Defence forces seek more MSME participation from eastern region
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Kolkata: Defence forces are keen to enrol more micro, small and medium enterprises from the eastern region, including Bengal, and have sought the support of leading chambers to work as a bridge with local MSMEs for defence manufacturing.
At the BCC&I Atmanirbhar Bharat Award & Conclave in the city on Friday, defence officials appealed to the MSME sector to come forward.
Arjun Kumar, additional director of directorate of technology development fund of DRDO, said the organisation was pushing new projects for developing indigenous capabilities. According to him, the number of projects from the eastern region was fewer compared to the south, especially Hyderabad.
"There are a few companies from Assam and Bengal involved in the projects. There are 80 projects under the fund but only 4-5 from the east," Kumar added.
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Arunava Bhattacharya, officer in charge, QAE (Naval), Kolkata, said Indian Navy was on a massive shipbuilding spree and needed indigenous manufacturers. "We want to increase our vendor base here. Once, Bengal MSMEs used to be a major supplier of components to the navy and other defence forces," he said.
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Sushil Mohta, chairman of World Trade Center, NDITA, during his presentation, said it was facilitating Indian MSME participation at Oil & Gas Asia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the first time. "WTC will play a catalytic role in promoting international trade opportunities for MSMEs here by leading a 20-member business delegation," he said.
Meanwhile, FICCI West Bengal State Council organised the 6th edition of 'Empowering MSMEs for a Sustainable Future' on Friday. MSME secretary Rajesh Pandey said Bengal has over 93 lakh enterprises and the highest number of women-led enterprises in the country. The Merchant's Chamber of Commerce also organised a seminar on MSME Day.
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