Thursday, November 22, 2012

ITPO provides needful impetus to MSMEs, says Rita Menon, CMD of ITPO

Accentuating ITPO's major contribution in bringing the Indian businesses particularly those in the SMEs and MSMEs sectors closer to global markets, Rita Menon, chairman & managing director (CMD) of Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) said that the organisation puts special focus on SMEs/MSMEs products and services during its B2B specialised activities.
 
ITPO's exhibitions in India and abroad are the most reliable platform for promotion of SMEs, she said in an exclusive interview.


 
 
How would you relate trade fairs with SMEs/MSMEs ?

Rita Menon: ITPO has been playing a pioneering role in the national trade growth dynamics since its inception. As an ideal catalyst for India’s trade promotion, ITPO provides desired impetus to the process of enhancing technological capability of the SMEs and MSMEs. These events offer a unique forum of B2B meetings for promotion of these sectors. 
 
 
What is the current scenario of trade and business in India?
 
Rita Menon: Integrating with the global economy, Indian trade and commerce is in a transition stage. In view of the contemporary challenges in the country, a fresh initiatives have been taken by the Government such as economic reforms and the country is becoming investor-friendly. Indian companies are competitive effectively both at home and abroad. They are also investing around the world.
 
 
 
ITPO primarily aims to promote country's external trade. What new business initiatives your organisation has undertaken in recent years to promote India's external trade?
 
Rita Menon: ITPO organises national level participations in major international trade fairs and exclusive India trade shows overseas in line with the market opportunities. These efforts are made and in keeping with the Government’s focus programmes in the Africa, Latin America, specific CIS countries and also for promotion of products including setting-up exhibitions in different countries where bilateral agreements have been taken place. Currently, ITPO organises India pavilions in around 30 trade fairs. Some of the prominent overseas events in which ITPO organises national participation are: Anuga Food Fair, Cologne, Sial, Paris, AF-L Artigiano de Fiera, Milan, Hospitalar, Sao Paulo, Asia Pacific Leather Fairs, Hong Kong, AApex, Las Vegas, Australia International Sourcing Fair, Sydney, Foodex, Tokyo, Africa Big Seven/Saitex, Johannesburg, National Hardware Show, Las Vegas and Practical World, Cologne. Besides, two highly popular regular ‘India Shows’ are organised in Osaka, Japan annually are India Home Furnishings Fair and India Garment Fair.
 
It is a matter of pride that ITPO has been the official organiser of India’s participation at World Expo series and would be playing the same role in Expo Milan 2015.
 
 
 
How is your organisation helping SMEs in disseminating information about their enterprises and also accessing markets? Rita Menon: Apart from its role in bringing the Indian businesses particularly those in the SMEs and MSMEs sectors closer to global markets, ITPO provides reliable trade information to the foreign buyers and exporters. Its dedicated trade portal: tradeportalofindia.com assists in accessing potential markets for SMEs. Besides, ITPO has always special focus on SMEs & MSMEs products and services during its B2B specialised activities including IITF, an annual magnum opus of the organisation.

 
How, according to you, MSMEs, can extend their reach to customers in different markets in such a competitive environment?
 
Rita Menon: In this fiercely competitive scenario, India MSMEs have to improve, upgrade and acclimatize their products and services, as per the global standards in quality. Promotional back-up through exhibitions and e-commerce play a pivotal role in business expansion and brand promotion
globally. 
 
 
For SMEs, which is the most effective way of promoting trade?
 
Rita Menon: As earlier mentioned, ITPO’s exhibitions in India and abroad are the most reliable platform for promotion of SME’s. Along with interaction with potential buyers, these events offered opportunities in the form of technology transfer, exploration of joint ventures and creating fresh business network.

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