Build Bharat Expo 2025 Kicks Off in New Delhi, Showcasing MSME Strength

By admin | March 19, 2025 | Categories: INDIA, BUSINESS

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Stresses MSMEs as India’s Economic Backbone, Backs Freehold Land Policy

India’s premier industrial exhibition, Build Bharat Expo 2025, commenced today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with an ambitious focus on boosting MSME growth and international trade partnerships. Organized by the Indian Industries Association (IIA), the three-day event features participation from over 151 companies and trade delegations from more than 34 countries.

Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who inaugurated the expo as the chief guest, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting small businesses, emphasizing their role as the backbone of India’s economy. Dignitaries, ambassadors, and industry leaders from 20+ nations attended the event, fostering discussions on investment, policy reforms, and industrial collaboration.

MSMEs Are the Key to India’s Global Economic Growth: Manjhi

Delivering the keynote address, Manjhi stressed that large industries alone cannot drive India’s economic ambitions—sustained growth requires a thriving MSME sector.

“For India to emerge as a global economic powerhouse, MSMEs must flourish. They create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen rural economies,” Manjhi stated. He highlighted government initiatives like the Prime Minister Vishwakarma Yojana, designed to provide financial aid and skill training to artisans and small businesses.

In response to industry demands, Manjhi backed the proposal to convert leasehold industrial land into freehold, ensuring greater security for MSMEs. He also announced that a National MSME Policy will soon be introduced, incorporating inputs from key industry stakeholders, and confirmed the reconstitution of the National MSME Board, with IIA playing a significant role.

IIA Urges Stronger Policy Support for MSMEs

IIA National President Neeraj Singhal welcomed policymakers and entrepreneurs, calling for:

• Raising MSME procurement quotas in public sector purchases from 25% to 40%
• Implementing a nationwide freehold land policy to facilitate industrial expansion
• Ensuring MSMEs’ representation in the National MSME Board for fair policy advocacy

“An Aatmanirbhar Bharat cannot be built without a strong MSME foundation. The government must ensure long-term security through structured land policies, higher procurement quotas, and better accreditation for genuine enterprises,” Singhal emphasized.

He cited previous expo success stories, highlighting how an exhibitor secured an ₹18 crore export order, showcasing the event’s impact on global trade.

Skill Development and MSMEs: A Complementary Growth Strategy

Guest of honor and Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Minister Kapil Dev Aggarwal reinforced the state government’s commitment to industrial growth, noting that even during the pandemic, India’s industries remained resilient. He emphasized the modernization of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to align with evolving industry needs.

“Entrepreneurs are the true nation-builders. It is through their contributions that India progresses,” Aggarwal remarked, underscoring the synergy between skill development and MSME expansion.

A Global Platform for Innovation and Trade

The event attracted over 500 architects, 1,000 entrepreneurs, and thousands of business visitors exploring innovations across diverse sectors, including green energy, electronics, food processing, construction materials, and ODOP (One District One Product) export items.

Dr. Mamtamayi Priyadarshini, Chairperson of IIA Delhi, emphasized the role of MSMEs in shaping India’s industrial future. “India’s economic growth cannot be realized without empowering small businesses. Build Bharat Expo serves as a vital platform to drive this vision forward,” she stated.

With support from the Ministry of MSME, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, and the Uttar Pradesh MSME & Export Promotion Department, the expo aims to accelerate India’s transition to Industry 4.0, positioning MSMEs at the forefront of global economic competition.