Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh attended a webinar organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on the topic, ‘Empowering MSMEs – Enabling Opportunities; e-Commerce Opportunities for MSMEs and StartUps on Tuesday.
Speaking at the webinar from the Cabinet Hall of Chief Minister’s Secretariat, N. Biren Singh said that changing consumer expectation for on-demand products and services, be it food delivery, groceries, telemedicine, conferencing learning or entertainment, will continue to drive e-commerce in the post-COVID-19 scenario.
He said that e-Commerce has a domino growth effect on other sectors like digital payments, logistics and warehousing. These ancillary service providers can provide huge employment opportunities in small towns and villages. It also presents potential for locally developed technology and products to address unique local challenges, he added.
On the other hand, MSMEs and StartUps are the growth drivers of the Indian economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcements of strategic measures under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat will ensure that they continue to lead the country towards economic growth, the Chief Minister said.
“It is an opportune time for MSMEs and StartUps to capitalize on technology and enhance use of e-commerce to achieve resource optimization and efficiencies,” Biren said. The Chief Minister also said access to larger markets, through e-commerce, by MSMEs and StartUps in the North-Eastern States provides them opportunities to introduce unique products and produce of the region to the world.
Manipur StartUp scheme was launched in 2017-18. In 2019-20 StandUp Manipur was also introduced to promote first-time ventures of SC, ST, OBC, women, minority and differently abled.
N. Biren Singh informed that 909 StartUps have benefitted till date with Rs. 30 crores provided during 2017-18 and 2018-19 and another Rs. 22.5 crore during the next 2 years. NEDFI also provided Rs. 4.5 crore to 4 StartUps in Manipur under North East Venture Capital Fund, he added.
Among others, Assam Commerce and Industries Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary and CII Assam State Council Chairman Pradeep Bagla also took part in the webinar.
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