IGNITE-2026 Boosts Mumbai’s Export-Oriented Industries

Mumbai, Feb 2026 : With the objective of enhancing efficiency and productivity in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector—an important contributor to the state’s economic growth—a district-level workshop titled Industry and Government Networking for Inclusive Transformation and Empowerment (IGNITE-2026) was organised.

The workshop was held on February 3, 2026, at the Pu. La. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Prabhadevi, under the guidance of Development Commissioner (Industries) Dipendrasingh Kushwah and chaired by Mumbai City Additional District Collector Bappasaheb Thorat.

The event saw participation from around 180 representatives from various sectors, including Joint Director of Industries Ms. Viju Sirasat, President of World Trade Center Mumbai Vijay Kalantri, SEPC representative Vivek Bakshi, FIEO representative Ms. Rishu Mishra, IDBI Capital’s Vikram Jain, and Ms. Shamli Banerjee from SEEPZ.

Addressing the gathering, Joint Director of Industries Viju Sirasat highlighted the role of the IGNITE workshop in strengthening Mumbai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. She briefed entrepreneurs on export policies, the District as Export Hub initiative, the new industrial policy, and various initiatives of the Industries Department. Under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, Gems and Jewellery has been selected for Mumbai Suburbs, while Leather Products have been identified for Mumbai City.

It was noted that Mumbai City is a leading contributor to exports, with a target to achieve double-digit export growth next year through the implementation of a “Seven Points Agenda.” Information was shared on the proposed Leather Park and Gems and Jewellery Cluster. A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the Joint Director of Industries Office, the All India Association of Industries, and the World Trade Center Mumbai for ODOP branding and promotion. This collaboration will include awareness programmes, industry visits, research activities, and the “One Taluka, Ten Exporters” initiative.

During the workshop, Ms. Poonam Darade delivered a presentation on export policy. Vivek Bakshi from SEPC spoke on export opportunities in the services sector, while Ms. Rishu Mishra from FIEO shared insights on ODOP export trends. Leather industry entrepreneur Sachin Shinde discussed production, employment, and export opportunities. IDBI Capital’s Vikram Jain provided guidance on financial assistance, and Manisha Kumbhar explained the MAITRI portal.

While extending best wishes, Additional District Collector Bappasaheb Thorat emphasised the importance of exports and the MSME sector in Mumbai’s development and urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of government schemes. The vote of thanks was delivered by Industries Officer Vilas Kumtkar.