Kerala Minister Highlights MSME's Key Role in State's Industrial Growth

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 5 (KNN) Kerala's Industries Minister, P. Rajeeve, has highlighted the crucial role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state's industrial landscape.

Speaking at the State-level rollout workshop for the World Bank-supported Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme, Minister Rajeeve emphasised the sector's ability to thrive with minimal land requirements compared to larger industrial projects.

The RAMP programme, implemented by the Union Ministry of MSME, aims to scale up MSMEs across India. Kerala plans to utilise the central government grant to fortify its MSME ecosystem further.

Minister Rajeeve noted that the state offers a favourable environment for eco-friendly MSMEs.

In preparation for the Global Investment Summit scheduled for February 2025 in Kochi, the MSME sector will be prominently featured in precursor events such as roundtable meetings and roadshows.

The minister also reported that approximately 275,000 MSMEs have been established in Kerala under the state government's entrepreneurship year programme.

S. Harikishore, Director of the Department of Industries and Commerce and Managing Director of KSIDC, expressed optimism that the RAMP project would contribute to the further development of the state's MSME sector and enhance skills across various industries.

The RAMP initiative seeks to expand the implementation capacity and coverage of MSMEs in participating states. Its objectives include fostering innovation, encouraging new business ideas, and incubating entrepreneurship.

The programme also aims to develop quality standards, improve practices and processes, enhance market access, and deploy technological tools, including Industry 4.0 concepts, to boost the competitiveness and self-reliance of MSMEs.

This comprehensive approach underscores the state government's commitment to leveraging the MSME sector as a key driver of Kerala's industrial growth and economic development.

(KNN Bureau)