I am happy to launch the inaugural edition of Dun & Bradstreet’s publication series on the small and medium enterprises, Emerging SMEs: Mumbai 2007. This publication will prove to be a valuable resource on SMEs located in Mumbai and nearby areas, as well as a platform for them to reach out to potential clients. Dun & Bradstreet’s global footprint and market reach will ensure that this publication series is established globally as the premier information resource on the SME segment.

The textile, chemical and pharmaceutical industries are the key segments of any economy globally. Post MFA regime, the Asian textile and garment industry is gearing itself rapidly to meet the challenges of a more competitive global market, valued at more than US$ 400 billion. The global chemical industry is valued at more than US$ 2 trillion with India ranked 12th largest in the world and 3rd largest in Asia in terms of volume. The global pharmaceutical market, valued at more than US$ 500 billion, is opening new avenues for Indian players in terms of non-traditional business segments such as contract research and manufacturing services, drug discovery and the like.

Given the robust outlook for the textile, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, the scope and role for SMEs has magnified manifold, as they gear towards proving their competitiveness at the global level. The cluster approach, in particular, has proved efficient in terms of gaining credit facility, risk sharing, policy and institutional development and technical & marketing assistance. Globally, as well as in India, SMEs have used the cluster based approach to garner support through collective bargaining power, governmental policy, regulatory and institutional reforms, capacity building and initiatives for supporting efficient SME financing and business development services. The overall climate has transitioned for SMEs to graduate not just from small to medium, but also from the national to the global arena.

Dun & Bradstreet shall endeavour to continue meeting your high expectations of Emerging SMEs: Mumbai 2007. I look forward to receiving your feedback and suggestions.

David J. Emery
President
International Partnerships & Asia – Pacific