BAN & Ministry of MSME host Vendor Development Program

October 7, 2023 30 Views No Comment

Dimapur, October 7 (MExN): In a bid to foster economic growth and empower local entrepreneurs, the Business Association of Nagas (BAN) in collaboration with the Ministry of MSME Development and Facilitation Office, Dimapur, organised a Vendor Development Program (VDP) at Hotel Lake Shilloi in Dimapur on October 6.

The programme saw enthusiastic participation from business owners and budding entrepreneurs eager to understand how they could directly market their products and services to Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and other Central Government Organizations, BAN press release stated.

The primary objective of the VDP was to equip local entrepreneurs with a deep understanding of the Public Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) Order, 2012. This policy mandates that each Central Government Agency earmarks 20% of their annual procurement for medium and small enterprises, with a dedicated 4% of this allocation reserved for businesses owned by SC/ST entrepreneurs, it stated.

A Selwin Samraj, Assistant Director (Mech) at MSME Development & Facilitation Office, provided valuable guidance on how entrepreneurs can seamlessly register their businesses on online procurement portals like the Government E-Marketplace (GeM).

Representatives from several CPSUs and Central Government Organizations shared their experiences with Public Procurement Policy compliance.

They discussed the challenges faced in meeting the targeted procurement from SC/ST entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of local entrepreneurs registering on the portal. These organizations also revealed their procurement requirements for the upcoming year and encouraged local entrepreneurs to rise to the occasion.

The VDP served as a vibrant platform for entrepreneurs to interact with buyer organizations. Several businesses set up stalls to exhibit their diverse range of products and services, showcasing the strength and potential of Nagaland’s entrepreneurial community, BAN stated.

Taliwati Longchar, IEDS, Joint Director & HOO, MSME Development & Facilitation Office, called on Naga entrepreneurs to become more aware of the Public Procurement Policy and seize the facilities and benefits it offers.

The programme witnessed the presence of esteemed government agencies, including Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, Food Corporation of India, National Institute of Technology, Nagaland, three battalions of Central Reserve Police Force, Airports Authority of India, CGST Commissionerate and Indian Council of Agricultural Research.