MSME Day Stresses on New Initiatives for Exports

On World MSME Day 2019, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and Industries Department, Government of Maharashtra jointly organised ‘State Level Seminar on International Opportunities for MSMEs and MSME and Exporters Awards’. Mr. Subhash Desai, Hon’ble Minister of Industry and Mining, Government of Maharashtra said, “Government of Maharashtra will encourage participation of MSMEs and women entrepreneurs in international trade delegations.” Setting up of an export promotion council will not only promote exports of the state but also attract foreign direct investment.

The minister added, “The Global Investment Promotion Council, headed by the Chief Minister, will attract foreign direct investment from MNCs such as Google, Microsoft and Adobe.”

Mr. Atul Save, Hon’ble Minister State Minister (Industry), Government of Maharashtra encouraged MSMEs to take advantage of the anti-dumping measures imposed by USA and Europe on Chinese goods.

Mr. Save pointed out that the government is addressing lack of skilled manpower by opening training centers in rural areas under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY).

Mr. Satish Gavai (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary (Industry), Government of Maharashtra said, “We are trying to develop an enabling environment for MSMEs by reducing red tapism and improving ease of doing business.”

Dr. Harshdeep Kamble, IAS, Development Commissioner (Industries), Government of Maharashtra said, “Government of Maharashtra offers grants to MSMEs upto Rs. 50 crore turnover, higher than the turnover limit of Rs. 10 crore set by the central government. The state government has also set up Rs. 100 crore for cluster development project.”

The state government also announced 20% more financial incentives for agro-processing units and 75% subsidy for expenses incurred on quality certification.

Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai said, “In order to support MSMEs, Government of Maharashtra must revive SICOM and Maharashtra State Financial Corporation (MSFC) which were active in the MSME sector and had addressed financial needs of the industry.”

Mr. Kalantri also suggested policymakers to rationalize policy framework by removing regressive laws and improving ease of doing business.

Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai suggested MSMEs and women entrepreneurs to participate in international trade fairs and exhibitions to explore global markets. She also proposed Government of India to set up foreign offices of India’s trade promotion organisation, on the lines of KOTRA, TAITRA, PROMEXICO, etc.

Ms. Naik invited women entrepreneurs to register themselves on SheTrades, which is web and mobile app, a flagship initiative of ITC Geneva. This app is targeted to connect 3 million women entrepreneurs across the globe by 2025.

The government of Maharashtra felicitated more than 55 MSMEs, including exporters and farmers from across Maharashtra for their valuable contribution to employment creation and international trade.

In Photo

From (L-R): Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Mr. Subhash Desai, Mr. Atul Save, Dr. Harshdeep Kamble (IAS) and Ms. Rupa Naik.