MSMEs facing challenges in marketing of products: Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry

By Songbedna Bauri: The growth of the micro, small and medium enterprises' (MSMEs) has started to display signs of slowdown despite the sops and concessions offered by both governments at the Centre and State level.

It is believed that out of the various problems witnessed by the MSMEs, the lack of proper 'marketing' is one of the main concern of the industry. Although, all types of business enterprises take up marketing initiatives to promote their businesses, the SMEs face greater difficulty in marketing and also distribution of their products.

This concern was further highlighted by JR Bangera, President of Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) when he spoke to SME News Portal in this regard.

Bangera said, “Marketing is the area where MSMEs face more challenges than opportunities include procurement of raw materials, penetration of international market, on-availability of skilled persons and cheap imports from China.”

Recently, Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda has displayed his commitment to look into the problems witnessed by the SMEs at different forums.

While addressing at the curtain raiser of the second edition of the four-day Indian Manufacturing Show-2012 (IMS- 2012), which was held on May 18, he appreciated the contribution of SMEs towards socioeconomic development of the state. He also showed his keeness to offer a favourable environment to the industries interested to invest in Karnataka.

National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), a government enterprise under the MSME Ministry, formed a Specialized Marketing Intelligence Cell with the aim to collect and also disburse both domestic and global marketing intelligence. This Cell provides detail of exporters, international buyers and technology suppliers. NSIC Marketing Intelligence Cell was set up to help MSMEs in getting all the necessary information at one place which will strengthen their business.