Significant activities of office of DC (MSME) DURING OCTOBER 2007

e-News Letter for the Month of October -2007
Significant activities of office of DC (MSME) during OCTOBER 2007.

IMPORTANT MEETINGS:
The 14 th meeting of Steering Committee of MSECDP was held on 1 October, 2007 under the Chairmanship of Secretary (MSME). In the meeting, proposals for intervention in various modes in 131 Clusters were approved. Approval of implementation of 7 Common Facility Centres were also approved in the meeting besides organising of training programmes.


Status of the implementation of the “Package for Promotion of Micro and Small Enterprises” has been circulated to Secretary Industries/Director of Industries of All States/UTs, Directors of all MSME-DIs, MSME National/State Level Associations and others as per the mailing list. The information was also placed on the website of the Ministry (www.dcmsme.gov.in).

Secretary (MSME) chaired a meeting on “Investment climate capacity enhancement for development of MSMEs in Uttar Pradesh” on 26 October 2007. AS&DC (MSME), Principal Secretary (SSI) and Director of Industries, Govt. of U.P. and Dy. Director (MSME Policy) attended the meeting. In the meeting a concept paper prepared on the subject by the Government of U. P. was discussed. It was decided that Principal Secretary (SSI) Govt. of Uttar Pradesh will submit a revised concept paper on the basis of the discussions held.

iv) Towards implementation of National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme for the MSME Sector, EFC meetings for the following schemes were held during this month:-
a) Setting up of 15 new Mini Tool Rooms
b) Building Awareness on IPR
c) Technology and Quality Upgradation Support for SMEs.
The schemes have been approved by the respective EFCs

IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES:
(i) Joint Secretary & Addl. Development Commissioner chaired a Meeting on 18.10.2007 with the heads of Technical Divisions of the office of DC (MSME) on revision of the list of items reserved for exclusive manufacture in small scale sector .

(ii) AS&DC (MSME) was a member of the Ministerial delegation led by the Hon’ble Minister (MSME) to the Asia Europe Small and Medium Enterprises (ASEM-SME) Ministerial Meeting held on 30 and 31 October 2007. At the conclusion of the Meeting a joint declaration was released to enhance dialogue among Govt. authorities responsible for SMEs development, improve the innovative capacity and competitiveness of SMEs, promote the development of SME industrial cultures, facilitate SME economy and trade cooperation among ASEM member countries in a more pragmatic approach.

3. SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME:
MSME – DIs and autonomous bodies under DC (MSME) conducted 61 Skill Development Programmes, 73 Entrepreneurship Development Programmes, 77 Motivational Campaigns and 35 Management Development Programmes in which 10293 persons were trained.

TECHNOLOGY UP-GRADATION:
(i) Autonomous bodies working under DC (MSME) provided assistance in designing and manufacturing tools, metrology and quality control services to 28 small-scale industries.
(ii) 160 jobs undertaken from 143 units by the autonomous bodies under DC (MSME).

5. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR TECHNOLOGY UPGRADATION & MODERNISATION:
Under ISO 9000 Reimbursement Scheme during the year an amount of Rs. 2.77 crore has been reimbursed to 667 MSME units so far.

EMPLOYMENT SUMMIT22 NOVEMBER 2007: NEW DELHI

Based on the success of the 1st Employment Summit organised on 13 November 2006 at New Delhi, CII jointly with the Planning Commission is planning to organise the 2nd Employment Summit at 0830 hrs, on 22 November 2007 at Silver Oak, India Habitat Centre,Lodi Road, New Delhi.
The organising committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Bhalchandra Mungekar, Member, Planning Commission has decided the theme of the 2nd Summit as “Employment Generation and Skills Development”. A study has been undertaken to assess the level of manpower skills required in select sectors in the next five years and to identify the gaps with steps necessary to bridge them in terms of the policy initiatives required. Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission will give the Inaugural Address and Mr. Oscar Fernandes, Minister of State for Labour and Employment (Independent Charge), Govt. of India will give the Valedictory Address.
At the Summit, presentations would be made to focus on the growth trends in a particular sector, the levels of employment which can be generated, skills shortages expected to emerge with steps required to overcome these, and policy initiatives required to be undertaken by the Government to ensure these levels of growth and employment.I am writing to cordially invite you, to attend this Summit as well as nominate concerned officials.
Please confirm your participation through the below Reply Form. A nominal fee (SMEs: Rs 1500/- per delegate & Large Scale Cos: Rs 2000/- per delegate) has been kept to cover the administrative costs. (10% discount would be provided on more than one nomination).
Look forward to your confirmation and the pleasure of receiving you. With kind regards,
B Santhanam
Chairman
CII National Committee on HR & IR/ER
————————————————-
REPLY FORM

