Chairperson of the National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India, Ms. Roli Singh, held an interactive session with entrepreneurs in Gangtok on Wednesday, focusing on strengthening entrepreneurship, improving ease of doing business, and promoting sustainable economic growth in Sikkim. The session was facilitated by the Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Sikkim.
The programme was attended by President of the SEED Cell, Dr. Raj Lama, members of the SEED Cell, and several local entrepreneurs representing enterprises such as Cozy Apparel, Mevedir (Himalaya Fresh), Agapi, Zhimmey Cloud Kitchen, D Gyals Creation, and Our Guest Travels. Senior government officials also participated in the meeting, including Secretary of the Commerce & Industries Department Ms. Karma D. Yutso, Principal Chief Architect-cum-Secretary of the Urban Development Department Ms. Yogeeta Rai, Joint Secretary UDD Mr. Girdhari L. Meena, and Special Secretary-cum-Director of the Commerce & Industries Department Ms. Choden Gyatso.
During the session, entrepreneurs presented their business models and shared their experiences of running enterprises in the state. Participants discussed challenges related to market access, infrastructure, and regulatory procedures, while also highlighting opportunities for growth in sectors such as tourism, food processing, agriculture, handicrafts, and services. Discussions also focused on the need to create a more supportive and entrepreneur-friendly ecosystem that encourages innovation and new business ventures.
Ms. Roli Singh invited suggestions from the entrepreneurs and encouraged them to explore new opportunities across emerging sectors. She highlighted tourism as a key growth area for Sikkim and pointed out that homestay-based tourism can generate employment and income for local communities while promoting local culture and traditions. She explained that such models create a multiplier effect by benefiting multiple sectors, including agriculture, handicrafts, and local services.
Emphasizing the importance of sustainable development, the NACWC Chairperson urged stakeholders to maintain harmony with nature while expanding business activities. She noted that agriculture and horticulture continue to hold strong economic potential for the state and encouraged entrepreneurs to focus on value addition, branding, and market linkages to increase profitability. She also advised entrepreneurs to make effective use of schemes and programmes provided by both the Central and State Governments to strengthen their enterprises and expand into wider markets.