International Society for Small and Medium Enterprises

MEDIA RELEASE
1 May 2013 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): Challenges and Opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Free trade offers advantages and disadvantages for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. There are concerns among various MSMEs and other stake holders about adverse impact of FTAs. A slow progress in global trade talks, Doha Round for instance, might have caused a surge in FTAs. India is in discussion with many nations for moving ahead with a FTA regime. India so far has signed FTAs with nearly 10 nations such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia etc. Further Indias negotiations on FTA are at different stages of progress with another 20 plus countries including EU. Indo- EU FTA raises several concerns for many of the MSME segments. Some of the MSME sectors such as automobiles, agro-food processing industry, pharmaceuticals, leather & footwear, textiles, retail trade are few sectors that may face causalities, if the treaty is concluded, since EU holds comparative advantage in many such areas. International Society for Small and Medium Enterprises (ISSME), an ISO 9001 certified international organization working for the micro, small and medium enterprises is deeply concerned about the probable implications of FTAs on MSMEs. Interests and concerns of MSMEs need to be addressed. We are of the opinion that state/government support and protection cannot be underestimated for the sustenance, survival and growth of MSMEs. In the FTA scenario, States mandate and purview to provide a protective umbrella to MSMEs has be taken in to consideration before signing FTAs with larger entities such as EU, with whom there exist comparative disadvantages rather than advantages by India and other developing nations. As part of a larger initiative to create awareness, generate public discussion and bring the concerns of industry to the policy making circles, ISSME would be organizing a number of interactions/conferences on the topic that would be attended by representatives from associations, chambers, industry, policy makers and others in different regions. The first interaction, of this kind, in this regard would be held in New Delhi on 25 May 2013 at Kerala House, 3 Jantar Mantar, New Delhi-1 between 2. 30 PM to 6.30 PM. This round table conference on Free trade agreements (FTAs): Challenges and Opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) would be attended by

Switchboard: +91-11-29993844; Central Fax: +91-11-29993845; Email: info@issme.org; Website: www.issme.org

International Society for Small and Medium Enterprises

parliamentarians, ministry/government officials, and industry associations, MSMEs, Entrepreneurs, NGOs, Researchers and Activist Groups. The conference would be an opportunity for the industry to share their concerns and apprehensions. Apart from industry presentations, there will be presentations on the topic by economists, international trade and commerce experts and academicians. Those who are desirous of attending, kindly get in touch ISSME Events Section, Department of Policy & Programs at: events@issme.org or Write to ISSME secretariat.
Contact Details:

Mr. Sunil D. Sharma Secretary General, ISSME International Society for Small and Medium Enterprises PO Box 4354, Kalkaji HPO, New Delhi 110019, India Tel.: +91-11-29993844 Fax: +91-11-29993845 www.issme.org

Mark your calendars for the ISSME World Conference 2013 October 18 - 21, 2013: The Leela Kempinski Gurgaon, NH -8, Delhi (NCR)

Switchboard: +91-11-29993844; Central Fax: +91-11-29993845; Email: info@issme.org; Website: www.issme.org