Somendra Gautam / Sunil Upadhyay
Confederation of Indian Industry
India Habitat Centre
4th Floor, Core 4A, Lodi Road
New Delhi – 110 003
Tel: 91-11-41504514 –19, 24653376 (D)
Fax: 91-11-24682229
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
 I / We will participate in the programme as: Sponsor  Delegate 
1. Name & Desig.: __________________________________
2. Name & Desig.: _______________________________
3. Name & Desig.: ___________________________________
4. Name & Desig.: ______________________________
5. Name & Desig.: ________________________________
Name of Contact Person: __________________________
Company Name: ______________________________
Tel: ________________Fax:____________________
Mobile: __________________E-mail: _______________
Address: ___________________________________
City: ____________________________________
REGISTRATION (Please Tick)
Delegate Fee for SMEs: Rs.1,500/- per delegate 
Delegate Fee for Large Scale Cos: Rs. 2, 000/- per delegate 
(10% Discount on more than one nomination would be offered)
The DD / Cheque No. ________________ for Rs. ________________ towards the delegate fee drawn in favour of “Confederation of Indian Industry”, payable at New Delhi is enclosed
For sponsorship details, please contact:
Mr Mohit Gandhi, CII (+91-11-24653376), [email protected]

INCOME-TAX (FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT) RULES, 2007

8/11: INCOME-TAX (FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT) RULES, 2007-AMENDMENT IN RULE 3

Description : Direct Taxes
NOTIFICATION NO. 271/2007, DATED 7-11-2007
CBDT – 7-11-2007


INCOME-TAX (FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT) RULES, 2007-AMENDMENT IN RULE 3 – VALUATION OF PERQUISITES


In exercise of the powers conferred by section 295 read with sub-section (2) of section 17 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961), the Central Board of Direct Taxes hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Income-tax Rules, 1962, namely:—

These rules may be called the Income-tax (Fourteenth Amendment) Rules, 2007.

In the Income-tax Rules, 1962, in rule 3,-
(I) in sub-rule (1), for Table I, the following Table shall be substituted and shall be deemed to have been substituted with effect from the 1st day of April, 2006, namely:-


“TABLE I
Sl No.
Circumstances
Where accommodation is unfurnished
Where accommodation is furnished
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(1)
Where the accommodation is provided by the Central Government or any State Government to the employees either holding office or post in connection with the affairs of the Union or of such State or serving with any body or undertaking under the control of such Government on deputation.
License fee determined by the Central Government or any State Government in respect of accommodation in accordance with the rules framed by such Government as reduced by the rent actually paid by the employee.
The value of perquisite as determined under column (3) and increased by 10% per annum of the cost of furniture (including television sets, radio sets, refrigerators, other household appliances, air-conditioning plant or equipment) or if such furniture is hired from a third party, the actual hire charges payable for the same as reduced by any charges paid or payable for the same by the employee during the previous year.
(2)
Where the accommodation is provided by any other employer and-

(a) where the accommodation is owned by the employer, or

(b) where the accommodation is taken on lease or rent by the employer.

(i) 15% of salary in cities having population exceeding 25 lakhs as per 2001 census;
(ii) 10% of salary in cities having population exceeding 10 lakhs but not exceeding 25 lakhs as per 2001 census;
(iii) 7.5% of salary in other areas,
in respect of the period during which the said accommodation was occupied by the employee during the previous year as reduced by the rent, if any, actually paid by the employee.

