Manufacturing sector can contribute 32% to GDP: NMCC

New Delhi, June 19 (UNI) National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC) today said if the manufacturing sector sustains a 13 per cent growth rate per annum, it can contribute atleast 32 per cent to the GDP every year.

''A sustainable growth rate of 12-14 per cent can lead to contribution of 32 per cent in the country's GDP in the near future, which currently stands at about 17 per cent,'' NMCC Chairman V Krishnamurthy told reporters while launching the National Manufacturing Portal here.

He further added that the SMEs sector should be looked upon as only 10 per cent of them have access to small and financial institutions and to develop the manufacturing sector, their skill should be enhanced.

''Besides, if the manufacturing sector has to grow at around 12 per cent per annum, it will be imperative for the education and training systems to produce at least 1.5 million technically skilled people every year and to add eight to nine million people every year,'' Dr Krishnamurthy said.

He claimed that public-private-partnership can also drive the IT and ITeS.

The growth rate of manufacturing sector was registered at 12.3 per cent in this fiscal with 15.1 per cent during April.

Speaking on rupee appreciation, he said it is a matter of concern for exporters, the government is keeping an eye on it and hopefully will be able to overcome it soon.

UNI