The possibility of an acute water supply shortage for medium and small-scale industries (MSMEs), amid growing environment concerns, coupled with international pressure has prompted them to visit two European countries this week to learn about the innovative technologies that help tackle the issue.
A delegation of such players under the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry will leave for Italy and Germany on Tuesday — and also seek ways to import such knowhow, a top MSME official said today.
The environmental performance of MSMEs in India continues to remain weak, said Hemant Shah, joint director of Ficci’s MSME cell. “We feel that environmental compliance and international pressure will lead to water-supply issues that can hamper the growth of MSMEs. To avert that, we need to devise innovative strategies,” he told Business Standard here.
It has thus become significant for MSMEs to realise the benefits of environmental management and ensure it helps materialise greater efficiency, profitability, and competitiveness.
Ficci MSME Committee’s Girish Luthra, who head Gujarat Enviro Protection and Infrastructure, noted that textile was a water-intensive industry. “We are looking forward to technologies that can reduce our water usage. We also want easier reuse of industrial water.”
Italy is known for its technology, innovation and design of textiles and allied machinery, while Germany is the world’s second-largest garments importer. The Indian delegation, during its four-day visit in the two countries, will also conduct business meetings with potential customers. “We plan to enhance export opportunities for textile MSMEs in these countries,” added Luthra.
Also, the delegation is looking forward to cost-efficient technology, given that many textile industries in India fall in the MSME category. Acquiring high-end technology is difficult for them.
Italy and Germany have also achieved an excellent position in the world market by developing, establishing and promoting innovative and high-quality environmental solutions, particularly in membrane technology in processing water and wastewater treatment plants.