Actual amount of lease rental paid or payable by the employer or 15% of salary whichever is lower as reduced by the rent, if any, actually paid by the employee.
The value of perquisite as determined under column (3) and increased by 10% per annum of the cost of furniture (including television sets, radio sets, refrigerators, other household appliances, air-conditioning plant or equipment or other similar appliances or gadgets) or if such furniture is hired from a third party, by the actual hire charges payable for the same as reduced by any charges paid or payable for the same by the employee during the previous year.

The value of perquisite as determined under column (3) and increased by 10% per annum of the cost of furniture (including television sets, radio sets, refrigerators, other household appliances, air-conditioning plant or equipment or other similar appliances or gadgets) or if such furniture is hired from a third party, by the actual hire charges payable for the same as reduced by any charges paid or payable for the same by the employee during the previous year.
(3)
Where the accommodation is provided by the employer specified in serial number (1) or (2) in a hotel (except where the employee is provided such accommodation for a period not exceeding in aggregate fifteen days on his transfer from one place to another)
Not applicable
24% of salary paid or payable for the previous year or the actual charges paid or payable to such hotel, which is lower, for the period during which such accommodation is provided as reduced by the rent, if any, actually paid or payable by the employee.
(ii) after sub-rule (1), the following sub-rule shall be inserted and shall be deemed to have been inserted with effect from 1st April, 2008, namely:-
“(2) (A) The value of perquisite provided by way of use of motor car to an employee by an employer, who is not liable to pay fringe benefit tax under Chapter XII-H of the Act, shall be determined in accordance with the following Table, namely:-
Sl. No.
Circumstances
Where cubic capacity 8/L3of engine does not exceed 1.6 litres
Where cubic capacity of engine exceeds 1.6 litres
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(1)
Where the motor car is owned or hired by the employer and—
(a) is used wholly and exclusively in the performance of his official duties;

(b) is used exclusively for the private or personal purposes of the employee or any member of his household and the running and maintenance expenses are met or reimbursed by the employer;

No value:
Provided that the documents specified in clause (B) of this sub-rule are maintained by the employer.
Actual amount of expenditure incurred by the employer on die running and maintenance of motor car during the relevant previous year including remuneration, if any, paid by the employer to the chauffeur as increased by the amount representing normal wear and tear of the motor car and as reduced by any amount charged from the employee for such use.

No value:
Provided that the documents specified in clause (B) of this sub-rule are maintained by the employer.
Actual amount of expenditure incurred by the employer on the running and maintenance of motor car during the relevant previous year including remuneration, if any, paid by the employer to the chauffeur as increased by the amount representing normal wear and tear of the motor car and as reduced by any amount charged from the employee for such use.

(c) is used partly in the performance of duties and partly for private or personal purposes of his own or any member of his household and
(i) the expenses on maintenance and running are met or reimbursed by the employer,
(ii) the expenses on running and maintenance for such private or personal use are fully met by the assessee.

Rs. 1,200 (plus Rs. 600, if chauffeur is also provided to run the motor car)

Rs. 400 (plus Rs. 600, if chauffeur is provided by the employer to run the motor car)

Rs. 1,600 (plus Rs. 600, if chauffeur is also provided to run the motor car)

Rs. 600 (plus Rs. 600, if chauffeur is also provided to run the motor car)

(2)

(3)
Where the employee owns a motor car but the actual running and maintenance charges (including remuneration of the chauffeur, if any) are met or reimbursed to him by the employer and
(i) such re-imbursement is for the use of the vehicle wholly and exclusively for official purposes,
(ii) such re-imbursement is for the use of the vehicle partly for official purposes and partly for personal or private purposes of the employee or any member of his household.
Where the employee owns any other automotive conveyance but the actual running and maintenance charges are met or reimbursed to him by the employer and
(i) such re-imbursement is for the use of the vehicle wholly and exclusively for official purposes,

(ii) such re-imbursement is for the use of the vehicle partly for official purposes and partly for personal or private purposes of the employee.

No value:
Provided that the documents specified in clause (B) of this sub-rule are maintained by the employer.

Subject to the provisions of clause (B) of this sub-rule, the actual amount of expenditure incurred by the employer as reduced by the amount specified in Sl. No. (1)(c)(i) above.

No value:
Provided that the documents specified in clause (B) of this sub-rule are maintained by the employer.

