In 2006-07, exports from Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is estimated to have reached a record level of US$ 50 billion, amounting to 40% of India’s total merchandise exports according to the presentation by Mr. Jawhar Sicar , Addl. Sec. & Development Commissioner, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

 In India there are 12.5 millions micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), providing employment to 30 million people, and contributing to around 50% billion of the country’s industrial production.  The major MSME export products include readymade garments, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, processed foods, leather products, and marine products. Small Scale industries in the country have consistently maintained a growth rate higher by about 1.5 to 2 than the overall industrial growth rate.

The availability of policy and development support has enabled the rapid development of MSMEs, in India. In 2006-07, exports from India micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is estimated to have reached a record level of US$ 50 billion, amounting to 40% of India’s total merchandise exports . This was has been indicated in a presentation on MSMEs – Indian Scenario, by Jawhar Sicar , Addl. Sec. & Development Commissioner, Ministry of Micro, small and medium Enterprises, at recent International Conference on India- Africa Cooperation in Industry, Trade and Investment, which was organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in cooperation with the government of India under the banner of the UNIDO centre for South-south Industrial Cooperation established earlier this year.

Changes in Policy and support have been effected in tune with the emerging needs of globalization to enable SSIs to maintain and improve their competitive edge by ensuring WTO compatibility; availability of finance; technology upgradation; and skill development.

Support programmes and schemes for MSMEs in India include : assistance for entrepreneurship development; credit guarantee fund scheme for small industries, micro finance programmes; credit linked subsidy scheme for technology upgradation; tool rooms for dies, moulds, jigs and fixtures; testing stations for calibration; cluster development programmes; quality upgradation in small scale sector through incentives for ISO 9000 and 14001 certification; trade-related entrepreneurship assistance for women; and setting up of testing centres by industry associations.