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President Message
The World MSME Day was designated by UN in 2017. Is it yet another customary event without much substance which people forget once the day is passed? In spite of all the limitations of such designated days, the segment does attract attention of not just policy makers but the general public also that ‘MSMEs’ are important. We have witnessed that how during the Covid pandemic, MSMEs as a segment was especially targeted for support and revival of economies. Around the world, public at large welcomed these moves. In India, the day was celebrated with a lot of fanfare at Center as well as in the States. President Murmu launched a unique Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanism to expedite the delayed payment issues faced by MSMEs. There are Facilitation Councils formed under the MSMED Act in each State where affected MSME can file a case against delays in payments. The new mechanism connects all FCs and enables almost the entire process to be completed online. Its AI component prepares the likely Order based on facts placed before the Council and if both parties accede, the Order can be formalized. Keeping in view that access to justice is inordinately delayed in the current dispensation, the ODR mechanism brings hope for MSMEs.
Under the aegis of the Ministry of MSME, FISME-IPFC organized an IPR Awareness Session in collaboration with the Apex Chamber of Commerce and Patparganj F.I.E. Entrepreneurs Association (PFEA) on 20th June 2025 in New Delhi. The program aimed to educate MSMEs on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), their types, commercialization benefits, and available reimbursement schemes. Experts, including Ms. Saniya Scott, Senior Associate CEP Legit and Dr. Chitra Arvind, Founder and Equity Partner of ACCURES IP CARE conducted sessions on trademarks, patents, and GI. An interactive Q&A allowed MSMEs to address specific concerns. The session concluded with a call to action for MSMEs to adopt IPRs as a strategic tool for growth, innovation, and competitiveness.
FISME Secretary General, Mr. Anil Bhardwaj, participated in the Commonwealth Business Summit 2025 in Windhoek, Namibia. The summit was held alongside the Commonwealth Trade Ministers’ Meeting from 18 to 20 June 2025. In his address on “Commonwealth Trade: Staying the Course to $2 Trillion,” he stressed the need to leverage the Commonwealth’s shared legal, linguistic, educational, and administrative systems to benefit MSMEs. He called for tariff and non-tariff concessions, smoother movement of goods and professionals, and greater knowledge sharing to strengthen regulatory and institutional frameworks that support MSME-driven intra-Commonwealth trade growth. The summit served as a vital platform for dialogue on trade, policy, and MSME development.
Entrepreneurs are often recognized as the backbone of the economy — and for good reason. They drive innovation, create jobs, and inject vitality into industries, fueling economic growth and shaping the future. From small local startups to global disruptors, entrepreneurs identify problems, deliver solutions, and push boundaries, building the businesses that keep economies dynamic and evolving.
President Droupadi Murmu has said that a strong Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSME ecosystem is essential for the sustainable economic development of the country, as it is a strong pillar of the country’s economy. Addressing the International MSME Day function in New Delhi today, the President said the MSME sector is playing an important role in the progress of the country. She highlighted that the sector is contributing about 30 per cent to the country’s GDP, 36 per cent to the manufacturing sector and 45 per cent to exports.
India’s automobile sector continues to drive the country’s economic progress, emerging as a key pillar of manufacturing and exports. According to industry data for the financial year 2024–25, the auto sector now contributes around 7.1 per cent to India’s GDP and an impressive 49 per cent to the manufacturing GDP. The sector has also become a major source of employment, supporting over 3.7 crore jobs across the country. Additionally, it accounts for nearly 8 per cent of India’s total exports, highlighting its growing global presence.
India's foreign trade authority has introduced new regulations to close loopholes in precious metals imports and align customs duties with import policies. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued Notification No. 08/2025 on Monday, updating the country's Import Policy Schedule under the ITC (HS) 2022 classification system. The notification addresses significant gaps that allowed importers to circumvent higher duties on precious metals. According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), these changes will prevent the misuse of preferential trade arrangements, particularly under the India-UAE Free Trade Agreement.
