India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 heavily relies on the millions of micro, small, and medium enterprises spread across the country. With over 63 million MSMEs in India, these small businesses contribute nearly 40% to our exports and about 33% to our GDP. Recognizing the significance of this sector, The Bengal's Chamber organized the MSME Day Conclave at The Park Hotel in Kolkata, a dynamic platform that brought together industry experts, policymakers, and MSME stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for empowering and accelerating the growth of MSMEs.

The theme of this year's programme was "Vendor Development and Capacity Building”. The focus areas of the Conclave were:

• Connecting MSMEs to the Large Manufacturers for different sectors
• Bank Finance/Credit Assistance to MSMEs
• Knowledge Session
• Exhibition for B2B and B2G Connects

Shri Rajesh Pandey, IAS, Principal Secretary, MSME & Textile, Government of West Bengal was the Chief Guest of the Conclave. Other distinguished speakers at the event included Shri Arjun Kumar, Associate Director, DRDO HQ, Shri Ashwani Kumar, MD & CEO, UCO Bank, ShriSalim G. Purushothaman, Chairman & Managing Director, Braithwaite & Co. Ltd and Mr. Indrajit Mookerjee, Vice Chairman Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd.

During his welcome address, Mr. Sanjay Behera, the Chairperson of the Manufacturing and MSME Committee at The Bengal Chamber and also the Chief Sales Manager of Tata Steel Limited, elaborated on the sector's challenges and opportunities.

Delivering the Theme Address, Mr. Subir Chakraborty, President, BCC&I and MD & CEO, Exide Industries Ltd. proposed to the policymakers that a legislation should be enacted whereby it will be required of Large Corporates to help upgrade the MSMEs. The upgradation can be in the area of digital technology or in the area of quality improvement with national benchmarks in terms of ISO and which can then be rewarded either through incentives or tax benefits both for the MSMEs as well as the mentor companies which are handholding them.

During his address, Sri Rajesh Pandey mentioned that the State Government and MSME Department are enhancing the ease of doing business through digitalization and online services. Additionally, he emphasized the ongoing efforts to decriminalize industrial areas. Furthermore he said that more banks need to onboard themselves on the Bhabishyat Credit Card Scheme. This scheme offers collateral−free credit to eligible MSMEs, enabling them to meet their working capital requirements and address various business needs.

Shri Arjun Kumar, Associate Director, Scientist ‘F’, TDF, DRDO

HQ apprised the MSMEs of the different DRDO schemes which they can avail of and requested The Bengal Chamber to hold exclusive defence related webinars with MSMEs.

Shri Salim G. Purushothaman, Chairman & Managing Director, Braithwaite & Co. Ltd. said that similar to practices followed by Braithwaite & Co. Ltd., larger organizations that have developed robust management practices, operational efficiencies, and industry insights through their experience and resources should share these best practices with MSMEs and help provide them with valuable guidance and knowledge that can help them improve their operations, enhance productivity, and achieve sustainable growth. 

Shri Rajendra Kumar Saboo, Executive Director, UCO Bank spoke about how UCO Bank is helping MSMEs under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) wherein upto Rs 10 lakh finance is available without any collateral.

Over 200 MSMEs attended the event which got widespread media coverage.