Dr Harvansh Chawla has been appointed as the Chairman of the newly established BRISEC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRISEC CCI), transitioning from his previous leadership position at the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI). The transition comes as the newly formed chamber, established in 2026, receives official recognition from India’s premier public policy think tank, NITI Aayog. Under his leadership, the organization aims to expand its focus beyond traditional alliances to foster wider international trade and economic cooperation.
Dr Harvansh Chawla Appointed as BRISEC CCI Chairman
Dr Harvansh Chawla assumed the role of Chairman of the newly created BRISEC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRISEC CCI). To focus fully on the requirements of this newly expanded international platform, Chawla stepped down from his position as Chairman of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI).
Leadership Transition and Key Appointments
The transition is accompanied by the appointment of other key office bearers to steer the chamber’s global objectives. Ashok Kumar Singh has been named as the Co-Chairman, and Anand Anu has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of the organisation. Under this new leadership team, the chamber plans to establish institutional chapters globally to support international cooperation and policy discussions.
What is the BRISEC Chamber of Commerce and Industry?
The BRISEC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRISEC CCI) is a newly formed international platform designed to promote cross-border commerce, industrial partnerships, and policy dialogue. Unlike its predecessor, which focused primarily on BRICS nations, BRISEC CCI operates with a broader mandate to establish links between businesses, policymakers, and institutions across the G20 nations and other major global economic corridors.
Vision and Strategic Mandate
The primary goal of the organization is to help businesses navigate the complexities of international trade and build partnerships between emerging and established markets. By setting up institutional chapters across different countries, the chamber intends to build a structured framework for policy advocacy, innovation, and trade facilitation.
Comparison Between BRICS CCI and BRISEC CCI
The transition from BRICS CCI to BRISEC CCI reflects a shift from a bloc-specific focus to a wider global approach to trade and investment facilitation.
| Feature | BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI) | BRISEC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRISEC CCI) |
|---|---|---|
| Established | Founded in 2012 | Founded in 2026 |
| Primary Scope | Focussed on Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and expanded BRICS+ countries | Broad global mandate including G20 nations and other major corridors |
| Core Target | Promoting entrepreneurship, support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and women entrepreneurs | Fostering cross-border trade, strategic corporate deals, and policy-level interactions |
| Geographic Model | Member state representation | Multi-country institutional chapters |
Profile of Dr Harvansh Chawla
Dr Harvansh Chawla is a prominent legal expert, corporate advisor, and international trade strategist with a career spanning over thirty years. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of the law firm K.R. Chawla & Co. Advocates, which was established in 1994. Throughout his career, Chawla has advised on major national projects, including the privatization of ports, counter-guarantees for infrastructure initiatives, and complex banking transactions.
Academic Credentials and Governance Roles
Chawla completed his schooling at St. Xavier’s School and earned his Bachelor of Arts from St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi. He pursued his law degree from the Delhi Law Faculty at the University of Delhi, followed by a Master of Laws in International Laws from the Georgetown University Law Center in the United States. In recognition of his work, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Law by Chicago Open University.
The Government of India nominated him to the Academic Board of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), highlighting his contributions to corporate governance. Chawla also maintains active associations with global legal forums, including the International Bar Association (IBA) and the Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA).
History and Structure of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI) was established on July 12, 2012, as a non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation to promote commerce, trade, and investment among the member countries of the BRICS grouping (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Headquartered in New Delhi, the chamber is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
Empanelment with NITI Aayog and Focus Areas
The BRICS CCI is officially empanelled with NITI Aayog, the apex policy think tank of the Government of India. This empanelment connects the organization with Indian policy frameworks, enabling it to act as an advisory link between the corporate sector and government bodies.
The chamber works to establish supportive ecosystems for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and young professionals. It also maintains a dedicated vertical for women’s empowerment to support female entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Through business seminars, trade fairs, and trade delegations, the chamber assists members in accessing international markets and addressing legal and regulatory challenges in cross-border commerce.
Key Takeaways
- Dr Harvansh Chawla has been appointed as the Chairman of the newly established BRISEC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRISEC CCI).
- Prior to this, Chawla served as the Chairman of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI), from which he stepped down to focus on his new global role.
- The BRISEC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRISEC CCI) was established in 2026 and is officially recognized by India’s apex think tank, NITI Aayog.
- The BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI) was established on July 12, 2012, and is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, with headquarters in New Delhi.
- The new leadership team of BRISEC CCI also features Co-Chairman Ashok Kumar Singh and Vice Chairman Anand Anu.
- Dr Harvansh Chawla is the Founder and Managing Partner of the law firm K.R. Chawla & Co. Advocates, established in 1994.
