New Delhi, June 18 (IANS) The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises will host the first BRICS MSME forum and the third SME working group meeting on Friday (June 19) at Uttar Pradesh’s Agra under the overarching theme of “building for resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability”, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.

The MSME forum will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and other key stakeholders from BRICS member and BRICS partner countries, including Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and India, to deliberate on strengthening global MSME ecosystems, fostering sustainability and enhancing international cooperation, the statement said.

India’s MSME sector, comprising over 8.6 crore enterprises, has emerged as a cornerstone of the country’s economic growth and development. The sector contributes more than 31.1 per cent to the national GDP, accounts for 35.4 per cent of the manufacturing output, and contributes over 48.58 per cent of India’s exports, while generating large-scale employment opportunities for millions of people across the country.

“From traditional artisans and rural enterprises to advanced manufacturing units and technology-driven businesses, India’s MSME sector represents the true diversity and strength of the country’s economy,” the statement said.

The day-long programme will commence with the inauguration of an exhibition, showcasing MSME excellence, followed by the third SME working group meeting of BRICS members on the theme “Building MSME Ecosystem – Sustainable Roots to Global Routes”.

Alongside, private sector stakeholders (Industry Associations) of BRICS members will deliberate on “Access to Finance for MSME”, “Technology access for MSME”, and “Growth of sustainability-oriented MSME”.

The Forum will witness participation of senior government officials and delegates from BRICS nations, sharing best practices, policy experiences and successful case studies to foster resilient and future-ready MSME ecosystems.

The BRICS SME Forum is expected to strengthen cooperation among BRICS nations while fostering a collaborative environment to support the growth and global competitiveness of MSMEs. It will also provide an opportunity for participating countries to exchange knowledge, identify emerging opportunities and build partnerships which will contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic development.

The event reflects the collective commitment of BRICS nations to empowering MSMEs and positioning them as key drivers of economic resilience, innovation and sustainable growth in an increasingly interconnected global economy, the statement added.

–IANS

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