Board of Directors
The backbone of any Chamber of Commerce and Industry has to be its Board of Directors, and the Indo Iran Chamber of Commerce and Industry excels in this regard. The Board comprises a team of well-qualified professionals capable of providing services to firms and companies, thereby enhancing trade ties between the two countries and fostering business prospects. These board of directors bring rich and diverse experience in various businesses, showcasing high levels of accomplishment in their respective spheres. Take a look at our highly seasoned Board of Directors:
Late Syed Afham Raza, Founder President
The late Syed Afham Raza, the founder President of the Indo Iran Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI), was a key figure in establishing IICCI along with H.E. Hassan Nourian, former Consul General of I.R. of Iran. Mr. Raza held a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and had over three decades of experience across the Middle East Region and India. He had notable achievements such as designing the world’s largest ferrocement slow sand filters in Iran and introducing the first air balloon technology for dome construction in India. Additionally, he had held various prestigious positions, and we immensely miss his presence. May God bless his soul.
Syed Hakim Raza, President
Syed Hakim Raza is affiliated with several companies, including Regalia Developers, Jewels De Razas, Montura Corporation, Noble School, and Raza’s Jewels. His extensive experience across various sectors of the economy is expected to bring immense value to the Chamber.
Mohsin Shirazi, General Secretary
Mohsin Shirazi earned his Master’s Degree in International Marketing in 2004 from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland and Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, U.K. His career began at the age of 17 with a telecom company, later becoming India’s first electric car’s sales executive, successfully launching the REVA car. Currently, he manages the largest distribution business for Pepsico in Karnataka and is involved in Persian commodities mainly carpets and tapestries.
Mr. Shirazi holds executive positions in organizations such as the Imamia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and serves as Joint Secretary of JIBA Bangalore. Engaging in charitable works, he is associated with the World Federation and Sajjadiya Trust (Canada). Additionally, Mr. Shirazi volunteers with Imamia Education and Welfare Trust (IEWT).
Syed Mannan Raza, Treasurer
Syed Mannan Raza, a computer science graduate from Bangalore University, furthered his education by obtaining a Master’s degree in business from the University of Wales (U.K) with a strong blend of technology and management skills. As the chairman of ARshan International, he oversees companies operating in both India and Iran. Previous roles include sales, customer service, and managing partner positions. With a strong commitment to community service, he has collaborated with various associations.
Having resided in Iran for the past several years, Syed Mannan Raza has gained extensive experience and familiarity with Persian culture.
Mir Mumtaz Ali, Vice President
Mir Mumtaz Ali, is a Civil engineer from Bangalore University (1989), M. I. E, Karnataka, India.
With over 27 years of experience in the field of Civil Construction, Mining, Education and Health care, manages his own construction company M/s B I T Associates, in India and is also the Director of M/s Rise Earth global LLP, a mining firm with its roots in Iran.
B IT in association with Ecoparadigm, an environmental management firm has executed various projects in India and across the globe in the field of Wastewater management through its eco-friendly Decentralised Treatment System (DTS) and Renewable energy projects, particularly Biomass energy through a concept of Waste to Energy.
Dinesh Shetty, Joint Treasurer
Dinesh Shetty brings a wealth of experience in agricultural products as a promoter of Ponalab. Established in 2006 with financial assistance from the Government of India, Ponalab started as a manufacturer of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides as a strategic venture alongside agro products. Over the years, the company expanded into animal feed products and enzymes for poultry and cattle, and also acquired Dhisha Seeds, a manufacturer of high-yield and disease-resistant hybrid seeds.
In 2008, Ponalab expanded its focus on insect pheromones and insect traps, leading to the establishment of a dedicated unit registered as Ponalab Bio-Growth. Mr. Shetty and his group of companies have evolved into highly accomplished and profitable entities.
Mohsin Ali Vakil, Director
Mohsin Ali Vakil is the founder of Vakil Housing Development Corporation, a renowned name in Bangalore synonymous with premium residential plots. The company has developed an impressive more than 12 million square feet of premium residential plots in Bangalore. Vakil Housing has earned significant brand equity through its well-developed plots featuring landscaped gardens, flower beds, trees, fruit orchards, along with amenities like clubhouses, gyms, swimming pools, and mini golf courses.
Syed Zamin Raza, Director
Mr. Syed Zamin Raza serves as the Managing Director of the Zain group of companies, encompassing Zain Exports, United Diamonds, Rayan Jewellery, Forever 21 Gems and Jewellery, and Zain Properties. With his rich experience across various fields, Mr. Syed is well-positioned to contribute to prosperous trade through the Indo-Iran Commerce and Industry. Additionally, he holds the position of President at Anjuman-e-Imamia, a registered body of the Shia community. His proven track record is anticipated to bring significant benefits to the Chamber.
Syed Ibne Hussain, Director
Syed Ibne Hussain is the Managing Director of Nikhaar. Although the company began its retail operations in 2005, its parent companies, Hassan Gems & Moguldiam, situated in major diamond trading centers worldwide, have been assisting jewelers in creating awe-inspiring pieces of jewelry for many decades. In a short span, Nikhaar has built strong brand equity, with superb customer service being a cornerstone. Nikhaar aspires to be the leading creative jewelry destination globally.
Rahul Purushotham Rao, Director
Rahul Purushotham Rao leads Hitze, a company specializing in the manufacturing of steam boilers and boasting an elite clientele. The company has supplied boilers to various government agencies, executing a supply of over 300 boilers under rate contract with the Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, and Government of India. Mr. Rao holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree with a specialization in heat transfer from Oklahoma State University, USA. His research on heat transfer in tubes has been published in ASME journals during his Masters.
Prior to his role at Hitze, Mr. Rao served as a Design Manager for the SPT group based in the Middle East (UAE), focusing on customized blasting & painting solutions and building machines supplied globally.