Aditya Pran Mahanta | Page 3

Representing nearly 30 per cent of India's GDP and employing over 110 million people, the MSME sector is a cornerstone of the Indian economy. As India aspires to become a $5 trillion economy, empowering its MSME sector will be critical in realizing this ambitious vision.

With the convergence of AI, cloud ecosystems, enhanced connectivity, and ethical data practices, 2025 represents a pivotal year for MSMEs in the digital sector. To remain competitive, MSMEs must embrace these technologies while fostering innovation and strategically aligning their operations with emerging trends.

Reports highlight the severity of cybersecurity risks, citing over 400 million malware incidents in 2023 alone. As MSMEs expand, lightweight defenses become insufficient. Advanced persistent threats (APTs) and sophisticated ransomware attacks demand medium-weight and eventually state-of-the-art measures.

Innovation has become a non-negotiable for MSMEs, especially as they face competition from both domestic giants and global players. India is today the world's fastest growing major economy, and one of the largest drivers of the country's economic progress have been MSMEs, particularly considering their outsized influence on exports and employment generation.

To truly empower MSMEs, stakeholders must move beyond rhetoric to action. Policymakers should focus on crafting regulations that ensure fair competition and prevent monopolistic behaviors.

Patel Engineering reported a turnover of INR 4,400 crore in the last fiscal year, with a projected 10 per cent growth for the current year.

With a focus on innovation, clean energy, infrastructure, and rural empowerment, Nitin Gadkari's vision aligns with India's aspirations to become a global economic powerhouse.

The insights shared by Rastogi and Somareddy reflect Amazon's unwavering commitment to leveraging AI and ML to revolutionize e-commerce. By focusing on customer convenience, empowering small sellers, and addressing broader challenges like food wastage, Amazon demonstrates how technology can be a force for good.

The dominance of tech giants presents both opportunities and challenges for MSMEs. While these platforms provide essential tools and global reach, their control over key digital infrastructures often creates significant barriers for smaller businesses.

While all segments contribute to its success, flexible packaging stands out as the highest revenue generator, accounting for 60-63 per cent of the company's total revenue.

The conversation delved into the company's dynamic growth trajectory, innovative approaches, ambitious plans, and how it addresses the needs of underserved MSMEs

Gadkari proposed agro-processing industries and biofuel projects to create employment and increase per capita income in rural areas

This financial pressure restricts MSMEs from adopting advanced technologies or scaling their operations, ultimately affecting their market position and competitiveness. In response to this pressing challenge, MSMEs can explore several strategies to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs.

While steps like GST and digital tax systems have eased some burdens, MSMEs still face significant challenges in navigating India's tax regime. Simplified processes, targeted tax relief, and technological empowerment are key to unlocking their potential.

The Indian cloud services market, valued at USD 8.3 billion in 2023 and projected to grow to USD 24.2 billion by 2028, is currently dominated by international providers. With this initiative, the RBI seeks to boost domestic players and enhance India's digital sovereignty.

Entrepreneurship is a force that drives economic growth, spurs innovation, and inspires social transformation.

The INR 100 crore credit guarantee scheme is expected to serve as a vital catalyst for MSME growth and resilience by enabling businesses to secure financing without traditional barriers. Industry experts agree that this program has the potential to unlock new avenues of opportunity for MSMEs, encouraging entrepreneurship, fostering local manufacturing, and contributing to the nation's export ecosystem.

Donald Trump's re-election may significantly impact India's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). His stance on trade, energy, and reducing reliance on China presents opportunities and challenges.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) recently approved $215.6 million to bolster climate action within India's MSME sector.

India's festive shopping culture is not only alive but thriving in this new digital age, blending tradition with modern consumer preferences and setting new benchmarks for what's possible in the e-commerce landscape.

From the beauty sector's tailored offerings to home decor essentials and tech accessories, the season highlights the adaptability and innovation of brands meeting consumer demand.

Rashi Peripherals, achieved INR 11,000 crore in revenue for FY24 and continues to target double-digit growth. With a vast network and diversified portfolio, the company is expanding into AI, visual products, and semiconductors to drive future growth.

The company clocked in around INR 3,000 crore last year, and expects to close between INR 3,200 to INR 3,300 crore this year.

In every great career, there are moments that define a leader's tenure. For Kousgi, one of the most daring moves was shifting the company's focus from the super-prime market to affordable housing.

Amazon's "Great Indian Festival 2022" saw record participation from MSMEs, with 4.75 lakh sellers joining the B2B sales, and 70 per cent of the 35,000 B2C sellers hailing from Tier-II and III cities

Ratan Tata once famously said, "I don't believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right."

The Entrepreneur India Summit 2024 provided deep insights into how India's business ecosystem is evolving.

The convene also reinforced that innovation isn't just about technology. It's about improving processes, predicting future demands and making smarter decisions with the tools already available.

The Entrepreneur India Summit 2024's session on Gen Next leaders wasn't just a discussion about business; it was a testament to how tradition and transformation can coexist, making this new generation a force to be reckoned with

The festive season sales have reflected an extraordinary rise in consumer spending, with early estimates suggesting that sales from September 26th to 28th alone crossed INR 26,500 crore