csm FICCI meeting fbc218ce92  On 20 December 2016, in New Delhi, India, a meeting «Cooperation amongst SMEs from BRICS Countries through E-commerce Development and Technology Transfer» was held, focused at the issues of the exchange of information on e-commerce and technology development, as well as the strengthening partnerships between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in BRICS countries. The meeting was organized by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

 

The meeting was part of an interregional project implemented by UNIDO, which aims to facilitate the cooperation between SMEs in China and other BRICS countries through the development of e-commerce, thereby contributing to the achievement of inclusive and sustainable industrial development in these countries.

Participants included members of the Russian Technology Transfer Network, the National Small Industries Corporation, and representatives of a number of e-commerce companies in India. The discussion emphasized the importance of promoting SME development through e-commerce, and highlighted the great opportunities that e-commerce provides SMEs to overcome logistical and geographic challenges for better access to markets. Speakers also expressed support for the key target of the project, namely the preparation of national studies on e-commerce development in BRICS countries.

Anton Yanovsky, RTTN Team Leader, presented the BRICS-Technology Transfer Network and told about the successful experience of partner search for the first BRICS Coordinated call for multilateral projects - Pilot Call 2016. The presentation included suggestions on the joint use of the BRICS-TTN Platform for the development of e-commerce among SMEs in BRICS countries.

The importance of engaging governmental departments and business associations in order to establish a BRICS E-commerce Industry Alliance was also highlighted.