MAIT, the apex body representing India’s IT hardware, training and R&D services sectors, in association with the Ministry of Communication & Information Technology and Ministry of MSME, organised “MAIT ICT SME Conclave – 2014” in Thiruvananthapuram. The Conclave aims to create awareness among SMEs about the various initiatives, policies and schemes by the government.
As per the estimates of Ministry of IT & Communications, the demand for IT hardware and electronics is expected to touch USD 400 billion by 2020 in India. With the current rate and base of domestic production, an expected USD 320 billion worth of IT hardware and electronics is expected to be imported into India to cater to this burgeoning demand. It is a good opportunity for Indian manufacturers to participate in the Make in India campaign and join the mainstream IT Community in India.
While giving an overview of IT and eGovernance services of state, Ajith S, Head – eGovernance, Kerala IT Mission said, “SMEs are the backbone of our economy and have a crucial role to play in promoting inclusive growth at the grassroots level. Through various IT and eGovernance services our aim is to create a platform for SMEs and young entrepreneurs in Kerala to innovate, contribute to the development of our economy and expand their business in a dynamic market situation. SMEs are essential part of the government initiative to promote the use of IT in e-governance.”
MAIT SME Conclave offers a single window for all the MSMEs to connect with each other and various government bodies, so as to highlight their key issues related to the policy framework, funding etc and get a better understanding of various schemes and opportunities on offer that can be utilised for the benefit of the industry. It aimed to equip the SMEs to prepare themselves thoroughly for evaluating the business opportunities and take necessary actions in developing their enterprises with the help of IT to achieve business goals.
In his address, Rahul Gupta, Chairman, SME Chapter, MAIT, said, “The government’s role in pushing the growth of the manufacturing sector and paving way for the growth of SMEs cannot be undermined. By opening doors for investment in the country to domestic and international players, it aims to further give a boost to economic growth. However, some concrete SME focused initiatives are still awaited. What is required, is the right mix of government intervention for creating market for locally manufactured products and freedom, which could lead to the creation of dynamic exporting SMEs.”
MAIT has also introduced a website (http://www.maitsme.com ) catering to the various information needs of the SMEs. This portal would give the best opportunity for SMEs to showcase their solutions to a wide audience. It aims to create ample B2B opportunities within SMEs.
The Conclave witnessed participation from various government agencies and representatives from the Ministry of Communications & IT, MSME Development Institute, Trivandrum Chambers of Commerce & Industry, NSIC and others. Through this initiative MAIT is looking forward to work closely both with the Government and SME manufactures towards making India a manufacturing hub. Some of the issues discussed at the conclave are related to training of the manpower and skill development, funding procedures, setting up of electronic manufacturing clusters and various schemes for supporting SMEs in the sector.