IFQM Calls For Stronger Focus On Quality To Boost MSME Competitiveness

New Delhi, Jun 26 (KNN) As India marks International MSME Day on June 27, the Indian Foundation for Quality Management (IFQM) has called for a stronger focus on quality and business excellence to enhance the global competitiveness of the country's 7.47 crore micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
 
MSMEs Need Stronger Global Competitiveness 
 
In their press release, citing the Economic Survey 2025-26, IFQM noted that MSMEs contribute 31.1 percent to India's GDP, 35.4 percent to manufacturing output and 48.58 percent to exports. 
 
However, India accounts for only 2.9 percent of global manufacturing gross value added (GVA) and 1.8 percent of global merchandise exports, highlighting the need to strengthen the sector's international competitiveness.
 
National Quality Mission Targets MSME Excellence 
 
To address this gap, IFQM has been driving a National Quality Mission since its inception in 2023 through its MSME Cluster Development Programme based on the IFQM Business Excellence Model.
 
The initiative focuses on helping MSMEs adopt Total Quality Management, Zero Defect Manufacturing and operational excellence practices through structured assessments, expert mentoring and continuous improvement programmes.
 
Industry Partnerships Expand Quality Clusters 
 
Since January 2025, IFQM has launched quality clusters in partnership with companies including ZF, Bosch, TVS Motor, Tata Steel, Lucas TVS, Padmini VNA and Sundaram Clayton, besides initiating a regional cluster in Coimbatore. 
 
According to the organisation, suppliers participating in the first ZF cluster have reported improvements in productivity, defect reduction and operational efficiency.
 
Quality Key to India's Global Manufacturing Ambitions 
 
Soumitra Bhattacharya, CEO and Director, IFQM said quality remains the critical link between India's economic growth and its global competitiveness. 
 
He noted that Indian MSMEs need to adopt globally benchmarked manufacturing practices, continuous improvement systems and stronger operational discipline to enhance their role in international supply chains.
 
IFQM Launches New MSME Capability-Building Initiatives 
 
Earlier this year, IFQM organised its first MSME Symposium at Anna University, Chennai, and launched five initiatives to strengthen MSME capabilities, including programmes on cluster development, quality excellence, leadership and zero-defect manufacturing. 
 
The initiatives aim to improve productivity, enhance quality standards and boost MSME participation in domestic and global value chains.
 
(KNN Bureau)