Dun & Bradstreet India (D&B India) reinforces its commitment towards servicing small and medium enterprises through the launch of its cluster based publication, D&B-IDBI Bank SME Cluster Study 2009: Pune, brought to you in strategic association with the IDBI Bank.

India has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, having recorded a growth of 8.7% (CAGR) in GDP during FY05-FY09. The Government recognises that in order to sustain the country’s current economic progress, broad based robust growth in the industrial and services sectors is necessary - which needs to be supported by the SME segment. SMEs play a significant role in the development of the economy and also ensure regional balance. Between FY04 and FY08, the MSME sector registered average annual growth of around 4.1% and 4% in the number of units and employment respectively.

The SME segment has drawn the attention of several government institutions, corporate bodies and banks, and is perceived as an agent of economic transformation and growth. However, there is a dearth of structured and reliable information on India’s SME sector. A sincere attempt to fulfil this lacuna was the fundamental rationale behind conceptualisation of this cluster-based publication.

The current publication, D&B-IDBI Bank SME Cluster Study 2009: Pune, attempts to highlight the operational characteristics, issues & challenges and growth prospects that are associated with SMEs operating in the auto component, IT & ITeS-BPO and electronic goods sectors in Pune.

D&B-IDBI Bank SME Cluster Study 2009: Pune, preserves the D&B lineage of providing information and knowledge that facilitate informed business decisions. D&B has drawn on its time-tested expertise in business information to the benefit of the small and medium companies, as this publication amply reflects.

I hope you will enjoy reading D&B-IDBI Bank SME Cluster Study 2009: Pune, and look forward to receiving your suggestions.

Dr Manoj Vaish
President & CEO - India
Dun & Bradstreet