The Central Government has imposed anti-dumping duties ranging from 27 percent to 63 percent on plastic processing machinery imported from China and Taiwan. The move is intended to shield India’s domestic manufacturing sector from the adverse effects of unfair trade practices. The decision, formalised through a Department of Revenue notification on June 26, follows a comprehensive investigation by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR).
On the occasion of MSME Day 2025, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has unveiled a vital new initiative to boost financial literacy and ease credit access for small businesses across the country. The handbook, titled “Know Your Lender, Grow Your Business” (KYL-GYB), was officially launched today and is aimed at empowering MSMEs to navigate the formal credit system more confidently and effectively. The KYL-GYB handbook is a comprehensive and user-friendly guide that demystifies the lending process and highlights the rights and entitlements of MSMEs in the credit ecosystem.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has announced revised guidelines for the Waste-to-Energy Programme under the National Bioenergy Programme, introducing measures designed to create a more efficient and transparent framework for bio waste to energy deployment across India. The updated guidelines focus on simplifying procedures, accelerating financial assistance, and linking support mechanisms to plant performance metrics. The new framework addresses several operational challenges by reducing paperwork requirements and streamlining approval processes.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal conducted a stakeholder consultation meeting with representatives from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector to address the implementation of Quality Control Orders (QCOs). The meeting was called on the request of Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) on the problems faced by MSMEs related to Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
The central government is developing a dedicated production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme specifically for the garment industry, Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh announced during an interview with Business Standard on June 27. The proposed garment-focused scheme will operate independently from the existing PLI scheme for textiles, which received government approval in 2021 with a budgetary allocation of Rs 10,683 crore over five years. The current textile PLI scheme has already approved 80 applicants and focuses on enhancing production of man-made fibre apparel and fabrics.
In a significant ruling, the Telangana High Court’s Division Bench of Justice K. Lakshman and Justice K. Sujana struck down the Government Order, which had allotted 3.7 acres of land in Raidurg village to the International Arbitration and Mediation Centre (IAMC) free of cost. The court also cancelled the land allotment to IAMC, citing that such distribution of state resources must not be without compensation unless for a greater public cause and to a non-profit entity.
Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK has instructed district officials to expedite the establishment of industrial units across Udupi district as part of efforts to create employment opportunities for local residents.
The directive came during a series of administrative meetings held at Rajathadri, where multiple committees convened to address industrial development challenges. The meetings included sessions of the District Level Kaigarika Spandana Samithi, District Single Window Clearance Committee, Export Promotion Committee, and the District-Level Monitoring Committee for the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme.
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the formation of a new Economic Advisory Group (EAG) designed to provide independent and specialized economic counsel on various economic and policy matters.
The advisory body, constituted to help the state make informed long-term strategic decisions, will focus on evaluating governmental programs and policies while promoting economic stability, inclusive development, and fiscal discipline.
The Gujarat government on Sunday announced a new Electronics Components Manufacturing Policy, 2025, targeting Rs 35,000 crore in fresh investments to strengthen the State’s position in the national semiconductor and electronics value chain. The policy is designed to attract upstream industries critical to the semiconductor ecosystem, where four major projects are currently in various stages of development. It will focus on encouraging manufacturers of high-value components such as multi-layer and high-density interconnect (HDI) printed circuit boards (PCBs), lithium-ion cells, surface-mount device (SMD) passive components, camera and display modules,
electronic parts, and related machinery.
Global fintech platform Credlix has announced the launch of its India-Mexico Connect service, marking a significant development in bilateral trade relations between the two nations. The service enables Mexican buyers to source industrial products directly from Indian manufacturers through the extensive B2B network of Moglix, Credlix's parent company, while providing access to collateral-free trade financing.
South Australia Governor Frances Adamson AC, on her official visit to India, met with Union Minister Jitendra Singh to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration between India and Australia in space technology and innovation.
During their meeting, both dignitaries watched the special screening of the Axiom-4 mission launch. The event marked a proud moment for India, as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as Mission Pilot, joined the global crew heading to the International Space Station (ISS).
