IMPHAL, Oct 10 - A one-day conclave of local craft entrepreneurs, traditional craftsmen and MSMEs on �Promoting entrepreneurship and harnessing untapped potential of geographical indications of Manipur� was held here today.
Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla inaugurated the conclave, which was organised by the Mission for Economic Empowerment of Traditional Artisans and Craftsmen (MEETAC), in association with the Progress Harmony Development (PHD) Chamber of Commerce and Industries to deliberate on Startup India, Standup India, Government E-Marketplace and Geographical Indications.
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industries president Dr DK Agarwal, its secretary general Dr Mahesh Y Reddy, MEETAC CEO Anurag Bajpai, former Chairman and Managing Director of NSIC Dr HP Kumar, deputy CEO (Government E-Marketplace) Sanjay Joseph and other officials attended the conclave.
In her address, Governor Dr Heptulla said the Manipur government initiated the MEETAC in 2018 with an aim to revive the fortunes of artisans by developing entrepreneurial competencies in them.
The mission concentrates on product development to capture the needs of the younger generation and larger and high-end markets with a special focus on exports.
New articles, collections and clothing lines through product diversification, in collaboration with noted institutions like the National Institute of Design, the Central India Regional Council, the Indian Institute of Packaging, etc., will be introduced through the MEETAC.
Expressing happiness over the cooperation between the MEETAC and the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industries, which is the national apex chamber working at the grassroot level to promote entrepreneurship in the State, the Governor felt that such an initiative would make a long-lasting impact on the economy of the State.
In his speech, Manipur Textiles, Commerce and Industries Minister Th Biswajit pointed out that providing government e-marketplace has been another significant step of the Government. Informing that many worksheds were developed during the term of the present Government in the State, the minister stated that the handicrafts sector has got ample opportunities to show its strength.
Three technical sessions on support under Startup India and Standup India, boarding of traditional craftsmen on government e-marketplace, and Geographical Indications registration of crafts and quality control were also held on the occasion.
