The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Gujarat region, in association with the Surat Diamond Bourse, conducted a seminar for medium and small companies to create awareness about the various schemes available for the MSME sector. The seminar was held in Surat on July 11.

A number of senior officials from various government departments and some private sector organisations spoke about different schemes and the benefits that accrue from each.

Shri T. K. Solanki, Asst. Director - MSME DI, Ahmedabad provided information on various schemes offered by the organisation, while Shri Pradeep Kumar, branch manager provided information about the schemes by NSIC for SSI units.

Speaking on credit ratings, Shri Kalpesh Patel, Associate Director - CARE ratings, Ahmedabad highlighted why it is an important to have a rating for availing of benefits of any MSME scheme, while Shri Manishbhai Sheth - AGM, Rajkot Nagrik Sahakari Bank Ltd. Covered the different schemes being offered to finance SME businesses and Shri Nitin Dumasia - GM operations and consulting, RSM Astute Consultech Pvt. Ltd. Gave an overview of the lean manufacturing scheme.