'Govt serious about SMEs in northeast'

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Union minister of MSME Virbhadra Singh has said that his ministry is actively promoting development of small units in the northeastern region.

Singh was addressing the 7th North East Business Summit in New Delhi here on Friday.

Stating that the northeastern region is bestowed with rich natural and human resources, the minster said, “There is a need to channelize the vast resources for the overall growth and development of the area.” 

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Meanwhile, minister for Development of Northeast Region Paban Singh Ghatowar asked Indian entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities in the northeastern region, and said the government is committed to the development of the area.

“The central government is committed to the development of the region,” Ghatowar said.

In a separate meet organised by the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce along with Confederation of Indian Industry and India-Canada Business Chamber, Vir Bhadra Singh said the government has been providing support and sustenance to the MSME sector in the country through a plethora of programmes and policies.

He also suggested that we take a leaf out of the Canadian tradition of strong government-Industry interface, for the development of the MSME sector in India.

“Indian MSMEs are looking to explore opportunities in countries like Canada through joint ventures, collaboration and technical tie-ups,” Singh said. “Segments such as machine tools, pharmaceuticals, textile machinery, auto components, medical and mining equipment provide excellent opportunities for such collaborations and tie-ups.”