The adoption of emerging technologies offers significant opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to raise productivity, improve efficiency, strengthen resilience and build new capabilities, MSME Joint Secretary Mercy Epao said at the Delhi MSME Conclave. She said affordable and accessible technology solutions would be particularly important for smaller businesses.

Epao made the remarks at the conclave organised by the Northern India Regional Council (NIRC) of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI). She said the government was incorporating these priorities into the MSME Development Act, 2026, which Parliament passed last month, while also working to build stronger competencies within the sector in line with the Viksit Bharat vision.

She noted that the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 were approaching and said ICMAI was extending knowledge and professional handholding support to MSMEs. The organisation, established in 1944, is described as the world’s largest cost and management accounting body, with more than 600,000 students and 100,000 qualified professionals globally.

The conclave, themed Vocal for Local, brought together representatives from government, industry, public sector organisations, finance, taxation and professional services. NIRC Chairman Manish Kandpal said the event formed part of continuing efforts to empower MSMEs nationwide rather than being a standalone gathering.

Kandpal said MSME clinics provide free advisory services, credit matchmaking and compliance assistance, including support on finance, technology, GST and taxation. He said cost accountants could support the clinics as advisers to entrepreneurs. Anupam Lahiri, Additional Director General at NITI Aayog, called for the MSME ecosystem to move from an informal structure to a formal and scalable model, with greater resilience and the capacity to meet global goals.