Subject to the provisions of clause (B) of this sub-rule, the actual amount of expenditure incurred by the employer as reduced by an amount of Rs. 600:

No value:
Provided that the documents specified in clause (B) of this sub-rule are maintained by the employer.

Subject to the provisions contained in clause (B) of this sub-rule, the actual amount of expenditure incurred by the employer as reduced by the amount specified in Sl. No. (1)(c)(i) above.

Not applicable
Provided that where one or more motor-cars are owned or hired by the employer and the employee or any member of his household are allowed the use of such motor-car or all or any of such motor-cars (otherwise than wholly and exclusively in the performance of his duties), the value of perquisite shall be the amount calculated in respect of one car in accordance with Sl. No. (l)(c)(i) of Table II as if the employee had been provided one motor-car for use partly in the performance of his duties and partly for his private or personal purposes and the amount calculated in respect of the other car or cars in accordance with Sl. No. (1)(b) of Table II as if he had been provided with such car or cars exclusively for his private or personal purposes.
(B) Where the employer or the employee claims that the motor-car is used wholly and exclusively in the performance of official duty or that the actual expenses on the running and maintenance of the motor-car owned by the employee for official purposes is more than the amounts deductible in Sl. Nos. 2(ii) or 3(iii) of Table II, he may claim a higher amount attributable to such official use and the value of perquisite in such a case shall be the actual amount of charges met or reimbursed by the employer as reduced by such higher amount attributable to official use of the vehicle provided that the following conditions are fulfilled:—
(a) the employer has maintained complete details of journey undertaken for official purpose which may include date of journey, destination, mileage, and the amount of expenditure incurred thereon;
(b) the employer gives a certificate to the effect that the expenditure was incurred wholly and exclusively for the performance of official duties.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-rule, the normal wear and tear of a motor-car shall be taken at 10% per annum of the actual cost of the motor-car or cars.”
(iii) after sub-rule (5), the following sub-rule shall be inserted with effect from 1st April, 2008, namely:-
“(6) The value of any benefit or amenity resulting from the provision by an employer, who is not liable to pay fringe benefit tax under Chapter XIIH of the Income-tax Act and is engaged in the carriage of passengers or goods to any employee or to any member of his household for personal or private journey free of cost or at concessional fare, in any conveyance owned, leased or made available by any other arrangement by such employer for the purpose of transport of passengers or goods shall be taken to be the value at which such benefit or amenity is offered by such employer to the public as reduced by the amount, if any, paid by or recovered from the employee for such benefit or amenity:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-rule shall apply to the employees of an airline or the railways”
(iv) in sub-rule (7),-
(a) after item (i), the following items shall be inserted with effect from 1st April, 2008, namely:-
“(ii) The value of travelling, touring, accommodation and any other expenses paid for or borne or reimbursed by the employer, who is not liable to pay fringe benefit tax under Chapter XH-H of the Act, for any holiday availed of by the employee or any member of his household, other than concession or assistance referred to in rule 2B of these rules, shall be determined as the sum equal to the amount of the expenditure incurred by such employer in that behalf. Where such facility is maintained by the employer, and is not available uniformly to all employees, the value of benefit shall be taken to be the value at which such facilities are offered by other agencies to the public. Where the employee is on official tour and the expenses are incurred in respect of any member of his household accompanying him, the amount of expenditure so incurred shall also be a fringe benefit or amenity. However, where any official tour is extended as a vacation, the value of such fringe benefit shall be limited to the expenses incurred in relation to such extended period of stay or vacation. The amount so determined shall be reduced by the amount, if any, paid or recovered from the employee for such benefit or amenity.
(iii) The value of free food and non alcoholic beverages provided by the employer, who is not liable to pay fringe benefit tax under Chapter XIIH of the Act, to an employee shall be the amount of expenditure incurred by such employer. The amount so determined shall be reduced by the amount, if any, paid or recovered from the employee for such benefit or amenity:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-rule shall apply to free food and non-alcoholic beverages provided by such employer during working hours at office or business premises or through paid vouchers which are not transferable and usable only at eating joints, to the extent the value thereof in either case does not exceed Rs. 50 per meal or to tea or snacks provided during working hours or to free food and non-alcoholic beverages during working hours provided in a remote area or an off-shore installation.
(iv) The value of any gift, or voucher, or token in lieu of which such gift may be received by the employee or by member of his household on ceremonial occasions or otherwise from the employer, who is not liable to pay fringe benefit tax under Chapter XII-H of the Act, shall be determined as the sum equal to the amount of such gift. However, where the value of such gift, voucher or token, as the case may be, is below Rs. 5,000 in the aggregate during the previous year, the value of perquisite shall be taken as ‘nil’.
(v) The amount of expenses including membership fees and annual fees incurred by the employee or any member of his household, which is charged to a credit card (including any add-on-card), provided by the employer, who is not liable to pay fringe benefit tax under Chapter XII-H of the Act, or otherwise, paid for or reimbursed by such employer shall be taken to be the value of perquisite chargeable to tax. However, there shall be no value of such benefit where the expenses are incurred wholly and exclusively for official purposes and the following conditions are fulfilled—
(a) complete details in respect of such expenditure are maintained by the employer which may, inter alia, include the date of expenditure and the nature of expenditure;
(b) the employer gives a certificate for such expenditure to the effect that the same was incurred wholly and exclusively for the performance of official duties.
The amount so determined shall be reduced by the amount, if any paid or recovered from the employee for such benefit or amenity.
(vi) (A) The value of benefit to the employee resulting from the payment or reimbursement by the employer, who is not liable to pay fringe benefit tax under Chapter XII-H of the Act, of any expenditure incurred (including the amount of annual or periodical fee) in a club by him or by any member of his household shall be determined to be the actual amount of expenditure incurred or reimbursed by such employer on that account. The amount so determined shall be reduced by the amount, if any paid or recovered from the employee for such benefit or amenity. However, where the employer has obtained corporate membership of the club and the facility is enjoyed by the employee or any member of his household, the value of perquisite shall not include the initial fee paid for acquiring such corporate membership.
(B) Nothing contained in this sub-rule shall apply if such expenditure is incurred wholly and exclusively for business purposes and the following conditions are fulfilled:—
(a) complete details in respect of such expenditure are maintained by the employer which may, inter alia, include the date of expenditure, the nature of expenditure and its business expediency;
(b) the employer gives a certificate for such expenditure to the effect that the same was incurred wholly and exclusively for the performance of official duties;
(c) Nothing contained in this sub-rule shall apply for use of health club, sports and similar facilities provide uniformly to all employees by the employer.”
(b) after item (viii), the following item shall be inserted with effect from 1st day of April, 2008, namely:-
“(ix) The value of any other benefit or amenity, service, right or privilege provided by the employer shall be determined on the basis of cost to the employer under an arm’s length transaction as reduced by the employee’s contribution, if any:
Provided that nothing contained in this item shall apply to the expenses on telephones including a mobile phone actually incurred on behalf of the employee by the employer.”
[F.No. 142/15/2007-TPL]

