Guwahati, June 25 (KNN) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Assam have called Petroleum Ministry's decision to invest Rs.80, 000 crore in the stat3 by 2030 a late but good move.

Union Minister of State (independent) Petroleum & Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said that Rs 1, 30,000 crore investments would take place in the petroleum sector out of which Rs 80,000 crore will be invested in Assam alone by 2030.

Talking to KNN, the President of Federation of Industry & Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER), R S Joshi, said that existing refineries' capacities are very less as compared to today’s economy. It makes sense to increase their capacity and the products can be consumed internally and for exports too. So it is a late but good move.

“We are very strategically placed. Our neighbouring countries have good scope of petroleum products," he said.

“The Ministry of Petroleum will help to augment the economy so far as enhancement capacity of oil refineries, laying of new pipe lines, replacement of old machineries with latest ones and setting up of new industries are concerned,” Pradhan said.

FINER President said that MSME Secretary KK Jalan is coming here soon. "We will demand him to keep separate section for North-Eastern states under the National MSME policy.

Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) Ministry should have some role under the MSME policy. There is difference between NE MSMEs and rest of the country," he demanded.

He complained that MSMEs here do not get preference under Public procurement Policy  and have credit problems also. (KNN Bureau)