Guest speech on International trade/ SME capacity building by Mr. Pradipta Basu, Consultant, Import & Export Management, Kolkata.

International Trade is the exchange of capital, goods and services across international borders or territories, which could involve the activities of the government and individuals. In most countries, such trade represents a significant share of gross domestic product (GDP). In his speech delivered to the MSc. HTM students of Manipal University, Mr. Pradipta Basu explained in detail about the Import-Export policies of India and its importance in the International trade scenario. He mentioned about the relevance of foreign exchange for a country in the areas like obtaining the crude, earning revenue and improving the GDP. Mr. Basu also suggested the students to get in touch with the disciplines like history, geography and economics to know more in detail about the basic concepts of international trade which includes finding the perfect market, to know the past performance of the importer and exporter etc. He put forward the example of China to explain about the International market from where most of the Star hotels purchase crockeries at a comparatively cheaper rate. As far as his opinions are concerned, it is very essential for the hoteliers to know about the import-export policies of a country, the norms of international trade, the currency rate for the smooth functioning of their business. While explaining about the foreign exchange policies, Mr. Basu brought the students’ attention towards the different treaties that India has signed with the foreign countries and also the patents that our country possess over products like neem oil, basmati rice, turmeric, wheat etc. He also advised the students to maintain the information like currency rates, the policies regarding foreign exchange, Insurance etc. up to date so that it can increase the level of performance of the organization which they work for. The topic of SME capacity building was covered in detail by including the areas like getting the TFR (Techno Feasibility Report), nature of contracts like F.O.B, CNF, CIF, payment modes etc. The speech was concluded clarifying the audience’s doubts regarding the topics like export-import duties, certifying body for organic products etc. Ms Apurva Rathore of MSc HTM proposed vote of thanks. P Valsaraj, Coordinator of DAHS and other faculty members were present. Speaker’s Profile: Mr Pradipta Basu, Consultant, Import & Export Management, Kolkata is the visiting faculty in IIFT and IIM.He is a Post Graduate in Commerce and Port and Shipping Management. Has almost 35 years of experience in various fields such as domestic trade, export, import, administration, Public Relations, finance, business operations from very grass root level to the highest level in corporate sector. Email Id: pradipta14@gmail.com