Govt serious about issues of MSME exports: Cabinet Secy

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SME Times News Bureau | 16 Mar, 2013
Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth Friday reviewed the export scenario of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and assured the industry that the Government should be able to give serious thought to many of the suggestions offered.

At a high level meeting with him, along with other senior officials, in New Delhi on Friday, the industry put forward issues pertaining to the exports in the sector and focused on areas like cost of credit, technology upgradation, skill training, packaging and export incentives. Representatives from FIEO, CII, Carpet Industry, Electronics, Plastic, Handicraft and many other areas gave their suggestions for improving exports from the sector.

The Cabinet Secretary said that he had taken note of the suggestions given and assured that the Government should be able to give serious thought to many of the suggestions offered.

"MSME Sector is the backbone of manufacturing in the country. On immediate basis I will form 2-3 small groups so that suggestions offered here can be looked into. This will help us in ascertaining that what can be done quickly and I will take another reviews with the Secretaries in three weeks time so that we can do something quickly for this sector," said Ajit.

The high level meeting was attended, apart from the industry leaders, by Finance Secretary, Commerce Secretary, Secretary Industry, Secretary MSME, Secretary Steel and Secretary Ministry of Food Processing Industries. Other senior officers of the concerned departments and Ministries were also present.

The Cabinet Secretary also emphasized need for constant technology upgradation and innovation to stay competitive in the global market.

While appreciating the contribution that the MSME sector is making towards high-tech sectors such as space and defence, he underscored the importance of concerted efforts to increase the share of MSMEs in these technological areas and the necessity for creation of IPRs.

He further stated that there is an imperative need to constantly upgrade the skills through continuing skill upgradation programmes.

Commerce Secretary S R Rao made the introductory remarks and Director General of Foreign Trade made the presentation on export situation.

Finance Secretary, Secretary MSME and Secretary Industry also made comments on the issue.