Tura, July 4: Academicians from different universities of India and abroad suggested the 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) here recently.
The speakers highlighted various problems faced by SMEs in different developing countries and said the adoption of e-commerce would benefit them.
More than 30 papers were presented in the two-day seminar, which began on Wednesday. The outcomes of the seminar will be presented to policy makers.
"It will contribute significantly to the policy makers of the state and central government and address market failures, which prevent micro, small and medium enterprises and start-ups in India and the Northeast in particular, from becoming engines of growth," said professor G. Singaiah, campus in-charge, Nehu.
"The challenges of small and medium enterprises can be overcome through 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 the department of management, Nehu.
Nath said in the absence of large enterprises in the Northeast, 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 upgrade and adoption of e-commerce to make itself available in the global market."
The director of the 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 compete with multinational competitors in the local markets," said Sangma.
Others who attended the seminar included professor Zakaria Rahman from Islamic University of Bangladesh and professor Akash Pani from XLRI, Jamshedpur.
