KOCHI: The Indo-Japan Chamber of Commerce Keralam (INJACK) has elected Geojit Financial Services Chairman and Managing Director C J George as its honorary president for the 2026-2028 term, as the organisation seeks to deepen commercial ties between Kerala and Japan.

George succeeds Viju Jacob, chairman of Synthite Group, and will lead a new governing council comprising executives and professionals from financial services, marine products, manufacturing, shipping and other industries.

The chamber said the new leadership would focus on expanding trade and investment, facilitating business-to-business partnerships and strengthening institutional links between Kerala and Japan.

One of its first major initiatives will be a two-day visit to Kochi by a 20-member Japanese business delegation on November 4 and 5.

The delegation is expected to hold discussions with Kerala companies on potential investments, technology partnerships, market access and other areas of commercial cooperation.

INJACK said the visit would provide businesses in Kerala with an opportunity to engage directly with Japanese companies and identify potential partnerships, while also helping local companies explore opportunities in the Japanese market.

New leadership team

Alex K. Ninan, partner at Baby Marine International Group, has been elected vice-president, while Mathewsons Group CMD Beby Mathew will serve as secretary.

Jeevan of Samudra Shipyard has been named joint secretary and CA Jacob Kovoor of Kovoor Consultants will serve as treasurer. Viju Jacob will remain on the council as immediate past president.

The council also includes Dr. S. Ratnakumaran, Joseph Philip, Suraj Moothedath, Paul P. Thomas, Davis Sebastian, Ramesh Ranganath, Hari Krishnan Nair and Noble M. Jacob.

Former IAS officer T. Balakrishnan, Sajiv Menon and Madhu S. Nair will serve as advisors.

Focus turns to investment and trade

The leadership change comes ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan in 2027, which the chamber sees as an opportunity to accelerate business engagement.

India and Japan have developed extensive economic links across manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, mobility and investment.

INJACK sees potential for Kerala to expand its engagement with Japan in sectors including food processing, marine industries, shipbuilding, healthcare, tourism, technology and services.

The chamber plans to focus increasingly on commercially viable partnerships, investment flows and market access, while providing a platform for companies seeking to establish or expand their presence in Kerala and Japan.