From Gunja
New Delhi, Jul 25 (KNN) The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) should focus more on the buyer-seller meets which are important for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to search new markets all around the world, the NSIC own survey suggested.

 “Intensive campaigns and marketing promotion events’ contribution to the scheme need to be re-analysed. Several MSMEs do not even consider it as an immediate benefit to them,” said a survey of marketing assistance scheme with respect to MSMEs, conducted by Kaarak Enterprise Development Services done on behalf of NSIC. The survey was earlier posted on the NSIC website.    

Overall, out of the total number of initiatives taken in marketing assistance scheme for the MSME sector during 2009-10 and 2010-11, the buyer-seller meets accounted for just five per cent while the domestic market events claimed 64 per cent compared to mere seven per cent for participation in the international events.

Meanwhile, the participation of firms in various international exhibitions were mere five per cent in 2011-12 while in domestic market it increased to 65 per cent. The buyer-seller meets were attended by five per cent of the firms, which is minimal.

Buyer-seller meet is an important event where the MSMEs can interact with bulk buyers. They might be useful to increase the number of such events with effective participation from buyers, both government as well as private.

Moreover, trade enquiries made by MSMEs show that majority of them have come from domestic market. Generation of lesser number of trade queries for international market is a reflection of low participation rate in global events. This also reflects lesser participation of international buyers in domestic exhibitions.   

The survey further said that it would be necessary to evaluate the reasons for low participation in the international exhibitions by small enterprises which will help them with more provisions in the schemes by the government.

It is suggested that NSIC has to make events more attractive for participants with respect to business queries, orders generation, opportunities for networking, meeting local and global enterprises.

It should increase the number of events and organize them not only in big cities but also in rural areas.

Moreover, bulk orders have a significant impact on the competitiveness of the MSMEs. They are willing to upgrade their technology, capacity and quality assurance parameters if they are assured of getting big orders.

Participation in ‘Techmart’ and in intensive campaigns and market promotions was four per cent by the firms.  

‘Techmart’ exhibitions are organised every year during the India International Trade Fair (IITF). This event allows the MSMEs to exhibit their products, technologies and services in India.

Moreover, overall only 13.82 per cent of total MSMEs have adopted new technology, the survey said.

To address the issue and improve overall technology upgradation, it is important to make small units aware of identifying new and appropriate technology, which is currently 32 per cent.

Moreover, objective of the marketing assistance scheme is to enhance selling capabilities and competitiveness among the MSMEs.

This scheme can update small businesses about the prevalent market scenario, facilitate the formation of consortia comprising SMEs for marketing their products and services.  It provides platform for small entrepreneurs to interact with large institutional buyers and enrich their marketing skills. (KNN)

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