“Theme: Leveraging Markets: Spearheading Growth”

‘Theme: Leveraging Markets: Spearheading Growth’
06 December 2007: Hotel Accord Metropolitan: Chennai

Background:
Indian Commodity market is all set for a paradigm shift with sweeping changes that have been announced for this emerging sector. It is featured amongst the world’s top three bullion exchanges and top four energy exchanges. Today these markets are empowering the stakeholders associated with the primary sector of the economy, which covers 20% over of our GDP and 70% of population. It also creates new rural investment and employment opportunity through backward integration of the supply chain.

By its sheer size and turnover, the Indian commodities offers unparalleled growth opportunities and advantages to a large cross section of participants including Producers, Traders, Corporate, Regional Trading Centers, Importers, Exporters, Cooperatives, Industry Associations, amongst others – clearly, the lifeline of the Nations Economy.

As you may be aware, the underlying economic purpose of a Commodity Future Exchange as a market place is to enable commodity producers to sell their produce in advance to protect them against possible price fall for those commodities and allow consumers – traders, processors and exporters to buy in advance to protect against possible increase.

CII Tamil Nadu State Council in its efforts to foster the growth of a Competitive, Inclusive & Innovative industrial activity is organizing a TN Conference on Commodity Markets with the theme ‘Leveraging Markets: Spearheading Growth’ on 06 December 2007 in Hotel Accord Metropolitan, Chennai to enable industry and relevant stakeholders to participate and benefit from this growth phase.

