TURA, July 7 - Academicians from different universities of India and abroad have suggested adoption of e-commerce for the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at an international seminar, which concluded at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Tura campus recently.
Speakers highlighted various problems faced by SMEs in different developing countries and felt that adoption of e-commerce would benefit them.
A total of more than 30 papers were presented in the seminar, which was held on June 29-30. The outcome of the seminar would be presented to policy makers.
�It would contribute significantly to the policy makers of the State and Central Government and would address market failures, which prevent micro, small and medium enterprises and startups in India and North East in particular from becoming engines of growth�, said Professor G Singaiah, campus in-charge, NEHU Tura.
�The challenges of small and medium enterprises can be overcome by adoption of e-commerce. It reduces the cost of production and attracts new customers, improves customer responsiveness and opens new market on a global pedestal�, said Bimal Deb Nath, assistant professor of Department of Management, NEHU.
Nath felt that in absence of large enterprise in North East, small and medium enterprises could play a very crucial role in enhancing growth of the region. He said, �The traditional and village industry needs technology upgradation and adoption of e-commerce to make themselves available in the global market�.
Director of Indian Institute of Bank Management, Guwahati, Beryl B Sangma attended the seminar as chief guest and spoke at length about the changing business environment of small and medium enterprises.
�Adoption of e-commerce will enable the SMEs to sell the local products/services to the international market, as well as can compete with multinational competitors in the local markets�, said Sangma.
Amongst others, those who attended the seminar included, Professor Zakaria Rahman from Islamic University of Bangladesh and Professor Akash Pani from XLRI from Jamshedpur.
