Ficci to partner MP govt on SME growth

ALL INDIA BUSINESS CHAMBERS FOCUS HEAVILY ON THE NORTH

To chalk out strategy on technology upgrade, mkt access.

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) will support the Madhya Pradesh government in enhancing the competitiveness of small-scale and medium enterprises. The chamber will chalk out a strategy on technology upgrade, access to institutional credit, market access, and facilitating the business environment and infrastructure through its regional office in Bhopal.

The chamber has also formed its state executive council in principle. It will be announced later. The council, in association with the department of industries, organised an interaction with the small and medium enterprises to initiate the process of making a blueprint to make SMEs globally competitive.

The chamber will also suggest the government on amendments to the Industrial Promotion Policy. "SMEs are backbone of the industry and Ficci can play a vital role in improving technology, bringing financial institutions closer to SMEs to make them competitive in open market economy," said Ramesh Chandra Agrawal, the first Chairman of the Council. He, however, urged upon the government to bring stability in bureaucracy so that industry can maintain pace in talks on policy issues.

Speaking on the occasion, Commerce and Industry Minister Babulal Gaur said industries will have to focus on managerial reforms and should frame policies in the interest of labourers. He said the state was looking up with Rs 84,000 crore investment in hand. An empowerment committee has been constituted to look into the SME and other industry related issues. The department will also organise a big summit in Indore to seek suggestions from Industry in terms of tax concessions, land rates, labour laws etc. in month of June.

"The central government is also extending all cooperation to us in our efforts to create industrial-friendly atmosphere," the minister said. Mahesh Reddy, additional director FICCI made a presentation on FICCI's plan on chalking out strategy for enhancing competitiveness in the SMEs by elaborating upon issues and concerns and strategy and approach on technology upgradation, access to institutional credit, market access, facilitating environment and infrastructure. RK Mani, World Bank consultant and the director of the Sagar Institute of Technology; PK Lahiri, managing director, MP Consultancy Organisation; and GS Davar, managing director, MP Organics, made presentation.