The MSME Day 2024, held on 27th June at The Park Hotel, Kolkata, was a vibrant celebration of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their significant contributions to the economy. With the theme "Empowering Dreams, Empowering India," the event brought together industry leaders, government officials, and MSME representatives to share insights, network, and explore new opportunities.

Inspirational Moments and Insights

One of the standout highlights was a thought-provoking remark by Dr. Jagat Shah, who said, "If goat dung and rotten potatoes can be exported, then any product can be exported." This statement encapsulated the theme of the event, emphasizing the limitless potential of MSMEs in the global market. Dr. Shah's session on "Export Like a Pro" provided valuable strategies for businesses looking to expand internationally.

ONDC’s Vision

The session with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) ignited enthusiasm among participants. ONDC's vision to proliferate just like the Internet resonated deeply, encouraging many to explore the benefits of e-commerce onboarding. This session highlighted the transformative potential of digital platforms for MSMEs.

Key Highlights of the Day

Address by Shri Debashish Bandyopadhyay, Special Secretary, MSME & Textile, Government of West Bengal, set the tone for the day with an inspiring address.

Session with ONDC: An insightful dive into e-commerce onboarding and its benefits for MSMEs.

Opportunities in Solar: A session with Tata Power Renewable Energy exploring the future of solar power for businesses.

Regulatory Compliance Challenges and Solutions: Mr. Vivek Jalan from Tax Connect Advisory Services LLP provided expert insights on navigating regulatory compliance.

Unlocking Access to Capital for MSMEs: Financial experts from HDFC and Canara Bank shared strategies for securing capital.

Logistics Solutions: Mr. Alok Bajoria, Director of Ganesh Complex, discussed innovative logistics solutions for MSMEs.

Panel Discussions

A notable panel discussion moderated by Mr. Sanjay Guha Thakurta on behalf of The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry featured industry stalwarts from ONDC, LIC, Ganesh Industrial Parks, and Tata Power Renewables. The discussion covered diverse topics, including the future of commerce, insurance for micro-enterprises, re-industrialization in Bengal, and the roadmap for solar power expansion in Eastern India. The Bengal Chamber praised Mr. Guha Thakurta's moderation skills, which turned each panelist's insights into a compelling narrative, eliminating the need for formal presentations.

Sri Vivek Jalan moderated a panel discussion with The Hon'ble SGST Commissioner of West Bengal - Shri D.P. Karnam, IAS, and The Hon'ble Joint Director (P&S), MSME, Government of West Bengal - Shri Rajkumar Middya. The discussion was centered mainly around further easing the businesses of MSME sellers on the platforms of e-commerce operators like ONDC, Amazon, Flipkart, etc. The exchange of ideas provided valuable insights into the future landscape of e-commerce for MSMEs, highlighting the importance of regulatory support and digital integration.

Gratitude to Our Esteemed Guests and Speakers

The success of MSME Day 2024 was made possible by the contributions of our esteemed guests and speakers:

• Shri Arup Kumar, Chief General Manager, SIDBI
• Shri Ashok Bajoria, Chairman, Ganesh Complex
• Shri Dr. Jagat Shah, MBA, CMC, PhD., International Export Coach
• Shri Tara Nath Jha, Regional Head, Group Schemes, LIC of India
• Shri Debashish Bandyopadhyay, Special Secretary) MSME & Textile, Government of West Bengal
• Mr. Vivek Jalan, Partner, Tax Connect Advisory Services LLP
• Shri Devi Prasad Karnam, Commissioner, State Tax, West Bengal
• Mr. Soumyajit Ghosh, State Head - West Bengal, Tata Power Renewables Energy Limited
• Mr. Sanjay Guhathakurta, Partner, IBM India
• Mr. Niraj Gupta, DGM & RM ER, ECGC Ltd.
• Mr. Kaushik Gupta, Senior Vice President, HDFC Bank
• Mr. Indranil Dutta, Co-Chairperson Manufacturing and MSME Committee of The Bengal Chamber; CEO, Datre Corporation

Conclusion

MSME Day 2024 was a resounding success, adding significant value to all attendees. From insightful discussions to networking opportunities, the event truly embodied the spirit of "Empowering Dreams, Empowering India." We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants and look forward to continuing this journey of growth and empowerment.