Commonwealth grid mooted for small enterprises

India today suggested networking of agencies supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Commonwealth countries for undertaking joint activities through pooled resources.

"We are keen to help in promoting regional cooperation through the networking of SME support agencies and undertake joint activities through pooled resources," Minister for Small-Scale, Agri and Rural Industries Mahabir Prasad said here.

Addressing the inaugural session of Commonwealth-India Small Business Competitiveness Development Programme, he said, networking would lead to greater inter-firm cooperation.

"It is encouraging to note that such a process of enabling the SMEs to move on high growth trajectory has already been put in motion by significant policy announcements," Prasad said.

He said developing countries shared common needs, such as access to export markets, technical knowhow and external capital, and inter-regional cooperation was more valid and relevant today than ever.

The minister said that through national small industries corporation, India could provide necessary support in technology transfer, human resource development through training, IT services for integrating SMEs of the region and identifying specific areas of cooperation for inter-country trade.

"India-Commonwealth cooperation is, therefore, an imperative and not an option in this age of globalisation," Prasad said.

"Dismantling of quantitative restrictions has exposed the SSI sector to fierce global competition and thrown up new opportunities. The Indian small industry has a lot to gain from engaging their international counterparts for providing mutual access as well as for tapping third-country markets," he added.

Secretary in the SSI ministry, Anupam Dasgupta, said the approach of the government towards the small-scale sector has changed from protection to promotion.

Dasgupta said in the era of growing internationalisation, SSI units would have to focus on their core competence, enhancing competitive strengths, becoming consumer-oriented and imbibing the best of the corporate culture.

"While the SSI focuses on becoming more competitive, issues like credit delivery to the sector and timely payment for their goods and services are also to be addressed," he said.

Addressing the gathering, chairman of the National Manufacturing Council V Krishnamurthy stressed the need for an increase in the average level of investment in SSI units.

In his address, George Saibel of the Special Advisory Services Division at the Commonwealth Secretariat said the programme followed the recommendations of the Manmohan Singh Export Group on Development and Democracy appointed by the secretary-general ahead of the last Commonwealth heads of government meeting at Abuja in Nigeria.

He said the programme in Delhi was the first in a series of four to be held till April 2006.

Joining hands

---

• India is keen to help promote regional cooperation through the networking of agencies aiding small and medium enterprises
• Govt says developing countries share common needs and challenges, so it makes sense for them to join hands