What is your expectations from a dispute resolution system?
According to the FISME Factor, 100% of MSMEs expect a dispute resolution system to deliver cost-effectiveness, speed with time-bound resolutions and legal enforceability.
The Great Displacement: How automation is reshaping India’s workforce
As India progresses towards its ambition of becoming a $10 trillion economy by 2035, a profound transformation is reshaping its labour market. Automation—once confined to manufacturing assembly lines— has evolved into an immediate reality touching nearly every sector.
Embrace innovation, think long: Top wealth-building lessons from Ratan Tata
Tata Sons’ Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata was not just known for his business acumen and philanthropy, but also for his start-up investments. Tata invested in 40 new-age Indian startups across sectors, which include eyewear brand Lenskart, baby products brand Firstcry,
The Secret to Building a Heroic Brand: Using Marketing for Positive Change
In the summer of 2018, a rather curious story made waves on social media: Domino’s Pizza was filling potholes across America, leaving a branded sticker on the freshly laid asphalt. This initiative, dubbed “Paving for Pizza,” was more than a humorous gimmick; it was a masterstroke in brand strategy.
Jute Industry Irked Over Import Restrictions On Raw Jute Through Land Ports
Industry representatives have raised significant concerns regarding the Union commerce ministry's recent ban on raw jute imports through land ports, warning of potential adverse effects on Bengal's manufacturing sector.
The restrictions, which target various jute products and woven fabrics from Bangladesh, have prompted urgent calls for policy modification from industry stakeholders.
Fabheads Secures USD 10 Mn Series A Funding For Composite Manufacturing Automation
Chennai-based composite manufacturing technology start-up Fabheads has completed a USD 10 million Series A funding round led by Accel, with participation from Trifecta Capital. The investment brings the company's total funding to USD 13 million, following previous seed and pre-seed rounds totalling USD 3 million raised in 2021.
Aten Papers & Foam made its stock market debut with shares trading at Rs 85.50 on the Bombay Stock Exchange, representing a discount of 10.94 per cent from the initial public offering price of Rs 96. The stock opened for trading at Rs 90, marking a 6.25 per cent
The National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the Quick Estimate of Index of Industrial Production and Use-Based Index for the month of May 2025 (Base 2011-12=100).
FISME regularly receives monthly reports on the economies of various countries from their missions in India. These reports provide information on key economic parameters, trade related information and all news relevant for importers and exporters. In this edition you can take a look at reports on:
Write your comments on the FISME Factor. Share your views and suggestions on MSME issues. Win prize! The best mail will get a special book every fortnight.
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The World MSME Day was designated by UN in 2017. Is it yet another customary event without much substance which people forget once the day is passed? In spite of all the limitations of such designated days, the segment does attract attention of not just policy makers but the general public also that ‘MSMEs’ are important. We have witnessed that how during the Covid pandemic, MSMEs as a segment was especially targeted for support and revival of economies. Around the world, public at large welcomed these moves. In India, the day was celebrated with a lot of fanfare at Center as well as in the States. President Murmu launched a unique Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanism to expedite the delayed payment issues faced by MSMEs. There are Facilitation Councils formed under the MSMED Act in each State where affected MSME can file a case against delays in payments. The new mechanism connects all FCs and enables almost the entire process to be completed online. Its AI component prepares the likely Order based on facts placed before the Council and if both parties accede, the Order can be formalized. Keeping in view that access to justice is inordinately delayed in the current dispensation, the ODR mechanism brings hope for MSMEs.
Under the aegis of the Ministry of MSME, FISME-IPFC organized an IPR Awareness Session in collaboration with the Apex Chamber of Commerce and Patparganj F.I.E. Entrepreneurs Association (PFEA) on 20th June 2025 in New Delhi. The program aimed to educate MSMEs on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), their types, commercialization benefits, and available reimbursement schemes. Experts, including Ms. Saniya Scott, Senior Associate CEP Legit and Dr. Chitra Arvind, Founder and Equity Partner of ACCURES IP CARE conducted sessions on trademarks, patents, and GI. An interactive Q&A allowed MSMEs to address specific concerns. The session concluded with a call to action for MSMEs to adopt IPRs as a strategic tool for growth, innovation, and competitiveness.
