Union Minister of MSME Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said that India has made remarkable progress in the field of MSMEs.

Inaugurating the 39th India International Trade Fair (IITF) in New Delhi, Gadkari said the country has made good progress in the field of MSMEs.

He said, MSMEs contribute up to 29 per cent of India’s total exports. The sector has generated employment to over a crore people recently.

The Minister described the MSME sector as the growth engine for India’s development.

Gadkari also called upon the entrepreneurs to come forward with new and fresh ideas on improving designs, reducing costs, and harnessing businesses. He said, various States are abundant with rich minerals and raw materials.

“The need is to convert them into business and industrial opportunity”, he added.

The Minister informed the audience that the government is working on setting up new technology training centres for quality production, which is internationally acceptable.

MoS Commerce & Industry Som Parkash, in his address, underlined the importance of the theme of 39th  IITF  ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and said, MSME sector has to play an important role in accomplishing the twin targets of doubling the farmers’ income by 2022, and making India a Five Trillion Economy.

Lauding the Fair, he said, such events help in positioning the ‘Brand India’ globally.

The Minister also praised the idea of banning single use plastic in the IITF 2019.