In a first, state to prepare export strategy in MSME sector

The main purpose of the move was to promote various products including that of engineering, textiles in the international arena. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has already been signed between the state government and the Export Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) few months ago in which the latter has agreed to provide financial assistance and also advisory support.

The state government is now working towards the building of infrastructure so that the products could be exported to various countries. This move will not only help to the state’s economy but will also create demands of various products in the international market.

Rajiv Sinha, Principal Secretary, MSME department said that they were working towards the building of infrastructure and it would be in place in next months. “The Exim Bank has agreed to provide us advisory support for the implementation of new project and they would also provide loans for the export of our engineering, textile products and garments. The bank will provide loans to individuals on the recommendations of the state government and thus help us in promoting our export policy,” Sinha maintained.

He also held a meeting with the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Exim Bank, Yaduvendra Mathur in which various issues were discussed in this regard. Earlier on the day Mathur had lauded the state government’s move to prepare an export strategy in the MSME sector.

Mathur said: “West Bengal is the first state to prepare an export strategy and to implement it. We are providing advisory support and also the financial assistance for the export of the various products abroad.

Senior officials of the MSME department in the state are also in touch with us. The state government has urged us to look at the cluster so that we can give advisory support to them.”

It may be mentioned here that the MSME department had taken up a series of new projects to contribute to the development of the socio-economic condition of artisans across the state by giving them a platform to showcase their handicrafts.

The state government had set up ‘Rural Craft hub Project’ at 11 different locations. Around 3,000 people were initially involved in the project and later the number rose up to 15,000 within few months.

The state government is planning to set up more such hubs in various parts of the state which will create 5 lakh jobs. The Rural Craft Hub Projects came up at the cost of Rs 10 crore in the first phase, while in the second phase many more hubs will come up in the state at an approximate cost of Rs 20 crore.

The Rural Craft Hubs were elevated to rural Craft Cultural Hubs in October 2015 to include the people who are involved in various cultural activities as well. The hubs which were already recognised by the UNESCO have become a place of tourist action as well.