The FICCI West Bengal State Council held the sixth edition of its flagship seminar, Empowering MSMEs for a Sustainable Future, in Kolkata in observance of International MSME Day. FICCI continues to place a high priority on sustainability, and the program was planned in association with the FICCI Centre for Sustainability Leadership.

Mr. Rajesh Pandey, IAS, Principal Secretary, MSME & Textiles Department, Government of West Bengal, gave the keynote address. He emphasized the state’s strong MSME ecosystem, which includes over 93 lakh businesses and the greatest number of women-led businesses in the nation. In order to promote inclusive and sustainable MSME growth, he also emphasized the state’s emphasis on cluster-based development and important programs like the SAIP scheme and artisan empowerment. Over the last ten years, West Bengal’s MSME credit has grown at a 22% CAGR, and this year’s disbursements are predicted to surpass Rs 2 lakh crore.

The Federal Republic of Germany’s consul general in Kolkata, Ms. Barbara Voss, underlined the vital role that women-led MSMEs play in promoting equitable and sustainable growth. She emphasized the value of gender-inclusive entrepreneurship and urged Germany and India to work together more closely and exchange knowledge to create resilient, future-ready MSMEs.

Mr. Girish Luthra, President of FICCI-CMSME, and Mr. RK Chhajer, Chair of the FICCI MSME Committee, West Bengal, discussed their ideas for bolstering the MSME ecosystem and emphasized FICCI’s contribution to the industry’s sustainable growth.

The session was also attended by Mr. Ajeya Bandyopadhyay, the IFC-World Bank’s South Asia Lead for Climate Advisory.

Senior bankers including Mr Rajneesh Kumar, DGM (SME), State Bank of India, Mr Pravin Basant Bhojwani, AGM – East, ECGC, Mr Anirudha Barooah, AGM & Regional Head, India Exim Bank, and Mr Ajay Kumar, Chief Manager, Indian Overseas Bank, discussed the vital role that financial institutions can play in helping export-focused MSMEs obtain green financing and comply with ESG regulations.

Mr Sitanath Mukherjee, IEDS, Assistant Director, MSME-Development & Facilitation Office, Kolkata, Mr Kumar P Saha, MD & CEO, Senrysa Technologies, Mr Saurabh Palsania, Joint President – Strategic Sourcing, Shree Cement; and Mr Namit Shah, MD, F Harley & Company Pvt Ltd, Representative of PUM, discussed ways to improve MSME competitiveness and resilience through circular economy principles and sustainable strategies.

More than 180 people attended the seminar, reaffirming their shared commitment to empowering MSMEs to create a more resilient and environmentally friendly future.

Priyanka Dutta