The Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Mizoram, successfully organised a one-day workshop on the ‘Promotion, Development and Empowerment of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)’ at Dawrpui Multipurpose Hall, Aizawl, on 20th August 2025. The programme brought together key policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to deliberate on strategies to strengthen the MSME ecosystem in Mizoram.

The workshop was inaugurated with a welcome address by Commissioner & Secretary, Govt. of Mizoram, Dr. Lalzirmawia Chhangte, IAS, who extended a warm welcome to all officials, dignitaries, and participants. He highlighted the importance of the workshop as a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and policy facilitation. He further acknowledged the presence of the Chief Secretary, Shri Khilli Ram Meena, IAS, who chaired the inaugural session.

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Mizoram, Khilli Ram Meena, IAS, emphasised that Mizoram stands at a critical juncture in its development journey. He underlined that MSMEs are more than just businesses, especially in a state where over 50% of the population resides in rural areas. Highlighting Mizoram’s promising growth in food processing, eco-tourism, and other sectors, he noted that 44% of enterprises registered in the state fall under MSMEs.

He also outlined key challenges faced by MSMEs, such as limited infrastructure, lack of access to markets, and regulatory constraints. He stressed the importance of aligning local enterprises with global goals and reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to extend equal support to Mizoram. Notably, he highlighted the flagship ‘Handholding Scheme’, which has enabled disbursal of ₹50 crore in loans, and encouraged entrepreneurs to adopt responsible business practices to ensure inclusive growth.

S.C.L. Das, Secretary to Govt. of India, Co-Chairman of the session, in his keynote address, underscored the need for quality collaborations and reiterated that the development of Mizoram is integral to the development of India. He encouraged Mizo youth to harness their talents for self-reliance and value creation within the state and the nation.

The workshop also featured presentations from senior officials of the Ministry of MSME. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary (MoMSME), provided detailed insights into key MSME policies and flagship schemes such as National SC/ST Hub (NSSH) and Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (SCLCSS). She highlighted the sector’s significant contribution of over 31% to India’s GDP and its role in employing more than 20 crore people nationwide.

Ateesh Singh, Joint Secretary (MoMSME), addressed the issue of MSME financing in India. He stressed the need to reduce information asymmetry in accessing finance and shared that 298 credit-related grievances from the North Eastern region were recorded on the CHAMPIONS portal. He also noted that credit flow to the MSME sector grew by 11% nationwide, with Mizoram achieving 85% of its Annual Credit Plan (ACP) target as of March 2025.

The inaugural session concluded with an interactive session with the officers of the ministry of MSME and the call for stronger collaboration between state and central agencies, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs. Participants expressed optimism that the deliberations and policy directions shared would translate into tangible opportunities for the growth and empowerment of Mizoram’s MSMEs.