The Institute of Small Enterprises and Development (ISED) along with the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPPCI) recently organised a seminar on an ISED-study titled ‘India MSME Report 2010’. Besides focusing on the untapped potential of MSMEs in public-private joint ventures, the study also addressed the hurdles and benefits from Free Trade Agreements.

“There was a panel discussion during the seminar on the developments in the MSME sector from the beginning of 2010 till now. Besides mulling over the results of the ISED-study, experts at the seminar charted the future outlook for the industry,” said a senior FAPCCI official to a Bizxchange correspondent on conditions of anonymity.

Notably, the Kochi-based research and consultancy body for MSMEs has also exhorted the need for image-building of the sector and increasing policy support to enhance their competitiveness.

According to Manoj Gajawat, owner of Aviette Exports Pvt Ltd, a small-sized unit in Jaipur which manufactures and exports home furnishing products, “Small units are in urgent need of image building to enhance their credibility and value in the global market. The government and industry associations should help MSMEs in this endeavour.”

ISED also said that the Twelfth Five Year Plan period (2012-17) might be carrying a more central role for MSMEs for generating employment. Incidentally, at the 55th National Development Council meeting held in July, after reviewing some results of the Eleventh Five Year Plan, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh emphasised on the need for infrastructure development, especially in the agro sector, which has a high concentration of SMEs. He also stressed on the need for promoting inclusive growth in sectors such as health and skill development.

Sreemita Bhattacharya