Pune | 26 October 2026
The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) is participating as a Knowledge Partner in the 25th Edition Cost Congress, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on 26–27 October 2026 at JW Marriott, Pune.
The two-day industry forum is being held under the theme “India’s Decade: Building Global Competitiveness in an Era of Disruption.” The theme reflects the growing importance of productivity, cost competitiveness, operational efficiency and strategic financial management as Indian businesses navigate a rapidly changing global economic environment.
The partnership between CII and ICMAI brings together industry leadership and the professional expertise of Cost and Management Accountants at a time when cost management is becoming increasingly important for Indian enterprises seeking to compete globally.
Cost Competitiveness at the Centre of India’s Growth Agenda
India’s economic expansion is increasingly being supported by manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, services and supply-chain investments. However, sustained competitiveness will depend not only on scale but also on the ability of businesses to manage costs, improve productivity and deploy capital efficiently.
Against this backdrop, the Cost Congress provides an important platform for industry leaders, professionals, policymakers and experts to examine how organisations can build resilient and globally competitive business models.
Cost management today extends well beyond traditional cost accounting. It encompasses strategic cost optimisation, supply-chain efficiency, productivity improvement, resource allocation, profitability analysis, technology adoption and informed decision-making.
The participation of ICMAI as Knowledge Partner highlights the expanding role of the CMA profession in these areas.
CMAs and the Changing Business Environment
Cost and Management Accountants are increasingly contributing to strategic decision-making within organisations. Their expertise in cost structures, performance measurement, budgeting, variance analysis, profitability and financial strategy can help businesses identify opportunities for efficiency and sustainable growth.
In an era marked by geopolitical uncertainty, changing supply chains, technological disruption and increasing global competition, businesses require deeper visibility into the economics of their operations.
The CMA profession can play an important role in helping organisations answer critical questions: Where is value being created? Where are costs increasing? Which products, customers or markets generate sustainable returns? How can resources be allocated more effectively? And how can businesses improve competitiveness without compromising quality or long-term resilience?
Technology and Cost Management
Digital transformation is also reshaping the cost-management function.
Artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, automation, enterprise resource planning systems and real-time business intelligence are enabling organisations to move from historical cost reporting towards predictive and forward-looking decision support.
For CMAs, this transformation creates opportunities to become strategic business partners rather than remaining confined to conventional accounting and reporting functions.
The Cost Congress provides an appropriate platform for examining how professional expertise, technology and industry practices can converge to create more efficient and competitive enterprises.
India’s Decade of Global Competitiveness
The theme of the 25th Cost Congress is particularly relevant as India enters a decade of significant economic opportunity.
India is seeking to strengthen its position in global manufacturing and services, attract investment, develop domestic supply chains and increase its participation in international trade. Achieving these objectives requires enterprises to continuously improve productivity and manage costs effectively.
Competitiveness will increasingly depend on a combination of cost efficiency, innovation, quality, technology, skilled talent and resilient supply chains.
The role of professional institutions such as ICMAI is therefore becoming increasingly significant in building the capabilities required by businesses and professionals.
A Platform for Industry–Profession Collaboration
The CII–ICMAI association through the Cost Congress also reflects the importance of stronger collaboration between professional institutions and industry.
For the CMA community, such platforms provide opportunities to engage directly with business leaders, understand emerging industry requirements and contribute professional perspectives to contemporary economic and management challenges.
For industry, the expertise of CMAs can support better cost visibility, performance management and strategic decision-making.
The event is therefore more than a professional conference; it represents a dialogue on how Indian businesses can build stronger foundations for sustainable growth.
Looking Ahead
As India’s economy becomes increasingly integrated with global markets, cost competitiveness will remain a decisive factor in determining the success of businesses across sectors.
The 25th Edition Cost Congress, with ICMAI as Knowledge Partner, comes at an important juncture. Its focus on global competitiveness, disruption and cost management aligns closely with the challenges confronting Indian enterprises today.
The event is expected to strengthen the exchange of ideas between industry and the professional community while reinforcing the strategic relevance of Cost and Management Accountants in India’s growth story.
The Worldonomics Times Take
India’s next phase of growth will require businesses to compete not merely on scale, but on efficiency, productivity and value creation. Cost management is consequently moving from a back-office function to a strategic boardroom priority.
The partnership between CII and ICMAI at the 25th Cost Congress demonstrates how professional expertise can contribute to this transformation. As Indian companies pursue global markets and navigate disruption, CMAs can play a crucial role in converting cost intelligence into competitive advantage.
The theme — “India’s Decade: Building Global Competitiveness in an Era of Disruption” — captures the challenge ahead: building enterprises that are not only larger, but smarter, more productive, resilient and globally competitive.
