Recently I visited India to get a firsthand look at how supply chain professionals there are working to expand their country's economy, and to learn more about how CSCMP can support them through our educational and professional development offerings.
In 2011, CSCMP chose India as the location for its first global regional office. Our decision to establish a presence there was a strategic one designed to provide educational value to supply chain practitioners, not just in India but also in other parts of Asia.
We've come a long way in just two years. Currently there are CSCMP Roundtables in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. We offer educational and training programs, conferences, workshops, and other events, along with networking opportunities for the supply chain management community. We also play a role in connecting supply chain leaders around the world with their Indian counterparts.
In addition, CSCMP wants to engage with the rising generation of young Indian supply chain managers, and especially with business schools and students to ensure a strong foundation for the future. The fact that we have already established four student roundtables in India shows how much demand there is for supply chain education.
CSCMP stands ready to meet that need. Early next year, we will launch a marketing program in India for SCPro, our professional certification program. In addition, we're hosting our third annual conference in India, April 4-5, 2014, in Mumbai. The conference's theme is "Supply Chain Transformation: Managing Change in a Global Economy." Attendees will be able to participate in discussions on contemporary supply chain issues. They'll also hear experts share real-world experiences and insights and offer cutting-edge solutions to supply chain challenges. These subjects are relevant to supply chain professionals worldwide. In fact, last year's conference attracted attendees from 12 countries, making it a truly international gathering.
When CSCMP opened its India office, the country's economy was struggling like many others around the world. Since then, India's economy has improved somewhat. And it will continue to improve—if government officials develop and implement national policies to encourage a strong economy. Robust and process-driven supply chains are necessary for achieving economic growth, so this should become a top priority for India's business leaders. Government officials can support that goal by collaborating with organizations like CSCMP to provide needed supply chain education and other resources to businesses.
CSCMP wants to play a role in promoting India's growth. We will do that by working with practitioners, government agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations. And we will continue to recognize and respect local cultures and customs while delivering global supply chain standards to support the advancement of this fast-growing nation.
