Puducherry On Course To Build ‘Plug and Play’ Infrastructure for MSMEs

Puducherry, Oct 31 (KNN) Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan on Thursday underscored the pivotal role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India’s economic growth and employment generation, affirming the Union Territory’s commitment to fostering MSME development and boosting exports.

Speaking at a two-day Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet organised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and the Puducherry Industrial Promotion Development and Investment Corporation, the Lt. Governor said the administration is working to position Puducherry as a vibrant export hub in South India, moving beyond its traditional identity as a tourism destination, according to The Hindu.

“Investments are underway to provide plug-and-play facilities and streamline approvals through digital single-window systems”, LG added. 

He stressed that the region aspires to be recognised for quality, reliability, and innovation.

India currently has about 6.3 crore MSMEs, supporting over 11 crore livelihoods and contributing nearly 30 percent to GDP and 45 percent to the country’s exports, he noted. 

The Lt. Governor said the government is advancing initiatives in ease of doing business, infrastructure development, women entrepreneurship, and sustainability. 

Puducherry’s industrial logistics, including ongoing airport expansion, enhanced road links to Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Bengaluru, and a deep-water port in Karaikal, will support its export ambitions, he added.

Home and Industries Minister A. Namassivayam said recent reforms, particularly in ease of doing business, have strengthened investor confidence. 

The FIEO-led event, he said, reflects Puducherry’s rising prominence in the MSME ecosystem.

FIEO Southern Region Chairman P. Gopalakrishnan noted Puducherry’s growing entrepreneurial strength across sectors ranging from traditional handicrafts to processed foods, garments, and handmade paper. 

The meet provides international buyers an opportunity to assess the region’s product quality and competitiveness, he said.

(KNN Bureau)