New Delhi, Nov 18 (KNN) The Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) recently organized its flagship annual conference, India and Sustainability Standards: International Dialogue & Conference, during which at a session different dimensions including sustainable trade standards from all levels of the industry chain was discussed.

The program witnessed participation of several partner agencies, organizations as well as industry bodies including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises associations

During the session titled: The Sustainability Map: Driving Innovation and Building Inclusive Supply Chain, the delegation emphasized the need to encourage sustainable trade with appropriate involvement of all levels right from the Small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) to the large multinational companies.

Also the delegation discussed the use of Information Technology to address the gaps that exist.

Anil Bhardwaj Secretary General of Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) who was a speaker in the meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the SME sector. He said that the problem starts right from the process in which the information is updated.

Suggesting the need for reforms in the process, Bhardwaj further said that that when the standard is shown, even the testing labs and where the certification was done should be shown.

Citing figures he said that at the global trade, developing countries registered a 44 per cent rise in terms of the amount, and for India to move ahead it is important to keep up with other competing countries  both in the market as well s in the standards arena.

Other sessions during the conference included Business and Biodiversity for Environment Sustainability: Issues, Resolutions and Actions, Exploring ways to realise the Sustainable Development Goals, etc. (KNN/DA)