FISME Secretary General, Mr. Anil Bhardwaj, participated in the Commonwealth Business Summit 2025 in Windhoek, Namibia. The summit was held alongside the Commonwealth Trade Ministers’ Meeting from 18 to 20 June 2025. In his address on “Commonwealth Trade: Staying the Course to $2 Trillion,” he stressed the need to leverage the Commonwealth’s shared legal, linguistic, educational, and administrative systems to benefit MSMEs. He called for tariff and non-tariff concessions, smoother movement of goods and professionals, and greater knowledge sharing to strengthen regulatory and institutional frameworks that support MSME-driven intra-Commonwealth trade growth. The summit served as a vital platform for dialogue on trade, policy, and MSME development.
Entrepreneurs are often recognized as the backbone of the economy — and for good reason. They drive innovation, create jobs, and inject vitality into industries, fueling economic growth and shaping the future. From small local startups to global disruptors, entrepreneurs identify problems, deliver solutions, and push boundaries, building the businesses that keep economies dynamic and evolving.
India’s automobile sector continues to drive the country’s economic progress, emerging as a key pillar of manufacturing and exports. According to industry data for the financial year 2024–25, the auto sector now contributes around 7.1 per cent to India’s GDP and an impressive 49 per cent to the manufacturing GDP. The sector has also become a major source of employment, supporting over 3.7 crore jobs across the country. Additionally, it accounts for nearly 8 per cent of India’s total exports, highlighting its growing global presence.
India's foreign trade authority has introduced new regulations to close loopholes in precious metals imports and align customs duties with import policies. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued Notification No. 08/2025 on Monday, updating the country's Import Policy Schedule under the ITC (HS) 2022 classification system. The notification addresses significant gaps that allowed importers to circumvent higher duties on precious metals. According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), these changes will prevent the misuse of preferential trade arrangements, particularly under the India-UAE Free Trade Agreement.
The Central Government has imposed anti-dumping duties ranging from 27 percent to 63 percent on plastic processing machinery imported from China and Taiwan. The move is intended to shield India’s domestic manufacturing sector from the adverse effects of unfair trade practices. The decision, formalised through a Department of Revenue notification on June 26, follows a comprehensive investigation by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR).
On the occasion of MSME Day 2025, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has unveiled a vital new initiative to boost financial literacy and ease credit access for small businesses across the country. The handbook, titled “Know Your Lender, Grow Your Business” (KYL-GYB), was officially launched today and is aimed at empowering MSMEs to navigate the formal credit system more confidently and effectively. The KYL-GYB handbook is a comprehensive and user-friendly guide that demystifies the lending process and highlights the rights and entitlements of MSMEs in the credit ecosystem.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has announced revised guidelines for the Waste-to-Energy Programme under the National Bioenergy Programme, introducing measures designed to create a more efficient and transparent framework for bio waste to energy deployment across India. The updated guidelines focus on simplifying procedures, accelerating financial assistance, and linking support mechanisms to plant performance metrics. The new framework addresses several operational challenges by reducing paperwork requirements and streamlining approval processes.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal conducted a stakeholder consultation meeting with representatives from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector to address the implementation of Quality Control Orders (QCOs). The meeting was called on the request of Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) on the problems faced by MSMEs related to Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
The central government is developing a dedicated production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme specifically for the garment industry, Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh announced during an interview with Business Standard on June 27. The proposed garment-focused scheme will operate independently from the existing PLI scheme for textiles, which received government approval in 2021 with a budgetary allocation of Rs 10,683 crore over five years. The current textile PLI scheme has already approved 80 applicants and focuses on enhancing production of man-made fibre apparel and fabrics.
