Jammu March 18 (KNS): The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Jammu Chapter successfully hosted the MSME Conclave 2025, bringing together policymakers, banking leaders, industry experts, and entrepreneurs to discuss critical growth opportunities for the MSME sector in Jammu & Kashmir.
The event commenced with a Welcome Address by Rahul Sahai, Chairman, ICC Jammu Chapter, who emphasised the importance of empowering MSMEs through digital transformation, regulatory compliance, financial access, and global market expansion. He highlighted how the conclave would equip MSMEs with practical solutions to navigate modern challenges and leverage government initiatives effectively.
In the Inaugural Session, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha Ji, the Chief Guest, lauded the MSME sector as a pillar of economic development in J&K and assured continued government support for industrial growth, policy reforms, and infrastructural enhancements. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to promoting ease of doing business and enhancing financial access for entrepreneurs.
The session was also graced by Guest of Honor SVikramjit Singh Ji, Commissioner/Secretary to Govt., Industries & Commerce Deptt., J&K and Arun Manhas, Director, Industries & Commerce, Jammu, who shared insights into government schemes and strategies to accelerate MSME development in the region.
Shri Vikramjit Singh Ji, Commissioner/Secretary to Govt., Industries & Commerce Deptt., J&K said his department is committed to enhance and establish new industries and is very hopeful of extension of NCSS package and due consideration for local industries will be given.
The first Plenary Session, Navigating the Modern Challenges and Opportunities for MSMEs, focused on digital transformation, regulatory compliance, and global market access.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelExperts, including Dr. Vivek Deshpande, a leader in technology, and Ms. Subhalakshmi Samanta, an AI-driven entrepreneur, provided insights on technology adoption. Shri M.R. Shashidhara, President, POSSPOLE, and Shri Gowhar Arif, General Manager, JKDFC, discussed strategies for overcoming supply chain challenges and accessing international markets.
The second Plenary Session, Role of Banks in Financing MSME Development & Future Growth, tackled financial access, government credit schemes, and digital banking solutions. Panelists included Shri Anil Kumar Sharma, DGM, SIDBI, Shri Rahul Sharma, Branch Manager, ECGC, Shri Rohit Kumar, J&K Bank, Shri Ravinder Singh, AGM, UCO Bank, and Shri Shafat Sultan, MD, JKLFC, who discussed funding opportunities and financial resilience for MSMEs.
Shri Rahul Sahai, in his address, also urged the administration to consider the extension of the NCSS package and the formulation of a local industrial incentive policy to further support MSME growth in J&K. He emphasised that fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening financial inclusion, and enhancing infrastructure would be key to unlocking the region’s economic potential.
The conclave saw 150 people participation from prominent trade leaders, financial institutions, industry representatives, and students from Jammu University and Dogra Degree College, fostering a rich dialogue on sustainable MSME development.
Concluding the event, Shri Rahul Sahai thanked Hon’ble LG Shri Manoj Sinha Ji for his continued support and encouraged MSMEs to embrace innovation, digital transformation, and financial literacy for a more prosperous future.(KNS)