Minara Chamber of Commerce and Industries draws 100-plus entrepreneurs

By Grace Kim

The Minara Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI) concluded its second summit-level meeting on October 25, 2026, in Mahabalipuram near Chennai, drawing 100-plus entrepreneurs from India and Southeast Asia, according to The Indian Awaaz.

The day-long gathering at Mahabalipuram drew more than 100 entrepreneurs from South India. Participants also came from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, extending the event's reach across Southeast Asia. More than 10 keynote speakers advised startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on scaling operations, accessing global markets and leveraging trade networks.

MCCI designed the summit to unlock multi-million-dollar opportunities across key economic sectors. According to The Indian Awaaz, speakers also focused on how entrepreneurs can develop and grow businesses through the chamber's networking platform. The stated agenda included tapping opportunities across business domains in India and abroad and using Minara's connections to support Indian entrepreneurs.

The meeting brought entrepreneurs from four countries together around scale, markets and trade.

What did the summit tell entrepreneurs about growth?

Dr. Mohammad Jinna, president of MCCI, addressed the gathering from Singapore through online video conferencing. He said: “We are more than just a business chamber; we are a band of dynamic visionary people united by shared purpose, to create opportunities for Indian Muslim entrepreneurs.”

Jinna said the chamber seeks to build bridges that connect businesses to new possibilities, foster meaningful partnerships and exchange transformative ideas. He also called on Muslim entrepreneurs from across India to join the chamber's journey.

He tied that network to the chamber's founding rationale: “Muslims in India are a divided community, and the only way to unite them is through money-making, and that’s one of the core ideas behind the establishment of the Minara Chamber of Commerce and Industries.”

Jinna put business networking at the center of the chamber's plan for Indian Muslim entrepreneurs.

What services does MCCI offer?

The Indian Awaaz described MCCI as a business organization serving startups, SMEs and large corporates across India. Its own account says it supports them as they address challenges and pursue opportunities in India's competitive business environment.

MCCI lists the following services:

• Business support and networking events for growth and collaboration.
• Policy advocacy and representation of business interests with policymakers.
• Training development programmes, capacity building and access to resources.
• Market research and international trade facilitation.
• Connections to international markets, trade delegations and global partnerships.

MCCI also says it promotes international trade and partnership, drives economic growth through innovation and research, and creates opportunities for businesses to collaborate. Its stated mission is to equip businesses with tools, resources and advocacy so they can build an inclusive business ecosystem.

Its stated vision is to become a global leader in economic growth, innovation and collaboration, shaping a sustainable and resilient future for businesses led by Indian Muslim entrepreneurs.

MCCI's pitch combines business support with access to policy, training, research and international trade.

What happens after the Mahabalipuram meeting?

Hanifa, secretary of MCCI, appealed to Muslim entrepreneurs across India to join Minara if they want to elevate their businesses to the next level. The report directs interested entrepreneurs to contact the chamber at +91 7871888824.

The Indian Awaaz credited the report to Syed Ali Mujtaba in Chennai and updated it on October 26, 2026, at 4:45 pm. MCCI's stated services make trade delegations and global partnerships the clearest next steps after the summit. Those activities would test whether the chamber can turn a one-day meeting into sustained business activity.

The summit's commercial test now rests on converting regional contacts into durable trade and business activity.