VIZAG ROUND UP

The First edition of India SME Knowledge Interchange Forum an initiative ofIndia Sme Forum took place on 10th August 2013 at The Novotel Hotel,Vishakhapatnam in the presence of 100+ SMEs from various clusters of Vishakhapatnam
The inaugural ceremony started with lamp lighting by Mr. Manoj Khattar ,DGM State bank of India Mr.Ramabrahamam, President Visag Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr Deepak Madala,President VITA,Mr G.Raghuram,Asst Director,MSME-DI,Mr Vinod Kumar Country Head SDRC & Honorary VP, ISF, Ms. Sushma Morthania,- Director General India SME Forumm
The first session started with panel discussion on Debt Funding,The panellists who participated in the discussion were Mr Manoj Khattar,SBI-DGM,Mr K Ramabrahman President Vizag Chanber of Commerce & Industry ,Mr G Raghuram,Asst.Director, MSME-DI ,Mr Virendra Goyal,VP Sales ,SME Business, Sme Rating Agency ,Mr Kishore IAS, Development Commissioner,AP SEZ and Mr Vinod Kumar Country Head SDRC& Honorary VP India Forum.
The primary discussion on raising finance outlined the measures on how to choose debt forces to manage cash flows and in the long run then minimi se cost of capital.It also highlighted that Banks are now trying to be liberal with standards and terms...on all major types of loans to businesses an enable entrepreneurs to have easy access to bank credit, but the SME's should try and equip themselves to develop the requisite expertise .Similarly the rating expert in the panel highlighted that banks cannot consider the financing of SMEs as a viable option unless their priorities are met
The session ended with the outlook on borrowings with respect to financial security & financial strength , operating performance and business profile relevant for strong capacity to meet problems like approvals, credibility standing.
The conclusion was aimed to provide insights and understanding on financial framework to eliminate revenue and fiscal deficit & stabilize debt
The Q&A was as an interesting session that highlighted the issues pertaining with a view to upscale the credit flow to the sector enabling to SME'S to raise finance .
The SME'S were very participative and raised their concern that without adequate bank finance and hand holding they cannot acquire or absorb new technologies nor can they expand to compete in global markets or even strike business linkages.
The next session was elaborated on Equity funding addressed by panellist namely -Mr Ajay Thakur-SME Business Head, -BSE Limited, Mr Mahavir Lunavat –MD Saarthi Capital ,Mr Pater Schneeberger Executive Director Samudra Software , Mr Chaman Baid C.E.O, ACN Infotech(India),Mr Prashanth Reddy Chintala,Bureau Chief of business Standard, Hyderabad
Pater Schneeberger Executive Director Samudra Software,Mr Chaman Baid C.E.O, ACN Infotech(India),Mr Prashanth Reddy Chintala,Bureau Chief of business Standard, Hyderabad
The session characterized with discussions on the initiatives taken by private and venture capitalists to serve the financing needs of SMEs effectively. Some of these initiatives along with necessary government and regulatory guidelines can provide the support of venture capital, seed financing, leasing finance, flexible loans, etc. In line with the discussion the experts prompted the ease and liberalization of credit lending norms that are applicable to the SME'S.
Also was discussed some practical problems of Sme on BSE listing such as weak financial strength, inability to provide adequate norms and other factors. As was highlighted in the session accurate assessments obviously rely upon satisfactory information regarding the SME and its prospects and sustainability in the long run. Efforts to harmonies the standards and practices, therefore, need to be properly be coordinated to facilitate the objectives
The session ended with main highlights of discussion leading to the core understanding on how Banks and venture capital investors can view capital borrowing a non risk preposition guiding Sme's from the borrower's perspective, to develop their competence to upshot the Bank criteria
In the course of the interactive session it was suggested by the SMEs that banks should make efforts to encourage SMEs to improve the quality of information provided that can help them to meet the expectancies. Banking institutions &capital providers should be more lenient and empathetic towards them than just commercial lenders
Select participants were gifted with Sme Merchandise for best interactive Sme as a token of appreciation The Forum was well attended with over 100 participants from Manufacturing, services , Construction companies ,small exporters F&B, Refined petroleum products,chemicals, Rubber & plastic industry, Nonmetallic mineral products Machinery & equipments, Automobile,ITES and SMEs from other sectors