Dimapur, 27 Nov (KNN) Business Association of Nagas (BAN) held a session with joint secretary of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) Mercy Epao, as a special guest and other representatives from various government institutions including the bankers.

During the interactive session a special representation was submitted by BAN and sought the intervention of the ministry in the functioning of MSME Nagaland under the post of director, with all the vacant posts (Ministerial & Technical) to be filled, as per a news by Nagaland Post.

BAN also urged the ministry for setting up of state-of-the-art mineral and food testing lab for MSME, extension Centre of Nagaland Tool Room and Training Centre (NTTC) in every district for impartation of Skill Development based on One District One Product (ODOP model), and immediate establishment of NSIC office in Nagaland for the benefit of all MSME entrepreneurs for implementation of various schemes available.

Addressing the gathering, Mercy Epao was optimistic that BAN, as the apex business body representing all sections of Naga Entrepreneurs, could act as an effective influencer and contribute towards creating a positive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

With Centre’s focus on MSMEs to help make India a 5 trillion-dollar economy, Mercy said MSME sector has created about 11 crore employment in both manufacturing and service sector combined.

She urged all stakeholders in the state to play an important role and contribute to each other’s growth, while also stressing that a corroborated 5 year roadmap for review at regular interval was vital.

Mercy also said that creating wealth from waste and flower trade was potential sector where Nagaland could initiate with proper planning.

Also addressing the meeting, asst. general manager SBI Abhinash Hembrom stated that SBI was working closely with BAN for the past few months and was hopeful to see visible changes through the joint effort in the coming months.

Others who spoke on the occasion include-- NIDC deputy general manager Temjenyanger Jamir, Jianthai Lung Kamei of NeDFI, GM NABARD Tiakala Ao and state director KVIC I. Athuba Lusang.