ENA MSME 2024-12-26 14:35:08 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Gandhinagar, Dec 26 (KNN)</strong> The Economic Times Make in India SME Regional Summit in Ahmedabad on December 20 highlighted Gujarat's robust MSME ecosystem, drawing industry leaders and policymakers to discuss growth opportunities and challenges. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The event showcased the state's diverse industrial landscape, particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">R D Barhatt, Joint Commissioner of Industries, Government of Gujarat, opened the summit with a keynote address emphasising MSMEs' crucial role in achieving self-reliance. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He noted that 21 lakh MSMEs are registered on the Udyam portal, spanning sectors from gems and jewelry to engineering, forming the backbone of India's industrial framework.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In a subsequent fireside chat, Santanu Basu, Head of SME at Aditya Birla Finance Limited, discussed the company's vision for India's growth and emphasised Gujarat's inherent entrepreneurial spirit. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Basu highlighted the need for tailored funding solutions for MSMEs, pointing to digital technology as a key enabler for seamless fund disbursement.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The summit featured a panel discussion on Gujarat's next big 'GIFT' to India, where industry experts explored the state's future opportunities. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Participants drew parallels between Gujarat's cluster-based industrial development and China's successful model. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Jitendra Kumar D Panchal from the Ahmedabad Engineering Manufacturers Association raised concerns about lenders' hesitancy in providing loans to SMEs, while Darshana Thakkar of WICCI highlighted that despite 48 percent of Gujarat's startups being women-led, additional support is needed for their growth.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Experts identified the semiconductor industry as Gujarat's potential next major contribution to India's economy. Apurva Shah, Director of Jayatma Group and Vice President of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce &amp; Industry, emphasised how Gujarat's coastal location provides significant cost advantages compared to landlocked regions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The event also featured insights from Magma's Founder &amp; CEO Neal Thakker, who addressed challenges in India's manufacturing clusters, noting that the issue lies not in capital expenditure but in efficient resource utilisation. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">A subsequent panel on future-proofing businesses through technology highlighted the importance of digital transformation and sustainability, with speakers emphasising the role of digital ecosystems in advancing distributed solar installation and the necessity of scalable business solutions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The summit concluded with a presentation on ABFL's Udyog Plus tool, designed as a comprehensive financial solution for MSMEs, marking the end of an event that served as a platform for small businesses to explore growth opportunities and navigate future challenges.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 40385 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/msme/sme-regional-summit-highlights-gujarats-role-in-driving-indias-msme-growth 2024-12-26 14:35:08 knnindia.co.in