Kerala Government Commits to Empower MSMEs, Says Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
Kochi, December 16th, 2024: In an era marked by a surge of new ventures in the commercial and service sectors, it is time for the manufacturing sector to achieve similar growth,” said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan while inaugurating the India International Industrial Expo 2024. The premier industrial gathering, aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration, was organized by the Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA) and Metro Mart at the KINFRA International Exhibition Center in Kakkanad, Kochi. The Chief Minister emphasized the state government’s unwavering support to make this vision a reality.
Congratulating KSSIA for its solid support in driving change within the industrial sector, P. Rajeev, Minister for Industries, Law & Coir, announced the establishment of a new convention center near the Kakkanad KINFRA International Exhibition Centre.
“This three-day mega event serves as a vibrant platform to drive industrial growth and nurture entrepreneurship. With 300 stalls featured this year, we look forward to hosting the second edition of the Industrial Expo in January 2026,” said A. Nizarudeen, State President, KSSIA
The honouring of Madhu S. Nair, Chairman and Managing Director, Cochin Shipyard Ltd was performed by Chief Minister along with the handing over of KSSF death Benefit to the beneficiaries.
The three-day expo is organized by the Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA) and Metro Mart, in association with the Kerala Government’s Department of Industries, KINFRA, KSIDC, and the Central MSME Ministry. As part of the expo the second day featured a seminar on KSIDC schemes, followed by the KSSIA General Council Meeting.
Tomorrow the event will feature a Symposium on Financial Assistance and MSME Schemes, inaugurated by K.N. Balagopal, Minister for Finance. The Valedictory Function will be inaugurated by K. Rajan, Minister for Revenue, marking the successful closure of the three-day industrial extravaganza.
The event has brought together over 300 prominent machinery manufacturers from India and abroad, providing a platform for exhibitors to showcase their cutting-edge products and services. Aspiring entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to network with machinery manufacturers, while help desks set up by various banks will offer financial assistance for new ventures and expansions.
Other dignitaries who attended the inaugural ceremony includes : V.K.C. Mammed Koya, Ex-MLA, Madhu S. Nair, CMD, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Vice Admiral Sreekumar Nair (Retd) Managing Director, KELTRON, M. Khalid, Chairman, KSSF, Nizarudeen, State President, KSSIA, K.P. Ramachandran Nair, Chairman-IIIE 2024, Joseph Paikada, General Secretary, KSSIA, P.J. Jose, A.V. Sunil Nath and A. Fasiludeen, Vice Presidents, KSSIA, M.S. Anaz, M.M. Mujeeb Rahiman, Jt. Secretaries, Siji Nair, CEO- IIIE – 2024, Damodar Avanoor, Past State President, KSSIA, S. Salim, Chief Editor, KSSIA News, B. Jayakrishnan, Treasurer, KSSIA, G.S. Prakash, IEDS, Jt. Director & HoO MSME DFO, Thrissur.
