A Three Point Agenda for the Promotion of SME Sector in India & Zambia Setting up of ‘Indo-Zambian SME Development Council’.

Releasing the importance of enhancing the trade with developing and under developed countries and to provide a platform to the Indian SMEs to have a direct and meaningful interaction with the decision makers, Small and Medium Business Development Chamber of India (SME Chamber of India) and India International Trade Centre (IITC-India) have organised an Interaction Meeting with a high level delegation led by Hon. Mr. Felix C. Mutati, MP, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Zambia on 16th September, 2008 at Hotel Rang Sharda, Bandra (W), Mumbai.

The notable dignitaries include H.E. Mr. Keli Walubita, Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Special Adviser to the President, (Economic and Development Affairs), Mr. Adrew Chipwende, Director General, Zambia Development Agency, Mr. Siazongo Saikalenge, Director – Industry, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, H.E. Mr. Surendra Parikh, Honorary Consul General, Mr. Zafar Masud, Chairperson, Banker’s Association of Zambia and Managing Director, Barclays Bank (Zambia) Ltd.

The Interactive Meeting was attended by around 100 delegates representing SME, Banks, Corporate and media. The Highlight of the Event was the signing of MOUs between Zambia Development Agency and SME Chamber of India to setup “Indo-Zambian SME Development Council” which will undertake all activities for the promotion of SME sector in India and Zambia.

Hon’ble Minister while appreciating the efforts taken by SME Chamber for the promotion of SME has promised to provide all necessary support from the Government of Zambia. He lauded the Chamber and wanted a Three point agenda to be implemented within 6 months.

1. The SME Chamber should arrange a high level delegation of Indian Entrepreneurs who are interested to set up industries in Zambia in the sectors of Light Engineering, Food Processing, Tourism, Mining, Gems & Jewellery, Mini Power plants, Solar Energy and Water treatment.

2. The Zambian Government will setup a Special Economic Zone for Indian SMEs with all concession and incentives.

3. He wanted a close co-operation between the SME Chamber and its counterparts in Zambia for organizing various activities for the promotions of SMEs in both the countries.

Appreciating the enormous business opportunities available in India for the Zambian SMEs, the Minister has promise to recommend to various chambers and organisations to participate in the forthcoming “Global SMEs Expo” being organised by SME Chamber in February, 2009 at Mumbai.

Urging his serious commitment to promote bi-lateral trade the Hon’ble Minister has assured the delegates that Visas will be issue with in few hours and appointed Mr. Andrew Chipwende as one point contact to do business in Zambia.

“The performance of any co-operations is measured by results and not by promises”, said the Minister in his concluding remarks.

Responding to the Minister’s comments, Mr. Chandrakant Salunkhe, the founder President of SME Chamber of India and IITC-India assured the Minister that SME Chamber will act as “One-Stop-Shop” for SMEs to enhance their business in both the countries.