Chandigarh, Oct 28 (KNN) Aiming to boost the domestic capability and ensure participation in the global economy of the MSMEs in Haryana, Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday launched the first 'e-Institute' to be set up in Panipat city under the ‘Walmart Vriddhi Digital Learning Platform’ through video conferencing.

Speaking on the occasion, the union minister said that this 'e-Institute' will impart training to more than 2,000 MSMEs in the next two years.

Chief Minister, Manohar Lal has expressed his gratitude to the Union Minister and President and CEO of Walmart International, Judith McKenna for bringing Walmart Vriddhi Program to Haryana and opening their first Walmart Vriddhi 'e-Institute' at Panipat.

He said that the Panipat, Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Karnal and Ambala districts are hubs of MSMEs in the state. Around 9.7 lakh MSMEs in the state contribute significantly to the state’s income along with generating employment for more than 19 lakh people. COVID-19 pandemic has badly affected the MSMEs and their supply chain.

Chief Minister further said that every challenge renders a new opportunity likewise India has the opportunity to emerge as a preferred destination at the global level. Walmart will definitely help MSMEs to reach new markets at the domestic and international levels.

Elaborating on it further he said that the state government has taken several significant steps in support of Central Government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Campaign and to make the state's MSMEs self-reliant, with the main initiative being to set up a new Directorate for MSMEs.

The State Government will provide significant financial incentives to the State MSMEs to enhance their capabilities, upgrade technology and actively participate in global and domestic supply chain through Enterprise Promotion Policy 2.0, he added.

Chief minister said that like the growth programme of Walmart, the state government is also conducting sector specific Vendor Development Programmes to provide advice and facilities to MSMEs.

The Haryana government is in discussions with leading e-commerce companies for possible cooperation for e-linkage of MSMEs in the state.

He further added that the state government will provide support for Walmart’s initiative through its network of District Industries Centres and MSME Directorate.