Press Information Bureau

Government of India 

Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises

29-January, 2013 12:56 IST

A delegation led by Mr Radovan Zerjav, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Technology, Republic of Slovenia called on Shri K. H. Muniyappa, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises here today.

The Minister (MSME) while welcoming the visiting dignitaries said “India and Slovenia enjoy very warm and friendly relations and this has been further cemented by regular exchange of high level / Ministerial visits between both the countries. Bilateral trade between India and Slovenia has been growing steadily over the years. Our relations are poised to reach greater heights.

I am happy to note that many Indian MSMEs are familiar with Slovenian market on account of their participation in the annual International Trade Fair at Celje. National Small Industries Corporation, a public sector undertaking under my Ministry has been regularly organizing MSME delegations to participate in the Celje International Trade Fair every year since 2009. I have been told that the participation of Indian MSMEs in this Fair has been quite successful and fruitful. NSIC and its counterpart organizations in Slovenia should facilitate the participation of MSMEs in fairs and exhibitions that are held in both the countries.

The stable democracy and vibrant economy of Slovenia would provide tremendous opportunities for Indian MSMEs to export their products and also access other European markets on account of Slovenia, being a member of the European Union. It would also be worthwhile to explore whether some of the Indian SMEs could also invest in Slovenia on account of its geo-strategic location and low-risk business environment.

So there is immense scope for cooperation between India and Slovenia in the field of MSMEs. Both the countries should explore the possibility of entering into a MoU for strengthening cooperation in the MSME sector. The MoU would provide a platform for both the sides to hold continuous and meaningful dialogues on issues concerning the MSME sector for the benefit of MSMEs in both the countries. The MSME Ministry has entered into MoU/Agreements with 16 other countries. Our experience is that such agreements have been helpful in furthering cooperation between MSMEs of both sides.”

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Technology, Republic of Slovenia expressed his gratitude and discussed the issues of MSME sector. He expressed his keenness in collaborating with Indian MSMEs in energy sector, energy efficient houses, automotive industry, technical solution in IT sector, mechanical engineering, tourism. He further informed that Slovenia is a member of European Union and can offer a gateway to the Indian MSMEs for whole of Europe.

Present on the occasion were Shri Amarendra Sinha, (AS & DC), Shri C. K. Mishra, (Joint Secretary), Shri Angshuman Dey, (Director, ARI), Shri Jithesh John, (Joint Director), Shri P. Udayakumar, (Director, Planning and Marketing, NSIC) and other officials of the Ministry.

 

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 RTS/HSN

 

International MSME cooperation expands via MoU-driven trade and investment pathways for small enterprises to access European markets. Bilateral engagement to enhance International MSME Cooperation focused on expanding market access, trade promotion and investment facilitation between India and Slovenia, recommending that counterpart organisations such as the National Small Industries Corporation facilitate joint participation of MSMEs in trade fairs and exhibitions to improve export opportunities; and proposing a Memorandum of Understanding to institutionalise continuous dialogue and practical collaboration, with priority sectors including energy, energy-efficient housing, automotive, IT solutions, mechanical engineering and tourism and Slovenia positioned as a gateway to European markets.