On the occasion of International MSME Day, the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) have solidified their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark agreement aims to enhance last-mile advocacy, outreach, mobilization, and capacity-building of last-mile MSMEs in public procurement.
Recognizing the crucial role of MSMEs in the Indian economy, the Ministry of MSME has been actively working towards creating an enabling ecosystem for their growth and development. By collaborating with GeM, a one-stop online marketplace for government procurement, the ministry aims to address the unique challenges faced by MSMEs during the public procurement process.
The MoU was signed during a ceremony held in New Delhi, where key officials from the Ministry of MSME and GeM came together to mark this significant milestone. The event was attended by industry experts, representatives from MSMEs, and various stakeholders invested in the growth of the MSME sector.
Under this partnership, the Ministry of MSME and GeM will focus on several key areas to uplift last-mile MSMEs. These areas include:
- Last-Mile Advocacy: The collaboration aims to amplify the voices of last-mile MSMEs and advocate for their interests in public procurement policies and procedures. By understanding their unique needs and challenges, the ministry and GeM will work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment.
- Outreach Initiatives: The MoU seeks to enhance outreach efforts to connect with last-mile MSMEs across the country. Through workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns, MSMEs will be informed about the benefits of participating in public procurement and guided on the necessary processes to effectively navigate the GeM platform.
- Mobilization of MSMEs: The partnership will facilitate the mobilization of last-mile MSMEs, encouraging their active participation in government procurement opportunities. By leveraging GeM’s extensive network and digital platform, MSMEs will gain greater visibility and access to potential buyers, thereby expanding their market reach.
- Capacity-Building Programs: Recognizing the importance of skill development and capacity-building, the Ministry of MSME and GeM will jointly organize training programs, workshops, and skill enhancement initiatives. These efforts will equip MSMEs with the necessary knowledge and expertise to compete effectively in the public procurement landscape.
The collaboration between the Ministry of MSME and GeM holds significant promise for the growth and empowerment of last-mile MSMEs in India. By leveraging technology, fostering partnerships, and implementing targeted initiatives, this partnership aims to create a level playing field and open up new avenues for MSMEs in public procurement.
The MoU signing on International MSME Day underscores the commitment of the Indian government towards promoting the MSME sector and harnessing its potential as a catalyst for economic growth and employment generation.
As the collaboration between the Ministry of MSME and GeM gains momentum, it is anticipated that more MSMEs will be able to leverage the benefits of public procurement, leading to their overall advancement and contributing to India’s socio-economic development.
