KOLHAPUR, 14 December, 2017 (GPN): President of IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr. Lalit Kanodia said Kolhapur fulfils the basic criteria required to be an IT Industry after Mumbai and Pune.

He was speaking at the second export sensitization programme on enhancing export organized by IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry in association with Western Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce Industries, Agro & Education and Kolhapur Chamber of Commerce & Industries with the support of ECGC and EXIM Bank, held at Dasara Chowk, on Tuesday.

“Kolhapur has a suitable environment for being an IT sector. It has good connectivity with Konkan, Karnataka and Pune and is the leading industrial centre in engineering, agro-processing and textile sectors,” Dr. Kanodia said while addressing the gathering. IT industry can boom here if other sectors put in the efforts. IMC will provide assistance to the setting up of industries in the IT sector as well as any new sector”, he added.

Chief Manager of EXIM Bank of India, Samartha Chaturvedi said, “The central government has declared a number of schemes for promoting the export of goods. Industrialists and businessmen should avail the benefits these schemes offer, while exporting their products.” A presentation on EXIM Mitra – an IT enabled online platform, a tool in enhancing exports, further motivated the audience.

Deputy General Manager of ECGC Ltd., Sristiraj Ambastha, in his presentation on Growth Opportunities & Risk Management explained on the various operational aspects of the schemes of the ECGC, available products and credit schemes for the exporters which can significantly reduce the risk. He also interacted with the participants on their suggestions and queries.

MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati said, “Kolhapur is lagging in industrial growth compared to Nagpur and Aurangabad. The local artisans and industrialists are talented but are not given the boost to excel and exhibit their skills. We are also lagging in the tourism sector. A special team of experts from various fields should be set up to address these issues and outline a plan for the development of the city.”

Director General, Arvind Pradhan, familiarized the participants on various government incentives and schemes which can further give impetus to exports.

Over 200 exporters and industrialists participated in the second export sensitization programme. Ends