Sibling rivalry has not prevented the Ambani brothers from coming together to become patrons of the Associated Chambers of Commerce (Assocham). This is the first time any Reliance group company has become a member of any industry association.Mukesh Ambani-controlled Reliance Industries Ltd and Anil Ambani-managed Reliance Infocomm and Reliance Energy have formally been incorporated as patron members by Associated Chambers of Commerce (Assocham).‘‘The entry of Reliance group of companies is a big achievement for Assocham that was on the brink of a possible closure just a few months back,’’ Assocham Secretary General D.S. Rawat said. Having become patron members, they will automatically be part of the chamber’s managing committee, he said.A patron membership comes with an annual fee of Rs 3 lakh and provides the members a permanent seat in its managing committee. Apart from Reliance, JSW Steel, IDBI, Jaypee DSC Ventures, HCL technologies, Peerless Housing Co and DHL Worldwide have joined the chamber as patron members.Assocham was in the red in 2004 with a debt of Rs 1 crore and a dwindling membership. It has, however, turned around in less than a year having generated revenues of Rs 5.5 crore last year. It has wiped off its debt and has targeted revenues of Rs 8 crore this year.Its patron membership has grown from 25 last year to 55 now and corporate membership is up 100 per cent to 700 and orinary members have increased to 160. The chamber has recently created an international division focusing on development of business interest between India and Africa. It is organising the Fourth Knowledge Summit where nobel laureate (for chemistry) Harry Kroto will be the keynote speaker. The industry body plans to adopt a regional approach to its research papers.
