In a bid to enhance its global footprints, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) inaugurated 5 Representative Offices of ICAI in the USA during a program “Unite in America” on July 4, 2020.
With the launch of five representative offices at Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New England Region and Washington DC, ICAI has enhanced its strong presence in 7 major cities of the USA including New York and San Francisco; wherein ICAI is having its overseas Chapters with CA. Geetha Ramakrishnan as Chairperson and CA. Vish Arunachalam as Founder Chairman and Director.
The Representative Offices will act as the focal point of contact bringing together ICAI members abroad and enable effective reach and service to its members, thus aiding to position the ‘Indian Accountancy Profession’ as a ‘Brand’ worldwide for generating more professional avenues for Indian Chartered Accountants and contribution in the global economy.
Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Chief Guest of the event complemented ICAI for this step and mentioned that “I am sure each one who has set up base in the USA will work collectively to truly raise the flag of Indian Chartered Accountants, build up the credibility of our work and make sure the integrity that defines our profession is maintained ”. He also mentioned that “The spirit of oneness that we all have in the profession is something the rest of the world can learn from. We have high ethical standards in our profession and in the workings of our institute. It is incumbent on us to maintain these high standards”. Ensuring his trust on ICAI, Hon’ble Minister mentioned that “I am sure CAs will help us achieve the great ambitions that we have to become a $5 trillion economy in the next 5 years and a $10 trillion economy by 2030 so that we can meet the needs of 1.35 billion people”.
CA. Atul Kumar Gupta, President ICAI, while addressing the members, mentioned that “The Institute is committed to enhancing its global footprints and would continue to work with the Government of India for achieving the vision of Government of India to make India ‘AatmaNirbhar’ through ICAI’s various initiatives and promoting export of services in accountancy and finance Champion Service sector. “
The event also witnessed the participation of Ambassador HE Sudhakar Dalela, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Washington D.C., who congratulated ICAI on taking such an initiative which would further strengthen the relationship between India and USA and reaffirm the commitment to work closely to strengthen the trading ties & investment opportunities.
Expanding global outreach of ICAI is one of its thrust areas in order to be able to serve its members abroad in a holistic way and to provide them with a platform of professional development as well as networking. This year, the ICAI has launched the concept of Representative Offices with a vision to have a presence in at least 100 locations globally as vision ICAI@2024 and these 5 offices is a step in this direction.