The Conference would focus on the following product areas
Bullion (Gold, Silver)
Energy (Crude Oil, Natural Oil and Furnace Oil)
Base Metals (Aluminium, Copper, Lead, Nickel, Iron, Steel, Tin and Zinc)
Agro Markets and more.


Benefits to Industry from futures trading
* Hedging the price risk associated with futures contractual commitments.
* Make spaced out purchases possible rather than going for large cash purchases and its storage.
* Efficient price discovery prevents seasonal price volatility.
* Greater flexibility, certainty and transparency in procuring commodities would aid bank lending.
* Facilitate informed lending.
* Hedged positions of producers and processors would reduce the risk of default faced by banks.
* Lending for agricultural sector would go up with greater transparency in pricing and storage.
* Commodity Exchanges to act as distribution network to retail agri-finance from banks to rural households.
* Provide trading limit finance to Traders in commodities Exchanges.

Who should participate
* Industry Representatives
* Finance & Taxation Professionals
* Exporters of commodities
* Importers of commodities
* Bankers
* Commodity Advisers
* Agro related businesses
* Commodity Agents
* Warehouse Providers
* Commodity Delivery Agents
* Logistic Providers
* Retail Professionals
* Industrial Consultants
* FMCG related businesses
* Affiliated Associations & Policy Makers
* Academia & Research organizations

Eminent speakers from Forward Markets Commission (FMC), MCX India, Tanishq, Wartsila India, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), Godrej Agrovet Ltd, Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Ashok Leyland, Bombay Metal Exchange (BME), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD), ITC Ltd among other experts have been invited to address this conference.

I am writing to cordially invite you to participate/ nominate senior colleagues from your organization to this important conference on 06 December 2007, Hotel Accord Metropolitan, Chennai.

Please send in your nominations through the enclosed reply form.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Gopal Srinivasan
Chairman – CII Tamil Nadu

Reply Form

TN Conference on Commodity Markets
‘Theme: Leveraging Markets; Spearheading Growth ’
06 December 2007, Hotel Accord Metropolitan, Chennai

Our organization will be represented by:

S.No Name Designation Email/ Mobile

1. ___________ ___________ _______________

2. ___________ ____________ _______________

3. __________ ___________ _______________

4. ___________ ___________ _______________

5. ___________ ___________ ______________

Delegate Fee (Per Participant)
Members:

Non Members: Rs 2000/-
MSME: Rs 1000/-

Large: Rs 1500/-

*Delegate fee is non-refundable. But, change in nomination is acceptable

Note: For three and more nominations, you can avail a discount of 10% on the total delegate fee.

The Cheque / DD for Rs ________ favouring “Confederation of Indian Industry”, payable at Chennai is enclosed / being sent.

Name :_________________Designation: _______________
Company: _____________________________________
Address : ______________________________
__________________________________
Phone : ____________________ Fax: __________________
Email : _______________________________

Please complete & mail/ fax to:
Mr Rajeev Naag
Tamil Nadu State Office, Confederation of Indian Industry
98/1, Velacherry Main Road, Guindy, Chennai – 600032
M: 98409 38850, E: [email protected]
Phone: 044 – 42 444 555 (Ext 542), Fax: 044 – 42 444 510

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“SMEs BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & FINANCING”

FSIA is launching a new Cluster Programme aimed at “SMEs BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & Financing” for “Light Engineering and auto-component manufacturing SMEs” in collaboration with German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), officially known as Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH.

Formal signing and launch of the Cluster Programme is on 21st November 2007. The programme aims to assist Auto Component and Light Engineering manufacturing member companies of FSIA and the supply chain thereof, to develop and grow their businesses both domestically as well as internationally, to help them export their products, to promote enhanced access of financial and non-financial services by companies to achieve greater competitiveness by developing a work plan to attain objectives of the project. The interventions and support programmes include:

a. Working with the partner bank & a pool of financial advisers to enhance access to finance for the different units in the value chain.

