Engineering fabrication units in Tiruchi should explore export opportunities,
taking advantage of the benefits extended by the government, said speakers at an
export awareness programme for the engineering cluster organised by the
Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) in association with the
Directorate General of Foreign Trade and the Tiruchi District Tiny and Small
Scale Industries Association here on Thursday.
The meet was organised under the Niryath Bhandhu Scheme of the Union
government to sensitise entrepreneurs on the opportunities available in global
trade.
Speaking at the meet, K. Unnikrishnan, Joint Deputy Director General, FIEO,
said the country’s exports had shown positive growth during October and the
prospects for export-oriented entrepreneurs were good. Entrepreneurs could
explore opportunities in African and Latin American countries, besides India’s
neighbouring countries for opportunities.
“Huge opportunities are coming up for micro, small and medium industries. Due
to global recession, importers are not making bulk purchases any more but are
looking for supplies in smaller quantities. Look at countries with which India
has free trade agreements to gain access to the markets,” he told the
entrepreneurs.
It was also important that entrepreneurs focussed on quality and innovation.
Engineering units here should invest in technology upgradation, research and
development, he said and added that FIEO offered several services to exporters
including marketing support. Exporters can obtain basic information online at
the website www.indiantradeportal.in
V. Murugesan, Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade, Chennai, while
explaining the incentives and benefits extended to exporters by the government,
said the office of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, provided
orientation training for exporters and prospective exporters to help them
understand the intricacies of the trade. Sensitisation programmes were being
organised for industry clusters and one such programme has been held for the
artificial gems manufacturing industry in Tiruchi. The Niryath Bhandhu programme
was intended to help first time exporters through hand holding, he said.
N. Kanagasabapathy, president, TIDISSIA, observed that there was good scope
for entrepreneurs of Tiruchi to expand their business through exports.
H. Rajasekar, Assistant Commissioner of Customs, spoke on the trade
facilitation measures put in place. “The Customs is now more of a facilitator
rather than a regulator of import and exports. Many of the procedures have been
simplified,” he said.
Presentations on credit risk management, trade finance and risk management
were made by experts from different agencies.
Source : http://www.thehindu.com/