Having in mind the essential role played by MSMEs in developing countries and with the ultimate target of reducing poverty in India through growth of micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs), this Consolidated Project aims at supporting/helping MSMEs to become globally competitive.This is achieved by integrating the traditional UNIDO approaches such as cluster development, investment & technology promotion with innovative credit delivery mechanisms for SMEs, i.e. Mutual Credit Guarantee Schemes and Private Equity/Venture Capital.

Operational since February 2007 and for a period of 3 years, the Consolidated Project is funded with € 3 million by the Govt. of Italy - Ministry of External Affairs (General Directorate for Cooperation and Development).

Its local counterpart is the Development Commissioner, Ministry of MSMEs and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the implementing Agency.

The Consolidated Project assists MSMEs located in the following clusters:

• Leather (Tanning & Footwear): Chennai and Shantiniketan (leather goods)

• Auto-Components: Chennai, Pune and National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi

Target Beneficiaries

• Growth-oriented MSMEs in Chennai Footwear, Leather and Auto components clusters

• Growth-oriented MSMEs in Auto components clusters from Pune and National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi

• MSMEs ready for Foreign Direct Investment or Joint Ventures in the selected manufacturing clusters

• Industrial Associations, Chambers of Commerce & Training Institutes involved in the above clusters.