b. Value Chain Development

c. Technology up gradation

d. Market Development & Business Linkages Programme

e. Productivity – Efficiency – Quality Improvement

f. Awareness and adoption of new IT / software products

g. Development of Market based Business Development Services where there is lack of quality or quantity

h. Attract consultants/ trainers/ mentors to provide Business Development Services to the cluster/value chain project

i. Support consultants/ trainers in developing adequate service offers and in marketing their services to the cluster members and value chain entrepreneurs

j. Assist partner banks in developing new financial products & services demanded by the cluster members

k. FSIA improve its products, reach ,service portfolio and strategic plans for the benefit of members

Formal launching of this “Business Development Cluster for Auto-component and Light Engineering SMEs” shall be as follows:

Date: 21st November 2007 (Wednesday)
Time: 4.30 pm
Venue: Hotel Millenium, Near Shubham Plaza, Neelam-Bata Road, NIT Faridabad

The Cluster shall be funded and subsidised by German Technical Cooperation (GTZ).

FSIA cordially invites you to join the programme.


With warm regards,
Rajiv Chawla
President
Faridabad Small Industries Association
Camp Off : 3-B-23, B.P., NIT Faridabad- 121001
FSIA Off : FSIA Park, Opp. Plot No.23, Sector- 24,Faridabad- 121005, Haryana, India Ph: +91-129-2414468, 2422750 Fax: +91-129-4055501

CM to Inaugurate Annual South Asia Media Summit – 2007

CM to Inaugurate Annual South Asia Media Summit – 2007 at Dona Paula

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa Shri Digambar Kamat will inaugurate the “ANNUAL SOUTH ASIA MEDIA SUMMIT 2007” organised by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES-India), Media Information and Communication Centre of India (MICCI) and The International Centre Goa (ICG) from 16 – 18 November 2007 at the premises of ICG in Dona Paula. The theme of this year’s summit is- MEDIA AND PUBLIC INTEREST IN SOUTH ASIA. This is the third annual summit to be organized in collaboration with the ICG in Goa.

Shri. Digambar Kamat, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa will deliver the Keynote Address to the Summit on 16th November 2007 at 10:00 am. Hon’ble Shri Pratapsingh Rane, President, International Centre Goa will deliver the Presidential Address while Shri. Bhaskar Ghose, CEO, Lok Sabha TV will introduce the Summit. Shri. M. Rajaretnam, Director/ Chief Executive, ICG; Shri. Rajeshwar Dyal, Senior Media Advisor, FES-India; and Smt. Nandini Sahai, Director, MICCI will also speak on the occassion. The summit will be attended by over 35 senior media persons from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India including Goa. The Inaugural Session is open for all while interested persons will have to register in advance to attend the Summit by sending an email to Arjun Halarnkar at [email protected].

The sessions of the summit will include: Contempt of Court: Democles Sword on South Asian Press/ Electronic Media?; South Asian Broadcasting: Competitive Situation, Role of State Broadcasters, Government as Regulator of Broadcasting Content; Community Radio in South Asia: Broadcasting and Development; Media and Democracy: Mission or Mirage?; Changing Media Values in South Asia; and Recommendations and Future Course of Action: An Open Forum.
________________________
Fatima RodriguesExecutive –

Membership & Secretary to Director
The International Centre, Goa (ICG)
Goa Universtiy Road,
Dona Paula,
Goa 403 004,
IndiaPh: (91)832-2452805, (91)832-2452813

IPVS 2008


Greetings from Orbitz Exhibitions Pvt.Ltd. ! ! !

It give us great pleasure to inform you that IPVS 2007 turned out to be one of the most successful exhibitions for 2007.


With the immense response of IPVS 2007 we are now announcing & launching IPVS 2008 .

We would like to give you this first hand information so that you can mark your events calender accordingly.

EVENT – Industrial Pumps Valves & Systems ( IPVS 2008 )
DATE – 14th / 15th / 16th November 2008
VENUE – HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad
ORGANISER – Orbitz Exhibitions Pvt.Ltd., Mumbai.

