New Delhi : A high-level delegation, led by Frank Muller-Rosentritt (Member of Parliament, Free Democratic Party, Germany) and Dr. Carsten Klein (Head of the Regional Office, FNF South Asia), along with Frank Hoffmann (Regional Project Manager) and Himanshu Chawla (Regional Communication and Program Manager), visited Delhi to gain insights into India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The team, representing the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) South Asia, praised the significant contributions of Indian MSMEs to the economy and explored opportunities for future growth.
During the visit, the delegation engaged with MSME owners and operators, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector. The team recognized the vital role of MSMEs in driving economic growth and job creation in India. Discussions centered on fostering the sustainable development of these enterprises in the future.
The Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC), established in 2005 as a public trust, facilitated the delegation’s visit. For nearly two decades, FMC has worked to improve resource efficiency and promote sustainable materials across MSME clusters in India. Some of its notable achievements include:
* Reducing 41,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually in foundry clusters.
* Establishing paving block enterprises that utilized 163,000 tonnes of foundry slag.
* Replacing 1,800 tonnes of unsustainable materials with bamboo in various bamboo clusters.
These initiatives have garnered support from national and international donors, such as the European Union, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), and the Yes Foundation. FMC is currently engaged in multiple projects within the Panipat recycled textile cluster, focusing on resource efficiency and traceability, backed by HSBC, DANIDA, SIDBI, and the European Union.
Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) has been a longstanding partner of FMC, supporting sustainability and resource efficiency initiatives within MSME clusters. This recent visit enabled the FNF delegation to witness the operations of Indian MSMEs and gain valuable insights into the sector’s essential role in India’s industrial landscape.
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom operates in over 60 countries, with offices in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. FNF promotes civic education, economic freedom, human rights, urban governance, and digital transformation. In South Asia, FNF collaborates with partners in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, supporting both country-specific and regional initiatives.
For more information, visit the website at www.fmc.org.in.
