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EDII REPORTS 125

From EDII's experience and interventions, I can say,
that sustained efforts in improving cluster
competitiveness, supporting specific target group-led
MSMEs and placing emphasis on improving market
information and thus the outreach of MSMEs, could
well ensure that the sector remains at the core of
economic activities in the country. From EDII's
engagements with the MSME sector, it can also be
deduced that sustainable infrastructure, access to
finance, training, product diversification, marketing
and branding, and access to technology, remain some of
the key areas where entrepreneurs find themselves in
the need of handholding. Gujarat, as is much known,

has emerged as the backbone of the Indian economy.
The State is noticeably investing in enhancing its
abilities. Then of course, events like the Vibrant Gujarat
Global Summits become the gateway to the future, for
the State. The 2024 VGGS gave an outstanding peek into
well-meaning policies and support that have enabled
growth of MSMEs located not only in large cities, but
also in semi-urban and rural areas in Gujarat.

I would add that the country is witnessing some of the
most welcome changes with MSMEs opening up to the
digital world, adopting formal credit systems, skill

upgradation and exploring e-commerce and various
fintech platforms.

EDII has been working in the space of MSME growth
and competitiveness for almost four decades now and, in
the coming times looks forward to intensifying its work
in this domain. As the new financial year commences,
we look forward to accelerating our efforts in infusing
growth & competitiveness in the sector.

My Best Wishes to all.

- Sunil Shukla

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