Kochi, Nov 19 (KNN) With the support of the Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), India SME Forum has launched a programme to showcase export opportunities for MSMEs across the country.

Vinod Kumar, President, India SME Forum said that at present, the number of SMEs participating in exports is 1.27 lakh and the government proposes to increase the number to five lakh and double their export output.

Kumar further claimed that in spite of the government’s focus on SMEs and exports, less than 0.01 per cent of 65 million SMEs in the country currently participate in global trade adding that SME Forum has decided to train nearly four lakh SMEs for exports in the next four years.

''SMEs contribute 11 per cent of the GDP, 45 per cent of total manufacturing output and more than 100 million jobs. They also play a crucial role in supporting large enterprises as ancillary units and even help in promoting industry in rural and backward areas. A vibrant and financially inclusive India needs a vibrant SME sector,'' Kumar said while speaking at Accelerating Business Xpo.  

India SME Forum so far has over 76,000 members, including 7,000 women entrepreneurs.

---------------------