SAP to play vital role in oil exploration
Lalin Fernandopulle reporting from Mumbai, India
[email protected]
Oil exploration in Sri Lanka is a huge market opportunity for SAP
(Systems Applications Products) which will play a significant role in
the country's efforts to tap the resource and reduce its staggering fuel
bill.
There is much market potential for SAP in the SME sector in Sri Lanka
and other emerging markets in the region which the company will be
looking at to build its footprint, said COO SAP, Asian Pacific Japan and
SVP SME, Stephen Watts.
He was addressing a Round Table discussion on SMEs on the fast track
at the SAP Summit 2008 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Mumbai on Thursday.
SAP has doubled the revenue and the market share of many SMEs in Sri
Lanka. Conceitedness and slow in decision making by entrepreneurs are
impediments for business development in Sri Lanka, Watts said.
There is plenty of market opportunities across various sectors in the
country. SAP leverages business solutions to around 30 SMEs in the
textile, consumer products, and government entities helping them to
enhance efficiency by adopting the best practices.
When asked what is the key to business development in India, he said
Indians are daring and are never hesitant to make decisions. They are
patriotic and committed to develop the country.
He said the growth in the Indian SME sector is phenomenal and over
the years the number of small enterprises turning into large businesses
has increased. India is the fastest growing country in the SME sector
Around 70 per cent of SAP customers in Asia Pacific and Japan region
are SME. The SME year-on-year growth is 43 per cent on a constant
currency basis. SAP targets US$ 1 billion and 10,000 customers in 12-18
months in the Indian SME sector.
Getting the right partners, localising and building markets and
sustaining businesses are key factors that SAP takes into account in
venturing into the SME sector. SAP cannot provide all the solutions
customers require but creates and builds markets and ensures that
business growth is sustained, Watts said.
Chairman Essel Group, Subhash Chandra said he will extend his fullest
support to develop the media industry in Sri Lanka.
The media plays a constructive role in developing economies and in
India it has helped to promote the SME sector.
Captain, Indian Test Cricket Team, Anil Kumble said leadership is the
key to success in adversity. Listening and decision making, backing team
members and equanimity in challenging times are important attributes of
good leadership.
The Indian cricket team has emerged as one of the best teams and has
played exceptionally well over the past four-five years because of the
clear goals and roles that have been set. Kumble said it is essential to
provide a consistent feedback, reward and recognise performers and never
to underestimate anyone, a practice that will help any sector to
develop.
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