EXPO2020 to open new window of opportunities for Indian MSME sector: Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

18 Jan 2022 , 09:45 AM

India’s Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Narayan Rane said that the MSME sector is the backbone of Indian Economy, and our participation in EXPO2020 Dubai will open a new window of business opportunities and collaborations for the Indian MSME sector.

Shri Narayan Rane was speaking virtually during the inaugural ceremony of the MSME sector floor at the India Pavilion in EXPO2020.

The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Minister of State for MSME; B. B Swain, Secretary, MSME; Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, and Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chairman, KVIC, D. Kuppuramu, Chairman, Coir Board, Ms Tadu Mamu, Consul (Press, Information, Culture & Labour), Consulate General of India in Dubai and Mr Arun Chawla, Director General, FICCI along with other senior officials from the MSME ministry and others.

In his keynote address, Rane said, “The MSME sector plays a significant role in terms of job creation and expanding manufacturing base. Today, it has more than 6 crore units employing over 11 crore people and is a significant contributor to India’s economic growth with over 30% of contribution to the GDP and over 48% of overall exports from India.”

“The Ministry’s focus is to create a benchmark for MSMEs across the country by scaling them to new heights in terms of exports, quality of products, contribution to GDP and providing world-class infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology to all MSMEs operating in India,” he added.

The minister also launched the Khadi India film produced by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of MSME.

In his address, Bhanu Pratap Verma said, “The Ministry of MSME has been undertaking various important initiatives to boost the MSME sector and has been actively engaged in spearheading initiatives like finance facilitation, capacity building & skill training, facilitating market linkages, technology upgradation, etc.  for the overall inclusive development of MSMEs across the country.”

Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, said, “MSME’s contribution to the socio-economic development of India has been immense and EXPO2020 is an excellent opportunity for the Indian MSME sector to reach out to potential partners and explore further opportunities not only to the UAE but also to the world.”

Mr BB Swain, Secretary, Ministry of MSME, Government of India, said, “EXPO 2020 Dubai will act as an information catalyst and promote higher cooperation between micro small and medium business owners from India and across the globe.”

Ministry of MSME’s participation in EXPO2020 would help to develop understanding about the MSME ecosystem in India as well as enable interaction with Governments of different countries, business and industry leaders, which would help in exchange of best practices adopted across the world.

The welcome note and vote of thanks was delivered by Ms Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary-SME, Ministry of MSME.