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Shri Mahabir Prasad, Union Minister of SSI & ARI has said that globalisation is imperative due to the worldwide industrial restructuring and trade dynamics. Global supply chains and distribution networks are becoming more and more integrated. Technology is changing day by day and Information & Communication Technology (ICT) is expanding the frontiers for trade. In this borderless environment, it is particularly necessary for the small enterprises to establish their own unique identity on the world stage. The Minister was inaugurating the India Global Summit on Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs) 2004 here today. He further said that SMEs in most countries are unable to fully harness opportunities created by globalisation, due to lack of proper institutional frameworks for engendering a stable business environment, appropriate infrastructure and information networks. The deliberations of these two days on SMEs will provide some answers to the problems facing the sector. Shri Prasad also informed that the Small Enterprise Development Bill, presently under process of enactment, is also expected to substantially improve the working environment for the SME units.
Secretary, SSI & ARI, Shri Anupam Dasgupta, in his keynote address, said that there are many challenges facing the sector. Products, processes, technologies and economies are constantly changing, and the lowering of trade barriers is exposing the industry to external forces. Competitiveness is constantly being threatened and profit margins are getting reduced. The limited resources of individual entrepreneurs make them more vulnerable to these forces. But, these are not insurmountable obstacles. He further said that being more flexible and adaptive, small enterprises are inherently well positioned to manage change. Their unique strengths are innovation, abundant talent, and quick adaptability.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in close cooperation with the Ministry of Small Scale Industries, are organizing the India Global Summit on SMEs 2004 on 23-24 November 2004, in New Delhi. Summit is expected to reflect the aspirations of the Global entrepreneur and appropriately serve as a networking platform, to reach out to the SMEs worldwide and explore the innumerable opportunities for enhancing trade and to look at each others strengths, to synergise the developmental efforts. Dr. R. Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Shri K.K.M. Kutty, Chairman, CII National Council for Small Industry and Shri Sunil Kant Munjal, President, CII and others attended the inaugural session.
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