World Association organises 21st International Conference for SMEs

The World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises has organised the 21st International Conference on SMEs in New Delhi. In the conference Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said that Sustainable industrialization with SME development should be the primary development agenda of national governments. 

Delivering his inaugural address, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said, “In the context of SDGs, inclusive and sustainable industrialization, the SME development must be primary development agenda of national governments so as to address the critical issues around economic growth, job creation, social stability, and environmental protection.” 

The Vice President emphasized that SME development needs to be cantered around sustainability. He added that alleviation of poverty while simultaneously creating employment and wealth by following the principle of inclusive growth was the only way towards a peaceful world.

Speaking on the same, Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industry, who was the Guest of Honour at the session, said that the government aims to get a substantial share in the manufacturing sector’s contribution in GDP from SMEs. He added that the government plans to increase manufacturing sector’s share in the GDP to 20 per cent.

The two-day ICSME conference deliberates on issues concerning SME development and their need to align with the goals of achieving sustainable development through responsible business practices.

The theme of the conference is ‘Achieving Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization by Promoting SMEs: Small Business, Global Impact’.

Alhaji Babale Umaru Girei, President, WASME & Chairman, Standard Microfinance Bank Nigeria said, “The 21st international conference on Small and Medium Enterprises is being organised to align SME development goals with integrated and individual core dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental.”

The event brings together key stakeholders from diverse organisations to engage in meaningful deliberation on SMEs.

Tags: World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises,  21st International Conference for SMEs, sme, vice president of india, m venkaiah naidu vice president, msme, varindia, gdp, Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industry, WASME