Tenth Commonwealth-India Small Business Competitiveness Development Programme (CW-India Programme), 21 - 26 February 2010, Jaipur, India

The Commonwealth Secretariat is collaborating with Government of India institutions in hosting the above pan-Commonwealth programme, the tenth in the series of institutional capacity building initiatives focusing on the competitiveness development Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The CW-India Programmes address sustainable development issues on MSME development, following the recommendations of the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Group on Democracy and Development that was chaired by the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh and formed part of the Aso Rock Declaration of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in December 2003.
Tangible outcomes from the CW-India Programme have included fostering South-South collaboration between institutions in India and other Commonwealth developing countries. Additionally, using India’s vast expertise in the areas of Agro, Rural and MSME development, institutional capacity on MSME business activities will be developed through these programmes.
The Tenth CW-India Programme is scheduled to be held in Jaipur, India, from 21 to 26 February 2010. Programme partners will include the Central Bank of India and Export-Import Bank of India and Industree Crafts Foundation. Participants from about 30 Commonwealth countries, besides India, and other international and development institutions are expected to participate at this programme, which is a residential event. The draft programme agenda is enclosed.
We invite nominations for participation from the Pacific region. Nominees may be senior representatives from government, the public and private sectors, and business support and civil society organisations, closely involved in the formulation and delivery of programmes related to MSME development. A Programme Nomination Form is also enclosed.

You are requested to have the completed forms returned no later than Wednesday, December 23, 2009, to Ms. Deepa Vengadesan by facsimile or email; Fax No: +44 20 7747 6307; Email: d.vengadesan@commonwealth.int

Participants are encouraged to make presentations at the working sessions. These presentations can include national/regional practices on MSME development initiatives and case studies demonstrating such initiatives. As the agenda is currently under finalisation, any interest for presenting is to be conveyed at the time of submitting the nomination.
There will also be an expo displaying products manufactured by MSMEs from around the Commonwealth. Nominees are encouraged to bring along products from their country/organisation and display them at the expo.
Participation will be on a “first come first serve” basis, in line with the nominee’s profile. If nominees require programme participation costs to be covered, a statement of purpose must be completed on the nomination form. As Commonwealth Secretariat funded participation is limited, any supporting documentation, i.e. letter of endorsement from the appropriate Ministry or Business
Association/Chamber of Commerce and Industry, could help make a suitable case for nominees. In
addition, the willingness of nominees to contribute through presentations at the programme working
session may also benefit in obtaining funding opportunities.
In submitting nominations, it is necessary to be aware that Commonwealth Secretariat has a policy on gender and youth. Nomination of women and youth is therefore encouraged.
Should you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me or my colleague, Ms. Deepa Vengadesan.

Ram Venuprasad
Adviser (Enterprise Development)
Special Advisory Services Division SASD
R.Venuprasad@commonwealth.int
Commonwealth Secretariat
Marlborough House
Pall Mall
London SW1Y 5HX
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7747 6306
Fax: Direct +44 (0) 20 7004 3719 General: +44 (0) 20 7747 6307
Web: www.thecommonwealth.org