In Sikkim, a two-day Vendor Development Programme-cum-Exhibition and Buyer-Seller Meet for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) concluded at Ridge Park in Gangtok today.
The event was organized by the MSME Development and Facilitation Office under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India in Gangtok.
It provided a platform for MSMEs to showcase their products and explore business and procurement opportunities with potential buyers.
A total of 60 MSME units participated in the initiative, along with representatives from SIDBI, MSME-DFO, District Industries Centre (DIC), Gangtok, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Kolkata, NHPC and local entrepreneurs.
The sessions covered vendor development, institutional procurement, access to finance, quality standards and practical business experience.
On day one, Rajya Sabha MP from Sikkim Mr D T Lepcha, in his keynote address, called for stronger market linkages between Sikkim’s MSMEs and institutional buyers.
He said the programme provided an important platform for local entrepreneurs Nirmal Chaudhary, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO, Gangtok, spoke about vendor development and connecting local enterprises with institutional buyers.
He highlighted opportunities in Government procurement and advised entrepreneurs to focus on quality, competitive pricing, proper documentation, packaging and timely delivery. Shekhar Suman, Branch Manager, SIDBI, Gangtok Branch, addressed the participants on various SIDBI schemes and financial facilities available to MSMEs.
He explained the importance of appropriate financing for business expansion and encouraged entrepreneurs to maintain proper financial records, strengthen business planning and approach formal financial institutions for their eligible requirements.
The participating MSME units also had an opportunity to showcase their products and business activities and interact with the participating organisations and stakeholders. The discussions provided useful information on finance, procurement procedures, quality requirements and potential market linkages.