The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, successfully hosted the inaugural BRICS MSME Forum alongside the Third SME Working Group Meeting in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on June 19. Held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from BRICS member and partner countries to explore ways of strengthening the global MSME ecosystem.
Representatives from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Cuba, Malaysia, Uganda, and India participated in the high-level discussions. The forum served as a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and fostering cooperation among emerging economies.
The programme began with the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing the diversity, innovation, and achievements of MSMEs across multiple sectors. Delegates were introduced to a wide range of products and technologies that reflected the entrepreneurial strengths of participating countries.
The Third SME Working Group Meeting focused on the theme “Building MSME Ecosystem – Sustainable Roots to Global Routes.” During the deliberations, member nations shared their experiences and policy initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses, promoting innovation, and expanding market opportunities. Discussions highlighted the importance of creating sustainable and resilient MSME ecosystems capable of adapting to global economic challenges.
The day featured two parallel sessions. One session brought together private sector stakeholders from BRICS countries, while the other was dedicated to the SME Working Group meeting. Both discussions emphasized the need for stronger partnerships, enhanced innovation, and deeper economic cooperation to ensure long-term growth and sustainability for MSMEs.
Addressing the inaugural session, Union MSME Minister Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi underscored the vital contribution of MSMEs to economic growth, employment generation, and innovation across BRICS nations and the Global South. He stressed the importance of expanding collaboration in areas such as affordable financing, technology adoption, digital transformation, skill development, sustainability, and market access.
The minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive MSME sector under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He called on BRICS nations to work together in strengthening innovation ecosystems, integrating MSMEs into global value chains, and promoting sustainable development.
Shri Bhupendra Chaudhary, Uttar Pradesh Minister for MSME, highlighted the state’s emergence as a major centre for entrepreneurship, innovation, and traditional industries. He noted that initiatives such as the One District One Product (ODOP) programme have empowered local entrepreneurs, enhanced livelihoods, and improved global market access for regional products. He also stressed the value of knowledge sharing and technology collaboration among BRICS nations.
In his keynote address, MSME Secretary Shri Bharat Khera emphasized the need to move beyond dialogue and focus on actionable cooperation. He identified access to finance, digitalisation, sustainability, technology adoption, and integration into global supply chains as key priorities. He also highlighted India’s digital public infrastructure as a powerful tool for empowering small businesses and improving competitiveness.
Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner Dr. Rajneesh provided an overview of the progress achieved through previous BRICS SME Working Group meetings. He outlined advancements in digital transformation, innovation, sustainability, market access, and capacity-building initiatives for MSMEs.
Industry representatives also contributed to the discussions. ASSOCHAM Secretary General Shri Saurabh Sanyal presented the outcomes of the private sector stakeholder meeting, emphasizing policy collaboration, digital transformation, and stronger business partnerships. Principal Economic Adviser Ms. Yogita Swaroop highlighted the growing importance of MSMEs in building resilient economies and encouraged greater cooperation among BRICS countries to unlock new opportunities through technology and trade.
Concluding the event, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of MSME Ms. Mercy Epao expressed gratitude to all participating nations and stakeholders. She described the forum as a significant milestone in strengthening BRICS MSME partnerships and transforming policy discussions into practical initiatives. She also emphasized the crucial role of entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders in shaping a globally connected, sustainable, and future-ready MSME ecosystem.
The successful conclusion of the first BRICS MSME Forum marked a major step toward deeper economic collaboration among BRICS nations and reaffirmed the collective commitment to empowering MSMEs as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
