ENA State 2025-08-26 15:12:58 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Chandigarh, Aug 26 (KNN)</strong> Punjabs local industry has welcomed the state governments decision to invest Rs 200 crore in strengthening research and development (R&amp;D) and testing facilities, calling it a crucial step toward enhancing the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Times of India reported.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Punjab Industry Minister Sanjeev Arora, accompanied by Surbhi Malik, Director, Industries and senior officials, announced the initiative during a visit to the Institute of Autoparts &amp; Hand Tools (IAHT) in Ludhiana, where he reviewed the institutes roadmap for growth and held discussions with industry stakeholders.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Arora said the investment would focus on modern equipment and infrastructure to accelerate product development, improve testing and certification processes, and sharpen MSMEs competitiveness. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Nearly Rs 200 crore worth of modern equipment will be deployed across Punjab to build state-of-the-art facilities, he noted.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Industrialists described the move as long overdue, given the sectors reliance on external testing facilities and its struggle to compete globally. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Upkar Singh Ahuja, board member at IAHT, said Punjabs MSMEs are dynamic and innovation-ready and can move up the value chain with world-class R&amp;D aligned to BIS norms. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He highlighted opportunities in electric vehicles, components, and power tools, sectors seeing strong global demand.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Industry associations underscored that the initiative could help transition Punjabs industries from cost-driven suppliers to innovation-driven global players. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Officials from the industries department assured that the programme would be implemented quickly and with minimal bottlenecks. </span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 43272 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/state/punjab-govt-to-invest-rs-200-cr-in-rd-testing-facilities-for-msmes-growth 2025-08-26 15:12:58 knnindia.co.in