Hope the above is in order. For any clearifications please feel free to contact.
——————————
Meghana Shah
Project Co-ordinator
Orbitz Exhibitions (I) Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai
Mobile : +91 9322208512
Tel : +91 22 24197453
E mail : [email protected]
Website : www.orbitz-world.com
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Second India-Latin America and Caribbean Conclave

CII Announces
Second India-Latin America and Caribbean Conclave
10-12 December 2007, Brazil
13 -14 December 2007, Argentina / Mexico

CII is happy to announce its Second India-Latin America and Caribbean Conclave 2007, to be held in Brazil from 10-12 December.


The Conclave, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry, in cooperation with the Indian Embassy in Brazil, Indian Consulate in Sao Paulo and CII’s partners in Brazil and Latin America and Caribbean and Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry promises to bring together business participants from India and the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, to discuss business opportunities and joint projects for both trade and investments.

The Summit will discuss business opportunities in Agri business, Bio-fuels, Chemicals, Energy (including oil and gas, hydro power and electrical equipment), Infrastructure (including mining), Transport and Logistics, Auto-Components, IT and ITES, Pharma, Biotech and Healthcare, Leather and Leather products, Textiles and Tourism.

Workshops and B2B meetings will be held in three different cities with specific sectoral focus: Belo Horizonte, 10th December 2007; Porto Alegre, 11th December 2007 and Sao Paulo, 12th December 2007.

A market of 550 million people, the LAC region provides a huge sea of opportunity to Indian industry. The success depends on the timely entry to the market to capture the growing demand of goods and services.

The Conclave provides the right opportunity to do so. We will be happy to put you in touch with our partners and the relevant business leaders for discussing business in the region.

On a first-cum-first basis, CII is happy to offer local hospitality to 30 members of the Indian Industry participating in the Conclave in Brazil and the business meetings in Argentina / Mexico.

The visa to Argentina will take atleast five days, hence members are requested to register at the earliest.

In order to avail maximum benefits from your visit to Brazil and Argentina, registered members are requested to immediately send us their product catalogue and meeting requirements.

For further details and partnership opportunities please contact:
Dr. Gunveena Chadha,
Tel: +91-11-24616423,
Ms. Deepa Mehta, [email protected].
A brief write-up on the conclave cities along with the registration form is available at GSIA Office.

Look forward to hearing from you and to receiving you and your colleagues in Brazil.

Regards,
Supriya
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Ms Supriya Banerji
Deputy Director General
Confederation of Indian Industry
Tel: 24629994-7
Fax: 24601298
Email: [email protected]
www.cii.in
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Participation in “5th Global SME’s Conference”

Small and Medium Business Development Chamber of India (SME Chamber) and India International Trade Centre (IITC-INDIA) are organising an international mega Conference – “5th Global SME Conference – Innovation and Competitiveness for World Market” on 27th and 28th November, 2007 at ITC Hotel Maratha, Andheri, Mumbai, India supported by Government of India, Government of Maharashtra, India-China Business Development Forum, India-Malaysia SME Development Council and India-Mauritius SME Development Council.

The Conference will provide a unique opportunity to SME Sector to update about the latest trends, business-exports-investment opportunities, innovations, marketing strategy, latest technologies, and government strategy. Eminent speakers from various fields such as technocrats, economists, government officials and acclaimed businessmen from all over the world will address the Conference and share their experience & expertise to empower them to be globally competitive. The event includes buyer-seller meets, business matchmaking, interactive meetings with overseas delegates, government officials, bankers and a series of panel discussions on various topics to review the challenges-opportunities and also the existing institutional support mechanisms in order to help the SMEs convert every challenge into a new opportunity.

For the encouraging SME sector, we are presenting “National & International Entrepreneurship Excellence Awards” on 27th November 2007. (you can be one of the awardees)

Along with the conference we are also organising Exhibition for SME’s – “5th Global SME’s Expo” (Opportunity to exhibit your Products & Catalogues)

Looking forward for your participation.

For further details / queries you can call me. or visit www.globalsmeexpo.com

With warm regards,

Urmi Gohil
India International Trade Centre
Small & Medium Business Development Chamber of India
101, Murlidhar Baldev Estate,
Near Vikas Estate, Off. Aarey Road,
Goregaon (East), Mumbai – 400063.
Tel – 91-22-28771918 / 28768031 / 66770218
Fax – 91-22-28743543
Email – [email protected]
Website – www.iitcindia.com / ww.smechamberofindia.com