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Co-operation In Small Business Development

18 November 2004

"Co-operation between India and the rest of the Commonwealth in small business development and competitiveness is an imperative and not an option in this age of globalisation," stated Mahabir Prasad, Union Minister for Small Scale Industries of India.

Inaugurating the first Commonwealth-India Small Business Competitiveness Development Programme in New Delhi, India, on 15 November 2004, Mr Prasad said: "We are keen to help in promoting regional co-operation through the networking of small and medium enterprise support agencies and the undertaking of joint activities through pooled resources."

More than 60 delegates from 32 Commonwealth countries are participating in the event from 15 to 19 November. It is organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat, with support from its Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC), and India's National Small Industries Corporation.

Among the aims of the programme are: to develop competitive small business policies for developing states; to map a framework for co-operation between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of India and other Commonwealth countries; and to promote business matchmaking among SMEs in India and elsewhere in the Commonwealth.

Dr V Krishnamurthy, Chairman of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Commission, noted: "Small businesses, in order to be more competitive, need to pool their resources, capabilities and minds. A collaborative initiative, such as this, will go a long way in benefiting both India and the rest of the Commonwealth."

Delegates will discuss best and emerging practices, examine case studies and participate in field visits. Topics on the agenda feature the relevance of small businesses in economic development; networking and business development; competitiveness and technology; and marketing.

Expected outcomes include proposals from both industry and government on how to improve trade, encourage investment through SMEs and expand economic links.

George Saibel, Director of the Secretariat's Special Advisory Services Division, said: "The programme is an example of the CFTC's support to member countries in strengthening enterprise competitiveness."

 

CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 210   17 November 2004

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