabi Chamber. On the same day, the First Honorary Membership of the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce was conferred on Padmasree Yusaff Ali M.A., Malayalee Businessman extraordinaire at a function held at Abu Dhabi.

As part of its day to day functioning, the Chamber has been regularly bringing to the attention of the concerned authorities and elected representatives -including Ministers, MPs and MLAs- the problems and grievances of Traders, Industrialists and the general public. A number of Seminars, Workshops, Orientation Programmes and Interactive sessions with prominent personalities and experts in the field are being organized, some of which are jointly with other organizations. The Chamber also conducts post-Budget analysis by experts in the subject after the Annual Budget is presented.

The Chamber is represented on various Railway Consultative Committees and has been able to successfully take up with the Railway authorities for grant of more amenities for the Railway users here. The Chamber also has representation in a number of Advisory Committees of Central Ministries as well as State Government Departments and Boards.

We have been authorised by the Central Government to endorse Certificates of Origin and attest documents which are required for export of goods. It also recommends visa applications of Members who need to visit foreign countries for business purposes.

In 2010, the Chamber received ISO 9001:2008 Certification for the Quality Management System maintained for its service activities.

With the assistance of UNCTAD, the Chamber has initiated and obtained Geographical Indication Registration from the Government of India for the Cannanore Home Furnishing Products Consortium.

The Chamber annually confers Chamber Awards on the persons selected as the “Best Trader” and “Best Industrialist” and Lifetime Achievement awards. Members’ children who excel in their public examinations are also honoured.

The Chamber Building has Halls with varying seating capacities which are also available for use by the public. These Halls, which are in the names of some of the past illustrious personages of Kannur, have been sponsored by their close relatives and associates to perpetuate their memories.

With the Chamber’s expanded role in the development affairs of North Malabar, the expectations of people from the Chamber are high. The Chamber has a solemn responsibility to live up to those expectations. The North Malabar Chamber of Commerce pledges to rededicate itself to undertaking the tasks before it with the utmost sincerity and devotion so as to redeem the faith reposed on it by its members and society at large.