FMC and GIZ push for MSME clusters to boost capabilities of small businesses

Thursday February 07, 2019 , 2 min Read

The Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the Ministry of MSME organised a ‘Cluster Conclave and 5th Responsible BMO Award: Innovate to Lead’ in New Delhi on Wednesday, according to a KNN India report.

The event was attended by Giriraj Singh, Minister of State, MSME, who launched a web portal and brochure for promoting market transformation for energy efficiency in MSMEs. At the event, the minister emphasised on indigenous clusters and smart industries for growth and development of the country.

“Clusters are not only a medium of technology but also a medium of marketing. Linking technology with clusters makes it more competitive and marketable,” he told the gathering. “With the given indigenous technology, if we promote clusters, then nobody could stop us from providing employment.”

Arun Kumar Panda, Secretary, Ministry of MSME, said, “The biggest problem that has been hindering the growth of MSMEs is information asymmetry. I urge business membership organisations (BMOs), MSME associations and various MSME clusters to help MSMEs in bridging this information gap.”

He added, “Smart manufacturing requires bringing efficiency in manufacturing and it can be done when micro and small units compete with medium enterprises, medium enterprises compete with large enterprises, and large enterprises compete with Chinese products entering the market.”

Ram Mohan Mishra, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner, MSME, spoke about seven pillars critical for the promotion of MSMEs. “Of these, innovation is the most important pillar which can enhance the competitiveness of Indian companies,” he said.

On the sidelines of the event, Giriraj Singh also said that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce and Industry has recommended some improvements in the definition of MSMEs. The minister added that these changes will be implemented by the new government that will be elected in May.