MSME Ministry, FISME To Host India-EU MSME Conference On Competitiveness, Sustainability And Trade In Sonipat

New Delhi, Sep 7 (KNN) The Ministry of MSME, under the International Cooperation Scheme, is collaborating with the Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) to organise an international conference titled “India-EU Partnership for MSME Competitiveness, Sustainability and Global Value Chains” in Sonipat, near Delhi, on September 25-26.

The two-day conference will bring together policymakers, trade experts, academics, and international and industry representatives to discuss the implications of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

It will focus on how MSMEs can benefit from greater market access, address non-tariff barriers and integrate into European global value chains. Discussions will cover rules of origin, regulatory procedures and sector-specific requirements.

Speakers and panelists include Carmine Soprano, Senior Economist – Trade & Gender/Youth Specialist, World Bank Group (virtually); Prof. Sangeeta Khorana, Professor of International Trade Policy, Aston Business School, UK; Prof. Wolfgang Sofka, Professor of Strategic and International Management, Copenhagen Business School; Francesco Salustri, Associate Professor of Economics, Roma Tre University, Italy; and other industry representatives.

Key Discussions

Discussions will examine the broader FTA architecture, including clauses, coverage, rules of origin, procedures and market access for MSMEs.

The conference will focus on potential zero-duty market access, EU environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance, eco-labelling, REACH regulations, circular economy standards and tariff rationalisation.

Sector-specific discussions will cover agro and food processing, packaging, light engineering and auto components. Key issues will include sanitary and phytosanitary standards, packaging and traceability requirements, technical barriers to trade, decarbonisation and opportunities to integrate into European original equipment manufacturers’ supply chains.

Stakeholder Roundtable

The conference will conclude on September 26 with a roundtable discussion featuring a presentation by FISME on key takeaways, followed by remarks from speakers, stakeholders and representatives of industry associations.

The conference is expected to provide a platform for MSMEs and other stakeholders to examine the opportunities and compliance challenges emerging from closer India-EU trade integration.

Interested stakeholders and participants can register through the following link: Register here. 

(KNN Bureau)