PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Eastern Region hosted the ‘MSME Business Connect’ event in Kolkata March 6 , 2026 aiming to fortify ties between large enterprises and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while bolstering the resilience and global competitiveness of industrial supply chains. Over 300 MSME representatives joined interactive sessions and structured business-to-business (B2B) meetings with procurement leaders from public sector undertakings (PSUs) and major corporates.
Additional Chief Secretary Rajesh Pandey of West Bengal’s Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, praised CII’s platform as a vital extension of the state’s ‘MSME Synergy’ program. He highlighted how annual district-level interactions between PSUs and MSMEs, coupled with mandated procurement policies from state and central governments, empower large firms to expand their vendor networks. Pandey also underscored the West Bengal Micro and Small Enterprise Facilitation Council (WBMSEFC) in resolving payment disputes, the burgeoning startup ecosystem open to industry partnerships, and plans for a dedicated MSME technology platform. He urged CII to replicate such events in industrial hubs like Durgapur, Malda, and Purulia.
A major highlight was the launch of a dedicated travel portal by Balmer Lawrie and Co. Ltd., exclusively for MSMEs holding Udyam registration and GSTIN certificates. The portal offers a slew of benefits, including discounted corporate travel services, streamlined bookings, and priority support to enhance operational efficiency and cost savings.
Adhip Pal Chaudhuri, Chairman of CII Eastern Region’s PSU Subcommittee and Chairman & Managing Director of Balmer Lawrie, emphasized that global supply chains now prioritize ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, with sustainability at the forefront. He stressed the need for vendors to build capacity and align with these evolving demands through active industry partnerships.
Prithish Chowdhary, Vice Chairman of CII West Bengal State Council noted the Eastern Region’s pivotal role in India’s industrial growth. He called for MSMEs to prioritize process excellence, technology adoption, digital readiness, financial discipline, and governance to seamlessly integrate into larger supply chains.
Prof. Chandan Choudhary of Indian School of Business (ISB) led a dedicated session on the current status of MSMEs in India, underscoring their vital contribution to employment and GDP amid challenges like funding access and market volatility. He detailed the imperative for regulatory compliance, including ESG adherence, to unlock export opportunities in the global market, where buyers increasingly demand sustainable and transparent practices.
Rahul Lal of Tata Steel, pointed out that curbing Scope 3 emissions hinges on collaborative efforts across the value chain, where suppliers’ compliance directly impacts corporate sustainability goals.
Subhadip Basu, Senior Director of Bureau of Indian Standards, advocated for standardization under the principle of “Vasudevaya Ek Vanijyam” – envisioning the world as one market – to establish uniform quality benchmarks and facilitate borderless trade.
Dr. Deepanjan Majumdar of CSIR-NEERI Kolkata Zonal Centre, affirmed that product quality must align with environmental standards to foster responsible industrial practices.
Themed sessions covered quality excellence for OEM supply chains, ESG imperatives, and supportive policies for MSMEs. Discussions, facilitated to spread awareness on diversifying cash flow sources, repeatedly stressed regulatory compliance, enhanced transparency, and ESG implementation as essentials for MSMEs’ global edge. B2B interactions followed, unlocking potential collaborations and vendor development prospects.