May 2017 – The SME Chamber of India organised a conference "PUNE INDUSTRY AND SME SUMMIT" on Friday 28th April 2017 at the O'hotel, Koregaon park, Pune. The conference highlighted how to empower manufacturing industry and SMEs by providing hand holding and support for domestic business growth and export promotion. Many SMEs are facing tremendous challenges to get bank finance on time with lower rate of interest, affordable advanced technology, abundant skilled manpower, timely resolution of diverse issues from government agencies for existing industry and while setting up new industries. The session was inaugurated by Shri. Chandrakant Salunkhe, who is the Founder and President of SME Chamber of India, and Maharashtra Industrial and Economic Development Association (MIEDA), also the Chairman and Managing Director of Macro group of companies.

The session was then followed by Guest of Honour Shri. Shrikant Badve Chairman and MD of Badve, engineering Limited, talked about exploring emerging market for manufacturing industries and SMEs under the 'Make In India' Initiative. Shri Milind Kale who is the Chairman of the Cosmos Co-op Bank Ltd talked about finance and investment for better business growth. Shri. Viren Joshi who is the CEO & President of Sigma Electric Manufacturing Corporation Pvt Ltd talked about strategies and Initiatives for driving growth of manufacturing and SMEs.

Shri. Mrugank M.Paranjape MD and CEO of Multi commodity exchange of India Ltd talked about managing price risk to ensure business margins. Shri Alekh C. Rout who is the Executive Director of Bank of Maharashtra talked about empowering industries and SMEs. Dr. Rajenfdra Jagdale who is the DG & CEO, Science and Technology park, Pune talked about technology transfer and advanced technology opportunities for manufacturing industries and SMEs. Shri. Gagandeep Singh who is the Assistant Manager of SME, National stock exchange of India Ltd talked about role of capital markets.

Shri. Arvind Prabhu, Director of SME Technology Development Centre talked about empowering SMEs by technology excellence. Shri. Ashish Arora who is the MD of HR Anexi Pvt Ltd talked about strengthen workforce for better productivity and growth. Ms. Shikha Trivedi Singh who is the Managing Partner of RNT consultancy services talked about 'Hire right and manage right'. Shri. Ajit Anekar, Managing Partner at Auris Legal talked about legal assistance for SMEs. Shri. Dinesh Suekar, Managing Partner, of PWC talked about tax landscape for SMEs. Shri Kashinath Katakdhond who is the COO, Receivables exchange of India ltd talked about trade receivables discounting system (TReDS) and advantage for SMEs.

The conference was an integration of entrepreneurs of Pune region to understand their requirements as well as to impart knowledge about various private and government facilities which will be useful for enhancement of business activities. Post the event, the chamber will support interested industries and SMEs to fulfil their requirements and identify emerging business opportunities in India and abroad.