BIZ BRIEFS

Italy supports SMEs

NEW DELHI: Italy will invest over euro three million for a project aimed at developing India’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and make them globally competitive. The three-year project, called ‘Consolidated Project for SMEs Development in India’, will be overseen by the ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises. The UN Industrial Development Organisation will be the implementation agency. Sectors identified for the project are leather, including tanning, footwear, and leather goods, and auto components. — HNS

Israel eyes OECD

JERUSALEM: Israel could become a full member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED) in less than two years. “The membership process is under way. Israel could become a full member in under two years time,” Angel Gurria said. He was speaking at the end of a visit to Israel, where he attended export and international cooperation conference. — AFP