F E E D B A C K
New Chapter Need to Democratize Small Businesses by Zhang Weixin, was an interesting article to read about the small private businesses in China. Though they have played a major part in improving the country’s overall economy and have played a major role in providing employment and services, they are still lagging behind. The problems are well understood, like the quality of produced good, management and many other factors which China needs to overcome in order to reach new heights in the global arena. It was a good article with many insights into the problems of the small business specific to China. Congratulations to ICEC for the opening of a new chapter in Ahmedabad. This new chapter will help take India-China relations to a new level. Interaction of personnel from different sectors on the same platform between two countries will surely help and improve relations in trade and allow for more cultural interactions in the coming years. – Raj Bora, Vice President IFFCO-TOKIO General Insurance Going Green The article—Going Green now to avoid Going Red later—in the last edition of the India-China Chronicle made for a very interesting read. The SME sector comprises a large portion of economic activity globally, thus |4| India-China Chronicle April 2012
making them highly energy intensive. It is quite disconcerting to find out how this sector has not been made aware of the high carbon emitting potential it can have and the policies related to it. Mr Shawahiq’s article was a well researched and a descriptive note on how these enterprises can aim at reducing their carbon emissions and the legislation and regulatory framework that is available. It is also remarkable to note how SMEs can view climate change policies as opportunities for accessing technology and finance. I am sure that if there are provisions and innovations in other countries that have helped SME’s reduce their carbon footprint, India should adopt these at the earliest too. – Shilpa Chohan, Advocate Delhi High Court MSME Impact MSMEs can have a much wider reach and impact on the society. MSMEs which account for the second largest source of employment should be the target area to improve the ecosystem and conserve the environment. Therefore, it is very important that the MSMEs should adopt CSR activities for its sustainable future. SIDBI is doing a very good job by financing small and medium enterprises for sustainable
development. However, more initiatives, awareness programmes and promotional activities should be carried out in order to build a sense of responsibility among the MSMEs. Setting up of institutions for green financing will be an effective method for sustainable development. – Vishal Acharya, Assistant General Manager, Cluster Pulse Nerves of Steel The last issue of the India-China Chronicle has been able to give us an insight into how the industries in China have grown so rapidly over the last few years. I especially like the article China’s nerves of steel which gave a deep insight into the present day scenario of the industrial boom in China and how it is looking to transform itself from a country which is looked at as a manufacturer of the world to a country which is fast becoming the new innovators of the world. The Chinese have been able to tap the potential of their skilled manpower and develop many joint ventures that have helped the Chinese to learn about the technologies of the world. Even though India is only second to China when it comes to the growth rate but we still have a long way to go before we can catch up with China. We should look at strengthening our own R&D sector and learn to develop our own indigenous technologies. – Saloni Jha Mishra, Assistant Director, FICCI Love Lost Issues related to women have always been there in every society. Women not only have passed through some of the most terrible times but also have also been exploited. The article by Manju Hara, Love Must Not Be Forgotten definitely gives readers an insight into Chinese society, and the status of women in China. The result of several inequalities over centuries on different grounds has provoked many women writers to showcase the emerging image of women in China. The writer has pointed out a few of the interesting novels which are worth a read – Shallu Khetan, Student, IP University