The MSME sector needs a boost as it largely contributes to development of the country and provides a large number of employments as well second to the agriculture sector, observed Baleswar MP RK Jena at the inaugural programme of the Pallishree Mela-cum-Expo.
He further stated that the MSME sector provides 40 per cent of manufacturing produces and shares 45 per cent of total exports.
“While the MSME is now on a nine per cent growth rate now, the Government is making all efforts to enhance it to 15 per cent by 2019 under its new IPR policy. A target has been set to generate 3 lakh employment opportunities,” informed Jena.
Jena further informed that efforts are on to establish a bamboo cluster at Betnoti and a coir cluster at Baliapal under his constituency. Things are in progress for the proposed coir cluster, he said.
MSME Minister Jogendra Behera said the Pallishree Mela would provide a platform for the buyers and the sellers to come close. Besides local industries, MSMU units from 18 districts and nine mega industries are participating in the expo.
“This is a unique opportunity for manufacturers to exchange technical, production and marketing knowledge,” he opined.
The expo, which began on Friday, would culminate on Tuesday.
As many as 500 stalls, including some DRDO units, have been put up at the fair ground. The expo is witnessing huge visitors in evening hours, informed expo committee member Himansu Das.