New Delhi, Jul 31 (KNN)  Business to Consumer (B2C) web portal – www.msmeshopping.com was launched here today by the Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Kalraj Mishra.

The web portal dedicated to the MSME sector is a project of the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) which fosters the growth of small scale industries, through various schemes and services.

Speaking at the event, Mishra appreciated the efforts of NSIC in launching the portal, which will enable MSMEs to sell retail products as well as industrial equipment/ machinery online.

He said that marketing was an expensive aspect and MSMEs often find it very difficult to spend on advertisement, brand building, distribution, etc.  As a result, many of them depend on middlemen who take a large chunk of their profit.  The online shopping portal would go a long way to help the units market their products.

Offering his comments, CMD, NSIC, H P Kumar said the portal is developed especially for micro enterprises, women entrepreneurs, artisans etc.   MSMEs can register online at a very nominal cost of Rs 5000 per annum.

Kumar was optimistic about covering the MSMEs of rural area, saying that an internet connection was all that was required to help the units register online.

He assured all possible support from NSIC towards developing the online web-store, allowing separate space for showcasing products.

Offered on the online store are a variety of consumer products such as electronics, home, décor and food products; fashion and apparel; health and beauty, machinery, industrial supplies, stationary and books.

Some of the brands represented on the portal are Anil Foundary Works, Camel Knitting Textiles, Jain Shawls, Chandra Engineers, Mala Flour Mills, Vasu Healthcare, Mac Clinic Media Solutions Pvt Ltd, Keltron Computers, etc.  (KNN/ES)