MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Inaugurates Build Bharat Expo 2025, Emphasizes MSMEs as the Backbone of India’s Economy

New Delhi : Build Bharat Expo 2025, India’s premier industrial exhibition, began today with a grand inaugural ceremony at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Organized by the Indian Industries Association (IIA), the three-day event aims to boost MSME growth by fostering networking, trade collaborations, and policy discussions.

Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi inaugurated the expo as the chief guest, reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering small businesses. The opening ceremony saw the presence of ambassadors and trade commissioners from 20 countries, along with senior government officials, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs. More than 151 companies have set up stalls, while trade delegations from 34 countries, including Austria, Malaysia, Russia, Iran, Canada, and Iceland, are participating.

MSMEs Must Drive India’s Economic Growth, Said Manjhi

In his keynote address, Manjhi emphasized the critical role of MSMEs in driving employment, innovation, and rural development. He stressed that India's economic progress depends on strengthening small enterprises, calling them the backbone of the economy.

"Large industries alone cannot make India a global economic powerhouse. Real, sustained growth will come when MSMEs thrive, create jobs, and expand globally," said Manjhi. He highlighted the government’s initiatives, including the Prime Minister Vishwakarma Yojana, which provides financial assistance and skill training to traditional artisans and small businesses. He also urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the Udyam and Udyam Assist Portals, designed to simplify business registration and policy support.

Responding to the proposal put forth by the IIA National President, the Hon’ble Minister stated that he supports the conversion of leasehold industrial land into freehold and will take the necessary steps in this direction.

He further announced that a National MSME Policy will soon be introduced, incorporating suggestions from the IIA. Additionally, he confirmed that the National MSME Board will be fully constituted shortly, with prominent organizations like the IIA being included as key members.

Neeraj Singhal, National President of IIA, welcomed industry leaders and policymakers, outlining key policy recommendations to strengthen MSMEs. He called for increasing MSME procurement quotas in public sector purchases from 25% to 40%, implementing a uniform freehold land policy for industrial leases, and reconstituting the National MSME Board with IIA representation to ensure fair advocacy for North Indian MSMEs.

"We cannot talk about an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' without making MSMEs stronger. The government must provide long-term security through land reforms, higher procurement quotas, and a structured accreditation system to support genuine industry players," said Singhal. He also highlighted the potential of global trade, citing a previous exhibitor who secured an ₹18 crore order through such opportunities.

Speaking as the guest of honor at the inauguration ceremony, Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Minister Shri Kapil Dev Aggarwal emphasized the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to industrial development. He highlighted that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, industries in India faced minimal shutdowns, and the government provided financial and other support to mitigate losses.

Aggarwal stated that MSMEs and skill development are complementary, which is why the Uttar Pradesh government is modernizing ITIs to align with industry needs.

"In our country, there are only two kinds of people—those who need assistance and those who provide it. Entrepreneurs belong to the latter group, and it is through their contributions that the nation progresses," he said.

The inauguration was also attended by Saharanpur MLA Shri Rajiv Gumber, along with ambassadors and representatives from several countries.

IIA Senior Vice President Shri Dinesh Goyal, in his welcome address praised the government's continued support for MSMEs, noting that recent Union Budgets have introduced commendable provisions to strengthen the sector.

During the inauguration, IIA Secretary-General Alok Agarwal extended his gratitude to Chief Guest Jitan Ram Manjhi, while National Treasurer Awadhesh Agarwal honored him with a commemorative memento.

More than 500 architects, 1,000 entrepreneurs, and thousands of business visitors explored innovations across key sectors, including green energy, food processing, electronics, construction materials, and exportable ODOP (One District One Product) items.

Dr. Mamtamayi Priyadarshini, Chairperson of the Indian Industries Association Delhi, emphasized the role of MSMEs in fostering industrial self-reliance. "India's industrial growth story cannot be complete without the empowerment of MSMEs. The Build Bharat Expo is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit driving our nation forward, and it is crucial that policymakers and industry leaders work together to provide these businesses with the right opportunities and resources," she stated.

Supported by the Ministry of MSME, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, and the MSME & Export Promotion Department of Uttar Pradesh, the expo aims to accelerate India’s transition to Industry 4.0 and strengthen MSME competitiveness on a global scale.