BRICS MSME Forum 2026 Focuses On Sustainability, Competitiveness And Collaboration

Lucknow, Jun 20 (KNN) The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) organised the inaugural BRICS MSME Forum 2026 in Agra, bringing together policymakers, government representatives, industry leaders and private-sector stakeholders from BRICS member and partner countries.

BRICS MSME Forum Focuses On Global Cooperation

The Forum focused on strengthening MSME ecosystems, promoting sustainability and improving global competitiveness through greater BRICS cooperation. 

Union Minister for MSME Jitan Ram Manjhi said MSMEs face key challenges such as access to finance, technology adoption, sustainability and market expansion, and stressed the need for collective action. 

He added that MSMEs are central to inclusive growth and that BRICS collaboration can support innovation, exports and job creation. 

MSMEs Seen As Core To Inclusive Growth 

The Minister said MSMEs are central to inclusive and sustainable economic development, adding that challenges related to finance, technology, sustainability and market access require collaborative solutions. 

He noted that BRICS countries have complementary strengths that can be leveraged for mutual benefit. Reaffirming India’s commitment, he said the government will continue promoting stronger economic partnerships and knowledge-sharing among member countries to support MSME growth. 

Uttar Pradesh Highlights Industrial Ecosystem Growth 

Uttar Pradesh MSME Minister Bhupendra Chaudhary highlighted the state’s growing role as an industrial and entrepreneurial hub, noting that MSMEs are driving employment generation and grassroots development. 

He said the government is strengthening the ecosystem through infrastructure development, policy support, skill enhancement and digital empowerment, while leveraging global best practices shared through platforms such as the BRICS MSME Forum. 

Policy Coordination Key To MSME Growth 

MSME Secretary Bharat Khera said MSMEs drive innovation, entrepreneurship and regional development, and are vital for resilient and inclusive BRICS economies. 

He highlighted opportunities in technology adoption, sustainable manufacturing, digital transformation, skill development and global market access, calling for stronger international cooperation.

DPIIT Principal Economic Adviser Yogita Swaroop stressed the need for policy coordination, noting that improved ease of doing business, access to finance, innovation ecosystems and global market linkages will support the next phase of MSME-led growth.

Industry Calls For Stronger Global MSME Linkages 

A key highlight of the Forum was a presentation by ASSOCHAM Secretary General Saurabh Sanyal, who shared industry recommendations from BRICS private-sector consultations, urging deeper cooperation in technology exchange, digital trade, sustainable manufacturing, capacity building and supply chain integration. 

Representatives from BRICS countries also shared MSME best practices on entrepreneurship, productivity and global market access. The Forum concluded with a commitment to strengthen BRICS cooperation for more resilient and competitive MSME ecosystems. 

(KNN Bureau)