Faced with one of the highest incidences of sickness in the country, Gujarat's the micro-small and medium enterprises are all set to get a class on global competitiveness and staying afloat in the challenging times.
During the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit in January 11-13, 2015, the Gujarat government will rope-in experts from global agencies like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations (UN) to provide an insight into global competitiveness, financing and technology to the enterpreneurs of the state.
"Over 5,000 entrepreneurs - mostly from Gujarat, will attend the MSME theme seminar on January 12. Besides the expert talks, we will showcase nine successful SME case-studies from Gujarat. This will act as examples of how SMEs can withstand challenges," said a senior government official.
Among international experts, Shigehiro Shinozaki, financial sector specialist (SME) Asian Development Bank (ADB), Anilkumar Dave from International Network for SME (INSME), Italy, Masato Abe, Economic Affairs Officer, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) will deliver speeches on the theme of 'Gearing up for Global competitiveness'.
While the Chief Minister Anandiben Patel will remain present along with Union Minister for MSME, Kalraj Mishra and Minister of State for MSME, Giriraj Singh.
The nine case-studies that will be showcased to the entrepreneurs at the Conference, include Gujarat-based packaged snacks maker Balaji Wafers Pvt Ltd, engineering player, Harsha Engineers Pvt, chemicals and dyes maker Bluecoat Pvt Ltd, ceramics major Asian Granito India, agri-commodities player Amee Castor & Derivatives Ltd, diamonds major Hare Krishna Exports, leading three-wheeler maker Atul Auto Ltd, Shree Umiya Surgical Pvt Ltd and Young Woman Entrepreneur.
Notably, according to the latest RBI data shared by the Ministry of MSME, Gujarat recorded second largest number of sick MSMEs in the country at 48,055 units as on March 2014, which is more than double of 20,452 in 2013. Gujarat stood second only to Uttar Pradesh, which recorded 63,268 sick units as on March 2014.