(a) whether international cooperation is sought in the field of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to upgrade their operations through foreign exposure;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the agreement signed in this regard during each of the last three years;
(d) the amount of financial assistance extended to industry organisations/enterprises during the said period in this regard; and
(e) the number of international cooperation events in which India participated in the regard?
MINISTER OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI VIRBHADRA SINGH)
(a): Yes Madam. Several micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) seek assistance from the Ministry of MSME and its various organizations to upgrade their operations through foreign exposure.
(b): This Ministry and its organizations provide assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises for the following activities:
(i) Deputation of MSME business delegations to other countries for exploring new areas of technology infusion/upgradation, facilitating joint ventures, improving market of MSMEs products, foreign collaborations, etc.
(ii) Participation by Indian MSMEs in international exhibitions, trade fairs and buyer-seller meets in foreign countries as well as in India, in which there is international participation.
(iii) Holding international exhibitions, conferences and seminars in India on topics and themes of interest to the MSMEs.
(c): This Ministry has entered into long term Agreements/Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several countries for promoting cooperation in the field of MSMEs. During the last three years, the Ministry has entered into agreements with the following countries:
1. Arab Republic of Egypt 29/10/2009 2. Republic of Botswana 17/06/2010 3. Republic of Korea 18/06/2010 4. Republic of Mozambique 30/09/2010 5. Republic of Indonesia 25/01/2011
Financial Year Assistance extended (Rs. in crore) 2009-10 6.15 2010-11 8.29 2011-12 6.81
Financial Year No. of international events
2009-10 70 2010-11 67 2011-12 64