The United Nations (UN)’s Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day (MSME Day) is annually observed across the globe on 27th June to create awareness about the contributions of the MSME sector towards sustainable development and the global economy.
The theme of MSME Day 2021 is “MSME 2021: Key to an inclusive and sustainable recovery”.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/71/279 on 6th April 2017 and proclaimed the 27th June of every year as Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day.
ii.The International Trade Centre is the leading agency of the observance of the MSME day.
Contribution of MSME Sector:
i.The UN states that around 90% of business are generated from MSME and they provide around 70% of employment. Around 50% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is contributed by the MSME.
ii.The International Trade Center offers a wide range of courses that can help MSMEs in their growth.
iii.The MSME enterprises play a major role in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal(SDG) 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure.)
iv.The International Trade Centre’s survey on COVID-19 impact among businesses in 136 countries shows that around 62% of women-led small businesses have been affected by the crisis compared to around 50% of firms led by men.
Highlights of the event:
i.Nitin Gadkari, Minister for MSME and Minister for Road Transport and Highways, launched the integrated services of Udyam Registration Portal with Common Service Centre (CSC) Portal to increase the penetration of the benefits of various Government schemes amongst MSMEs in remote areas.
ii.Panel Discussions chaired by Secretary (MSME) and Additional Secretary & Development Commissioner (MSME), were conducted with a focus on Export promotion and making use of Free Trade Agreements (FTA) for achieving India’s goal of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy by 2025.
iii.A session on Enabling MSME E-commerce for Business Beyond Borders, which highlighted the positive impacts of e-commerce on MSME’s.
Events in India:
- As a part of the celebration of the International MSME day, the Ministry of MSME has
organised a Virtual Conference on ‘Indian MSMEs as Growth Engines to Economy' in association with India SME Forum, Electronics & Computer Software Export Promotion Council, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, the Gem & Jewelry export promotion council, Council for Leather Exports and All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association. - The virtual conference focused on the role of MSMEs in enhancing the growth towards
achieving the USD 5 Trillion Economy by 2025.