In a significant ruling, the Telangana High Court’s Division Bench of Justice K. Lakshman and Justice K. Sujana struck down the Government Order, which had allotted 3.7 acres of land in Raidurg village to the International Arbitration and Mediation Centre (IAMC) free of cost. The court also cancelled the land allotment to IAMC, citing that such distribution of state resources must not be without compensation unless for a greater public cause and to a non-profit entity.
Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK has instructed district officials to expedite the establishment of industrial units across Udupi district as part of efforts to create employment opportunities for local residents.
The directive came during a series of administrative meetings held at Rajathadri, where multiple committees convened to address industrial development challenges. The meetings included sessions of the District Level Kaigarika Spandana Samithi, District Single Window Clearance Committee, Export Promotion Committee, and the District-Level Monitoring Committee for the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme.
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the formation of a new Economic Advisory Group (EAG) designed to provide independent and specialized economic counsel on various economic and policy matters.
The advisory body, constituted to help the state make informed long-term strategic decisions, will focus on evaluating governmental programs and policies while promoting economic stability, inclusive development, and fiscal discipline.
The Gujarat government on Sunday announced a new Electronics Components Manufacturing Policy, 2025, targeting Rs 35,000 crore in fresh investments to strengthen the State’s position in the national semiconductor and electronics value chain. The policy is designed to attract upstream industries critical to the semiconductor ecosystem, where four major projects are currently in various stages of development. It will focus on encouraging manufacturers of high-value components such as multi-layer and high-density interconnect (HDI) printed circuit boards (PCBs), lithium-ion cells, surface-mount device (SMD) passive components, camera and display modules,
electronic parts, and related machinery.
Global fintech platform Credlix has announced the launch of its India-Mexico Connect service, marking a significant development in bilateral trade relations between the two nations. The service enables Mexican buyers to source industrial products directly from Indian manufacturers through the extensive B2B network of Moglix, Credlix's parent company, while providing access to collateral-free trade financing.
South Australia Governor Frances Adamson AC, on her official visit to India, met with Union Minister Jitendra Singh to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration between India and Australia in space technology and innovation.
During their meeting, both dignitaries watched the special screening of the Axiom-4 mission launch. The event marked a proud moment for India, as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as Mission Pilot, joined the global crew heading to the International Space Station (ISS).
According to the FISME Factor, 100% of MSMEs expect a dispute resolution system to deliver cost-effectiveness, speed with time-bound resolutions and legal enforceability.
As India progresses towards its ambition of becoming a $10 trillion economy by 2035, a profound transformation is reshaping its labour market. Automation—once confined to manufacturing assembly lines— has evolved into an immediate reality touching nearly every sector.
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Tata Sons’ Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata was not just known for his business acumen and philanthropy, but also for his start-up investments. Tata invested in 40 new-age Indian startups across sectors, which include eyewear brand Lenskart, baby products brand Firstcry,
In the summer of 2018, a rather curious story made waves on social media: Domino’s Pizza was filling potholes across America, leaving a branded sticker on the freshly laid asphalt. This initiative, dubbed “Paving for Pizza,” was more than a humorous gimmick; it was a masterstroke in brand strategy.
Industry representatives have raised significant concerns regarding the Union commerce ministry's recent ban on raw jute imports through land ports, warning of potential adverse effects on Bengal's manufacturing sector.
The restrictions, which target various jute products and woven fabrics from Bangladesh, have prompted urgent calls for policy modification from industry stakeholders.
Chennai-based composite manufacturing technology start-up Fabheads has completed a USD 10 million Series A funding round led by Accel, with participation from Trifecta Capital. The investment brings the company's total funding to USD 13 million, following previous seed and pre-seed rounds totalling USD 3 million raised in 2021.
Aten Papers & Foam made its stock market debut with shares trading at Rs 85.50 on the Bombay Stock Exchange, representing a discount of 10.94 per cent from the initial public offering price of Rs 96. The stock opened for trading at Rs 90, marking a 6.25 per cent
