Mandi, Himachal Pradesh | 23 June 2025 , News views post,
– A five-day MSME Exhibition-cum-Trade Fair is being held at Paddal Ground in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh from 20 to 24 June 2025, organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in association with the MSME Development Office under the Ministry of MSME’s Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS) Scheme.
The formal inauguration took place on 23 June, with Shri Harshwardhan Chauhan, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour and Employment, Government of Himachal Pradesh, as the Chief Guest. Shri Chandrashekhar Thakur, MLA from Dharampur, attended as the Special Guest.
This platform brings together micro and small enterprises (MSEs) from across India, allowing them to showcase and sell their products directly to consumers and businesses. The Ministry of MSME is reimbursing stall and contingency expenses up to ₹80,000 as per PMS scheme guidelines.
To deepen awareness among entrepreneurs, an MSME awareness program was also organised on 21 June by the MSME Development Office, Solan. The session was led by Shri Ashok Kumar Gautam, IEDS, Assistant Director Grade-I and Head of the Solan office. He engaged with local entrepreneurs, explaining government schemes and addressing their concerns.
Officials from RBI, SIDBI, NSIC-SC/ST Hub, GeM, banks, and District Industries Centre were also present and elaborated on their respective support schemes, aiming to bolster micro, small and medium businesses.
According to Shri Gautam, the event is proving to be a powerful platform for both new and established entrepreneurs to access government support and expand market reach. In FY 2024-25, three such trade fairs have already been held in Himachal, benefiting over 70 MSMEs.
Himachal Pradesh boasts over 2.23 lakh registered enterprises, and the state has also made strides in the ZED Certification Scheme, with 2102 Bronze, 24 Silver, and 17 Gold certificates awarded. One cluster has been approved under the Cluster Development Program, and projects worth ₹60+ crore have been sanctioned for the development of industrial areas in Parwanoo, Una, Khadim, and Gondpur.
Additionally, under the RAMP Scheme, the Government of India has approved ₹109 crore, of which ₹43 crore has already been disbursed to the state. The PM Vishwakarma Scheme was also highlighted through a successful state-level exhibition at the International Lavi Fair in Rampur Bushahr in November 2024, featuring 48 artisans from all 12 districts.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Anil Saunkhala, Director of PHDCCI, while Rahul Bansal, Digvijay Jani, Kuldeep Kumar, Yash, and Rohit played key roles in making the fair a success.
This trade fair not only connects entrepreneurs to markets but also brings government support closer to the grassroots.
