Clusterkraft e-Newsletter (Vol.21)

NATIONAL

INTERNATIONAL

ARTICLES

National  

Handloom reforms: Panel slams time lapses, poor planning, inadequate clusters developed

Latest report on development schemes for the handloctor, which was tabled in Parliament, the committee has criticised the textiles ministry for not implementing the Integrated Handloom Cluster Development Scheme as originally planned. The committee noted that instead of the 20 clusters being developed in 2005-06, the ministry commenced work on 19 clusters only in April. It added that time-lapses have been the main reason for the failure of various schemes in the past. more

 Tirupur among 11 cities identified as 'dynamic industrial clusters'

The government has identified 11 cities in the country as dynamic industrial clusters, which have contributed significantly to India's exports. To enable these clusters move higher in the value chain and tap new markets, the government has decided that towns which produce goods worth Rs 1,000 crore would be notified as 'towns of exports excellence'. more

 Tamil Nadu to set up textile parks to increase the growth of industry 

Tamil Nadu government is planning to set up textile parks in Madurai, Erode and Kumarapalayam to increase the industry's growth at 18% every year for which it will make an investment of Rs 300 crores. It is also taking initiatives to set up an exclusive processing park at Cuddalore.
The handloom products sale can be improved by creation of new designs, providing training to workers in dyeing and design and introducing handloom mark. more

 Use of IT in apparel manufacturing clusters

An event titled ‘Collaborative Partnerships between Retailers / Brands and Manufacturers / Subcontractors in the Soft Goods industry through strategic use of IT’ sponsored by REACH Technologies, Microsoft, Intel and Tirupur Exporters' Association (TEA) for the soft goods industry was organised in the city. It aimed at answering pertinent questions and generated discussions on the challenges faced by the apparel industry. However the event which was scheduled at the second largest textile hub having a cluster of apparel manufacturers exporting more than $ 2 billion worth of merchandise is one of the largest meets in the country. more

 International

Singapore: new incentive to attract more business events on key industry clusters

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will earmark 170 million Singapore dollars (about 108 million U.S. dollars) for attracting more business events to be held in the city state. Named "Business Events in Singapore," the new incentive aims not only to attract a critical mass of rotational business events, but also to create, anchor and grow events in Singapore. The STB will launch a three-year global marketing and advertising campaign with the tag line of "Singapore, Where Great Things Happen" to promote Singapore's image as a leading destination for business travel, meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions (BTMICE). 

Malaysian SMEs grapple with funding woes

MALAYSIAN small- and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs), faced with an uphill task seeking funding from financial institutions, are turning to their own internal funds and funds sourced from friends, family members and money-lenders to finance operations.
According to the SME Annual report ‘05, only 16 per cent of SMEs indicated a reliance on financing from financial institutions, both banking and development financial institutions. more

Malaysia: An effort to develop high-performing, resilient SMEs

A holistic and comprehensive approach is being undertaken in Malaysia to support the development of high performance and resilient small and medium-scaled enterprises (SMEs). The three broad thrusts identified to boost the capabilities and competitiveness of the domestic industries, especially the SMEs, were by strengthening the infrastructure, building the SMEs’ capacity and capability and enhancing access to financing. more

Ghana: ICT Key to Development

THE RECENT conference on Information Technology and Economic Development (CITED) at the University of Ghana, Legon, was aimed at promoting ICT development in Ghana. Partnered by the American Airways, CITED was designed to bring together international Researchers, government officials, investors and practitioners from all over the world to engage the exploitation of Information Technology in developing countries. The main goal is therefore, to attract international funding in order to link developing countries with the developed world, which will in turn enhance economic development in countries such as Ghana. more

Enterprise Promotion opens officially in Yemen

Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Services (SMEPS), a subsidiary of the Social Fund for Development (SFD), was officially opened last week. SMEPS was established by the SFD in line with the country’s policy to address this issue on non-financial services. SMEPS is considered the first of its kind in the Middle East. more

ARTICLES 

Globalization: Effect on industrial and regional clusters by Michael Porter

Globalization has actually made industry clusters and local advantages even more important, rather than weakened them.The common perception is that as a result of globalization, location doesn't matter any more. There are no barriers to investment. But the paradox is that location still matters. The U.S. is still the most important space in the world, for example, and regions have tremendous specialization. Anything that can be easily accessed from a distance no longer is a competitive advantage. But the more there are no barriers, the more things are mobile, the more decisive location becomes. more

Made in India: The next big manufacturing export story by Ramesh Mangaleswaran

In the past, India did not tap into its manufacturing exports potential to the fullest.Going forward, however, ‘Made in India’ could become the next big manufacturing exports story. The global trend to manufacture and source products in low-cost countries (LCCs) is likely to gather strength over the next 10 years, particularly in the skill-intensive industries where India has a significant competitive advantage. If India were to take advantage of this trend, manufacturing exports from India could increase to approximately $300 billion by 2015, leading to a share of approximately 3.5% in world manufacturing trade. more

Once unemployed, now entrepreneurs by R. Sundaram

150 young men, aged between 18 and 25, are entrepreneurs in Erode district providing employment to over 700 people in their powerloom units. What makes them special is that they were unemployed youth and are now entrepreneurs, thanks to the two-month weaving training imparted by the Powerloom Service Centre in Erode. more

More Information on Artisanal clusters of Manipur

Manipur :

Described by Lord Irwin as the 'Switzerland of India', Manipur boasts of an exotic landscape with gently undulating hills, emerald green valleys, blue lakes and dense forests. Manipur, literally meaning the land of jewel, is situated in the north eastern region of India covering an area of 22,347 sq. km. It has an approximate population of  2,388,634(as per 2001 census) comprising of Meiteis, Bishnupriyas, Manipuri Brahmins, Meitei pangons,Aimols,Kacha Nagas, Koiraos, Vaipheis,Koirengs,Koms,Marams and Some other hill tribes. The major religions followed by people are Hinduism, Sanamahism, Christianity and Islam 

Textiles:

Manipur enjoys a distinct place amongst the Handloom zones in India. Handloom industry is the largest cottage industry in the State. One of the special features of the industry is that women are the only weavers.Most of the weavers who are famous for their skill and intricate designing are from Wangkhei, Bamon Kampu, Kongba, Khongman, Utlou etc. in respect of fine silk items. The rest of the villages of the State producing all varieties of fabrics. Tribal shawls are all varieties of fabrics. Tribal shawls with exotic designs and motifs are the products of five hill districts of the State. Fabrics and Shawls of Manipur are in great demand in the national and international market.  

Cane & Bamboo:                                                                                        

Since cane and bamboo are abundantly available basketry has been a popular occupation of the people of Manipur. Different shapes and sizes with different designs are manufactured for domestic and ritualistic.Again, there are fishing equipments made of cane and bamboo. People of Maring tribe inhabiting the Chandel District are the main manufacturers of these types of basket. Other tribes and the Meeteis also contribute a lot to the production of baskets.

Earthenware/ Pottery:   

 Pottery culture is very old in Manipur. Most of the pots are handmade and are of different colours (red, dark red and black). Pottery flourishes in Andro, Sekmai, Chairen, Thongjao, Nungbi and parts of Senapati District. Chakpa women are good potters and they make different types of pots are made for ritualistic and ceremonial purposes.