Odisha govt inks pack with QCI for implementation of ZED scheme to enhance competitiveness of MSMEs

Bhubaneswar, Dec 4 (KNN) The Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department of Odisha and Quality Council of India (QCI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for implementation of Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) certification scheme to improve quality and competitiveness of MSMEs in the state.

The memorandum was signed by LN Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of MSME, and Ravi P Singh, Secretary General of QCI, in the presence of Prafulla Samal, MSME Minister at a workshop on implementation of ZED.

Speaking on the occasion, Samal said that small and medium enterprises need a continuous effort to improve their product and processes to boost their sales, exports and revenue.

The ZED certification scheme will help them in improving quality, which in turn will enhance competitiveness of Odisha MSMEs globally, he added.

Besides, Gupta informed that the MSMEs would get an opportunity aiming to move up in the ZED maturity assessment model in terms of Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond and Platinum categories.

He further suggested that MSMEs should leverage the ZED scheme to focus on their quality of products and increase their revenue through sales domestically and through exports.

Secretary General of QCI, Dr R.P. Singh said “QCI will facilitate the mechanism of assessment, rating and will provide need based handholding support to the MSMEs of the state.”

He said Odisha has a vibrant MSME presence, which needs further encouragement.

With the active support of the industry associations and other stakeholders, the business destination of MSMEs for overall growth, employment generation and promotion of exports will be achieved, he added.