The government is working on launching a portal for marketing of goods made by MSMEs and khadi industry similar to the likes of Chinese e-commerce portal Alibaba and USA’s Amazon, MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari said on July 3 in the Lok Sabha.
He said the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) contribute about 29 per cent to the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and the government is taking steps to significantly increase that.
They have fixed the target to increase the share of MSME to 50 percent of GDP in the next five years, he said, adding the sector would also add 15 crore jobs.
On this target, it was heard that some opposition members voiced opinions about previous such targets which were not met.
On this, Gadkari said they can question this target, if he would not meet it.
They have achieved all targets of the road ministry, and they would achieve this as well, Gadkari said.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that if members want half an hour discussion on steps being taken by the government on the MSME sector, he would allow that.
He said countries like China have pushed their growth by strengthening the MSME sector and India is also focusing on that.
He said problems being faced by the MSMEs consists cost of credit, marketing of products, labour issues, management issues, and cost of working capital.
The ministry is collaborating with different stakeholders to resolve these issues, he said.
On cost of credit, they are talking with the ADB and the World Bank and have met with them, he said.
Alibaba and Amazon provide a big global platform for MSME players, so based on this and India has drawn inspiration ti launch a marketing website for MSMEs and khadi industry, he said.
Using an example, he said through this portal a bee keeper can sell his/her product to any part of the world.
