Goa: "The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has made a significant contribution to the industrial and economic spheres of the country", observed Dr. S.S. Sidhu, Governor of Goa, while delivering his inaugural address at the 36th National Convention of Company Secretaries at Panaji today.

Speaking on the changing environment, the Governor said that there has been a sea change in the business, economic, social and political environment the world over, driven largely by the relentless process of globalization, corporatization, inter and intra regional cooperation and rapid technical advancements.

"While there are many other factors that contribute to higher industrial growth, an essential component is the expert service of professionals like Company Secretaries, who perform an extremely delicate and demanding job of handling management and financial issues with care and dexterity, and whose services help in channelizing the scarce resources into constructive pursuits", he emphasized.

Dattaraj Salgaokar, Managing Director, V.M. Salgaocar Group of Companies, in his address said that there has been a paradigm shift in the creation of wealth and discussed in detail the changing paradigm, globalization and financial crises.

"Tomorrow is bright and opportunities are tremendous for professionals, the Company Secretaries should, therefore, not restrict themselves to compliances and corporate governance, but go beyond to venture in new areas", he said.

Keyoor Bakshi, President, ICSI, informed about various initiatives of the Institute for its members and students. He discussed in detail about the new syllabus, training, templates, ICSI Vision Plan 2020 and Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Institute with Securities Investment Institute, UK, Financial Planning Standards Board, IGNOU and Chambers of Commerce.

N.K. Jain, Secretary and CEO of ICSI, while proposing a vote of thanks said that the creativity and innovation are essential ingredients for achieving excellence in any field.

The theme of the 36th National Convention of Company Secretaries is: 'Achieving Excellence through Innovation'.

The Convention seeks to make an in-depth analysis of the theme by deliberating it in five technical sessions - Embracing Emerging Technologies for Quantum Growth, Unlocking Stakeholder Value Through Restructuring, Innovative Financing Opportunities in the Global Capital Market, Safeguarding Innovation - Management of IPRs and The Changing Role of Regulators in Fostering Innovation.

A special session on Companies Bill, 2008 and Limited Liability Partnership Bill was also held today. Mr. Jitesh Khosla, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs addressed the session.