Maharashtra to Launch District-Level Business Facilitation Centres to Boost MSME Global Linkages: Vikas Pansare

Mumbai, April 2026 : Emphasising the need to connect the MSME sector with global markets, Vikas Pansare, Managing Director of the Maharashtra Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (MSSIDC), said the state government is focusing on trade expansion and long-term economic collaboration through a range of policy initiatives.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the fourth ‘Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet 2026’ held in Mumbai. The event saw participation from industry leaders, international delegates, and entrepreneurs from the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector.

Pansare announced that starting May 2026, ‘Business Facilitation Centres’ will be established in every district of Maharashtra. In addition, a dedicated helpline for MSMEs will be introduced to provide expert guidance and support to entrepreneurs, helping accelerate business growth and development across the state.

Highlighting Maharashtra’s economic strength, he noted that the state remains the industrial and financial hub of India, contributing over 14 per cent to the national GDP. Aligning with the broader vision of a “Developed India” and “Developed Maharashtra,” the state has set an ambitious target of becoming a $5 trillion economy. He stressed that the MSME sector will play a critical role in achieving this goal, with coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.

Pansare further explained that MSSIDC, as the nodal agency, is effectively implementing the RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) programme to strengthen the sector. So far, more than 1.6 lakh industries across the state have benefited from the initiative. Around 1.49 lakh entrepreneurs have received training in financial literacy, Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal registration, intellectual property rights, and digital lending processes. Special initiatives are also being undertaken to support women entrepreneurs and those from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Describing the significance of the Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet, Pansare said the platform offers MSME entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their products globally, interact directly with international buyers, and build long-term export partnerships. He added that the initiative would also help businesses understand emerging global market trends and adapt accordingly.

Under Maharashtra’s export policy, the state is focusing on increasing MSME participation in key global markets, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and North America. This, he said, would further accelerate the state’s industrial growth.

Speaking at the event, Vinod Kumar, President of the India SME Forum, praised the state government’s efforts to enhance the global competitiveness of MSMEs. He stressed the importance of quality, flexibility, and strategic thinking in adapting to evolving global conditions.

Kumar noted that initiatives like the Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet create new avenues for collaboration between Indian and international industries. He also highlighted the need for businesses to diversify supply chains in response to shifting geopolitical dynamics, rather than relying on a single source.

He further emphasised the transition of MSMEs from the informal to the formal sector, improved access to credit, and empowerment-driven policies over subsidies. The MSME sector contributes nearly 50 per cent to India’s exports and provides employment to over 30 million people, making it a key pillar of the economy. He added that India’s industrial growth in the coming decade will depend on how effectively businesses integrate into global value chains.

Sushma Morthania, Director General of the India SME Forum, outlined the agenda of the two-day meet. The event also featured participation from international delegates representing countries such as Kenya, Cameroon, China, Germany, Japan, Jordan, South Africa, and Zambia, highlighting the growing global interest in India’s MSME ecosystem.