The Hindu Business Line : SAARC rice growers fair in Mumbai from Dec 8

SEVERAL varieties of rice from SAARC countries will be displayed at a three-day exhibition in Mumbai beginning from December 8 jointly organised by Maharashtra Chambers of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) and Rice Exporters' Association of Pakistan (REAP).

"This exhibition is organised to make the rice cultivators witness the current standards and quality of rice across the subcontinent and get them prepared for a market situation post South Asian Free Trade Agreement due to take off next year," said Mr Ekanath Thakur, MP, Rajya Sabha and President - MCCI.

The exhibition is organised with a view to promote internal trade between SAARC countries and will be inaugurated by the Chairman of Pakistan Senate, Mr Mohammed Mian Soomro.

Speaking to newspersons at a convention of the Chambers on Wednesday, Mr Thakur revealed that MCCI has lined up a host of activities to develop industrial base in Maharashtra, including unveiling Vision 2010 by January 1, 2005. The vision statement is part of `partners in progress' initiative undertaken by the industry house and will take into account the growth plans of the industries, and encouraging people of the State to set up new enterprises.

The Chamber is also gearing up to attend the problems faced by small-scale industries (SSI). This sector is marred with survival problems as most banks turn down small entrepreneurs by setting higher interest rates on loans.

"This sector is a major contributor not only to national income, but also to the Indian exports. The small-scale units provide employment opportunities for 2.17 crore people who contribute 63 per cent of the industrial employment in the country, while over 90 per cent SSI units still continue to function in the unorganised sector," Mr Thakur said.

"The needy has to settle with an interest rate as high as 13 per cent, while corporate companies are charged 6 per cent," Mr Thakur pointed out.

Keeping in mind the development of small-scale industries, MCCI is celebrating this year as SSI year.

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SAARC rice growers fair in Mumbai from Dec 8

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