A two-day Vendor Development Programme-cum-Exhibition and Buyer-Seller Meet for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) concluded at Ridge Park in Gangtok on September 30. The programme was organised by the MSME Development and Facilitation Office under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, in collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). It enabled local enterprises to showcase their products and explore procurement and business opportunities with potential buyers.

A total of 60 MSME units participated in the programme. Representatives from SIDBI, the MSME Development and Facilitation Office, the District Industries Centre in Gangtok, the Bureau of Indian Standards in Kolkata, NHPC and local businesses also attended the event.

The sessions focused on vendor development, institutional procurement, access to finance, quality standards and practical business experience. Rajya Sabha member from Sikkim D T Lepcha, who delivered the keynote address on the first day, emphasised the need to strengthen market linkages between Sikkim’s MSMEs and institutional buyers. He described the programme as an important platform for local entrepreneurs and encouraged closer engagement between enterprises and purchasing organisations.

Nirmal Chaudhary, assistant director at the MSME Development and Facilitation Office in Gangtok, outlined opportunities for local businesses in institutional and government procurement. Entrepreneurs were advised to focus on product quality, competitive pricing, complete documentation, suitable packaging and timely delivery to improve their prospects with buyers.

Shekhar Suman, branch manager of SIDBI’s Gangtok branch, explained the financial schemes and facilities available to MSMEs. He highlighted the importance of appropriate financing for business expansion and advised participants to maintain accurate financial records, improve business planning and approach formal financial institutions for eligible requirements.

Participating enterprises displayed their products and business activities and interacted with representatives of government agencies, financial institutions and other stakeholders. The discussions provided information on procurement procedures, finance, quality requirements and potential market linkages, helping businesses better understand the expectations of institutional buyers.