VOIWORLD/Business Desk
Harsh Pati Singhania, Director of JK Organisation and Chairman & Managing Director of JK Paper Ltd, has been elected Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Paris, becoming one of the few Indian business leaders to head the prestigious global institution in its more than 100-year history.
His appointment comes at a significant time for India, which has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy and a leading voice of the Global South in international economic discussions.
Assuming the role, Singhania described the appointment as a great honour and underscored the importance of the ICC at a time when the global economy is undergoing major transformations.
“Business needs trusted institutions, practical solutions, and a strong collective voice to help build a more open, resilient, and prosperous world,” he said while addressing ICC National Committees. He also expressed gratitude to outgoing ICC Chair Philippe Varin and ICC Secretary General John Denton for their leadership and contributions.
As Chair, Singhania has outlined a vision centred on three key priorities: rebuilding trust in global commerce, shaping the rules governing the emerging digital economy, artificial intelligence and sustainability, and strengthening the voice of businesses in international policymaking forums.
His agenda seeks to build upon ICC’s established global trade frameworks, including Incoterms, Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (UCP), ATA Carnet and internationally recognised dispute resolution mechanisms. These tools have long played a critical role in facilitating and standardising international trade.
A major pillar of his strategy will be advancing the ICC Compact for Trade, Jobs and Growth, a business-led initiative aimed at strengthening global commerce, expanding regional representation and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The initiative is also backed by a range of digital programmes, including One Click, the Digital Standards Initiative and AI-enabled trade services designed to make international trade more efficient and accessible.
Singhania further highlighted plans to strengthen ICC’s engagement with key multilateral institutions and forums, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), G20, G7 and BRICS. He also pledged to expand practical trade tools, digital services and standards while deepening collaboration across ICC’s extensive global network of more than 90 National Committees and over 45 million companies operating in more than 170 countries.
His elevation to the ICC’s top leadership position is being viewed as a reflection of India’s growing influence in global commerce and international economic governance.
