Ahmedabad : CII Gujarat hosted the highly successful MSME Conclave 2024, with the theme Pathway to Growth – Strengthening MSME Ecosystem, bringing together Policy Makers, Key Industrial Leaders and over 150 MSMEs to discuss strategies for strengthening the MSME ecosystem in Gujarat. The event focused on enhancing policy frameworks, competitiveness, exploring financing options, embracing digital transformation, and adopting green practices to align Gujarat’s MSMEs with India’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. In this conclave experts like Premraj Kashyap, Vice President CII Gujarat state council, Convenor of the conclave Bhavik Khera, IAS Arun Mahesh Babu, CII Centre for Excellence chairman Shreekant Somany, Professor Dr. Anil Gupta and other industry leaders had shared their views on ease of doing business and also challenges in-front of MSME sectors in Gujarat.
IAS Arun Mahesh Babu addressed the pressing needs of MSMEs, which include greater access to finance, creation of sector-based clusters at both the state and national levels, and focused efforts on skilling, reskilling, and upskilling, particularly through vocational and investment-driven Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. He emphasized the need for new incentives and subsidies tailored specifically to micro-industries and underscored the importance of fostering stronger partnerships between industry and government. Shreekant Somany, Chairman, CII Centre of Excellence for Competitiveness for SMEs & Chairman & Managing Director, Somany Ceramics Ltd., emphasized Gujarat’s status as an entrepreneurial state with strong industrial prowess. He outlined key pillars for MSME growth, including the necessity for MSMEs to “Go Digital, Grow Global,” highlighting the importance of the digital revolution in transforming Gujarat’s MSMEs into global players.
In his address, Premraj Kashyep, Vice Chairman, CII Gujarat State Council, highlighted Gujarat’s pivotal role in supply chain resilience, technological advancement, and fostering a culture of self-reliance, aligning with the broader vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” He emphasized that over the years, CII has been a steadfast partner in policy advocacy, capacity building, and creating platforms for knowledge sharing for MSMEs. Mr. Kashyep noted that CII initiatives like the SMART Manufacturing Conclave, Export-Import Conclaves, Free Trade Agreement workshops, and the MSME Conclave reflect CII’s commitment to empowering Gujarat’s MSMEs. Panel discussions were held on the subject of Access to Finance & Credit Insurance for MSMEs, Transforming MSMEs: Strategies for Growth and Expansion and Empowering MSMEs for a Sustainable Future: Embracing Green Practices for Growth and Innovation. A highlight of the event was the Buyer-Seller Meet, moderated by Dharmendra Mishra, Group Executive Director, Kataria Group. Over 55 MSME companies interacted with prominent corporations such as Atul Auto, Adani Group, Maruti Suzuki, Sintex, and UNO Minda, fostering valuable business connections and collaboration opportunities.
