New Delhi, June 16 (KNN) At a time when the country’s exports are down for the 18th straight month in a row, the Ministry of MSME is planning to create a dedicated MSME Export Promotion Council (EPC). In this regard, the Ministry has called a meeting with the industry associations and experts on June 29, 2016.

“The EPC would be responsible for the export promotion and development of a particular group of products, projects and services in the country”.

The main role of the EPC would be to project India’s image abroad as a reliable supplier of high quality goods and services. The Council would also encourage and monitor the observance of international standards and specifications by exporters,” the Ministry said in its communication to the industry associations.

At present, MSME sector directly contributes to 40 per cent of country’s total export. However, not even half a per cent of the total MSMEs in India are into exports.

The Council would help in redressal of grievances and issues of the MSME exporters, which otherwise goes unheard being small in size.

A dedicated council would not only boost the existing exporters but would also encourage the potential exporters from the country.

MSMEs, hailing the idea, have said that it is a good proposal and would promote exports from the sector.

“It would be an excellent forum for redressal as well as policy advocacy. There is a need to give teeth to the proposed Council. Regional areas as well as all the sectors across the country should be covered by the Council Members,” said Dr Sangam Kurade, President, Federation of India Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME).

“This is a very good proposal and will go a long way to promote the exports from MSME and I would be happy to assist to best of my ability,” said Anil Aggarwal, Managing Director of Noida based PME Ltd.

Meanwhile, Dinesh Singhal, Managing Director, Kanohar Electricals Limited wondered whether MSME EPC would be an “overlapping” idea. “Instead, the government should come up with a redressal mechanism for exports,” he said.

Animesh Saxena, Managing Director, Neetee Clothing Pvt Ltd, welcomed the move and said, “We should know the basic features of this proposed scheme and scope of operations.”

Pankaj Bansal, Director, TMA International, said, “It is a very good proposal to focus on the opportunities and address the problems in this sector.” (KNN Bureau)